In Surah al-Hajj (22:46), Allah, Al-Alim (The All-Knowing), asks if we have not travelled in the land and if we don’t have hearts by which to reason and ears by which to hear. The places on Earth and the various time periods of history teach us many lessons and Allah, Glory to Him, has instructed us to learn from places and history by travelling in the world. For example, our Creator tells us in the Holy Qur’an about various unjust and cruel people, tyrants and oppressors, who were punished and destroyed along with their cities and dwellings by Allah’s Power. Even just looking at the silent ruined castles and destroyed palaces gives us thousands of points to reflect on. We can come to understand the history of these nations, their shameful behaviours and their consequences on the people and finally their chastisement and downfall.

But worse than the blindness of the eyes and deafness of the ears is the blindness of the hearts which do not gain insight through advice and admonition. When people are obstinate and hostile toward the Truth, they will be transformed and unable to recognize the Truth with their hearts, intellect, eyes and ears. That is why Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, said: “The worst blindness is the blindness of the heart” and “The utmost blindness of the blindness is the blindness of the heart.” He also said, “When Allah intends to do a favour to a servant, He causes the eye of their heart to open by which they can see whatever was concealed to them.”

Thus, qalb (heart) is synonymous with wisdom, the symbol of our affections and spirituality. It is through our eyes, ears and heart that we perceive, comprehend and analyze, although it is possible to do so while being literally blind and/or deaf, by listening to or reading the advice of Divine Prophets and those walking upon the True Straight Path.

Colours

Writing in Forest Green; Design in Light Tangerine, Red, Very Light Baby Blue, Baby Blue, Very Dark Baby Blue, Light Wedgewood, Very Light Pearl Grey, Light Green and Forest Green; Border in Topaz

Size

4” X 15.5”