8. Reflection on the Blessing of Vision
This verse highlights the divine gift of eyesight and the distinct spiritual and practical roles it plays in human life, setting humans apart from animals. It also encourages reflection on the deeper meanings of vision, both outer and inner, and their significance in understanding the universe and spiritual truths.
Key Insights:
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Unique Utility of Human Eyesight:
- While animals also have eyes, the utility of human vision surpasses theirs in scope and depth.
- Humans use their eyes for acts of worship and spirituality, such as:
- Shedding tears of repentance for sins.
- Beholding the Ka'bah to attain the status of a pilgrim (Hajee).
- Becoming a Companion by seeing the Holy Prophet (صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ).
- The human gaze is unique in its ability to distinguish relationships and roles — e.g., viewing a mother, daughter, wife, friend, or enemy with different intentions and emotions.
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The Power and Mystery of Vision:
- The eyes encompass the vastness of the heavens, earth, and oceans within them. This demonstrates their capacity to perceive the wonders of creation.
- Vision operates through a mysterious light unaffected by fire or ice, capable of passing through glass and instantly covering immense distances.
- The eye's capabilities allow humans to reflect upon profound matters such as:
- The miraculous journey of Me’raaj (Ascension of the Holy Prophet).
- The omnipresence and omniscience of the Holy Prophet (صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ).
- The miracles of Allah’s saints, who can traverse vast distances in the blink of an eye.
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Outer Vision vs. Inner Vision:
- Outer Vision: Represents the physical eye, which sees the material world and comprehends physical realities.
- Inner Vision: Refers to the eyes of the heart and mind, which enable the perception of spiritual truths and the unseen world.
- Through the physical eye, one can read the words of the Qur’an, but the inner eye deciphers its mystical meanings.
- The outer vision allows one to see the human form of the Holy Prophet, while the inner vision reveals his radiant light.
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Strengthening Inner Vision:
- Just as the physical eye gains strength through worldly aids like collyrium, the inner vision is strengthened by association with the sacred dust of Allah’s beloveds.
- When the light of the physical eye harmonizes with the inner eye, it opens up the ability to witness incredible spiritual wonders.
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The Role of Intellect in Vision:
- Intellect, when aligned with Allah’s commands, is a divine blessing. But when it strays into independence, it becomes a tool of evil and misguidance.
- The combination of inner and outer vision under Allah’s guidance leads to spiritual enlightenment, while their separation may result in infidelity or atheism.
Divine Wisdom in Creation of Eyes:
- The verse "Have We not made his two eyes?" prompts reflection on the profound wisdom and grace in the creation of human eyes.
- The outer eyes allow humans to engage with the physical world and its responsibilities, while the inner eyes enable them to connect with divine truths and spiritual realities.
- This dual capability underscores the unique role of humans as Allah’s representatives on earth.
In essence, vision—both outer and inner—is not just a means of survival but a gateway to understanding the profound mysteries of creation and the spiritual path leading to Allah Almighty.
Ibn-Kathir
The tafsir of Surah Balad verse 8 by Ibn Kathir is unavailable here.
Please refer to Surah Balad ayat 1 which provides the complete commentary from verse 1 through 10.
Ala-Maududi
(90:8) Did We not grant him two eyes,
There is no commentary by Abul Maududi available for this verse.
(8) Have We not made for him two eyes?
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