Assalamu’alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh
Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim
1. Introduction
In the world of quantum physics, there is a fascinating phenomenon called Wave-Particle Duality. Something can appear as solid matter, yet on the other hand behave as an invisible energy wave. Scientifically, viewing the universe as “Absolute Matter” (merely dead objects) is a mistake, because within every atom there are extraordinary energy vibrations. Yet regarding it as “Pure Illusion” (as if it doesn’t exist at all) is also incorrect, because we interact with it in real, tangible ways. Scientific moderation invites us to understand that nature is a Manifestation of Energy governed by precise laws. This universe is real for us to inhabit, yet it is “ephemeral” because its existence depends entirely on the primary energy source—namely, the Creator
Evidence from the Qur’an and Hadith
Allah SWT affirms that this universe was created with truth (Al-Haq), not as a game or a mere empty shadow:
مَا خَلَقْنَا السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا إِلَّا بِالْحَقِّ وَأَجَلٍ مُسَمًّى
"We did not create the heavens and the earth and what is between them except in truth and for a specified term." (QS. Al-Ahqaf : 3)
إِنَّ اللَّهَ تَعَالَى يُحِبُّ إِذَا عَمِلَ أَحَدُكُمْ عَمَلاً أَنْ يُتْقِنَهُ
"Indeed, Allah loves that when any of you does a job (in this world), he does it with excellence/professionalism." (HR. Thabrani)
2. Lessons and Messages
Do not become a material worshiper who treats the world as everything, to the point of justifying any means. Yet do not become apathetic and call this world merely an illusion, so that you neglect environmental stewardship and refuse to work hard. The middle path is this: make nature a Laboratory of Faith. Respect nature as a trust, use its matter for worship, but do not let your heart become permanently fixated on it.Recall the story of a great Sufi walking in the middle of the desert. He saw a dog so thirsty it was licking damp soil. He did not dismiss the dog or the water as an “illusion” unworthy of concern, nor did he deify matter. With compassion, he descended into a well, removed his shoe to draw water, and gave the dog a drink. He treated “matter” (water and the dog) as utterly real in order to attain the pleasure of the All-Unseen. Because of that real action upon material nature, Allah forgave his sins.Viewing nature with moderation is like looking into a Mirror. If you think the mirror is “Everything” (Absolute Matter), you will busy yourself cleaning only the glass, unaware of who is standing before it. But if you think the mirror “Does Not Exist” (Pure Illusion), you will not be able to groom yourself or improve. The mirror (the universe) truly exists, but its function is only to reflect the existence and grandeur of “its Creator.”There was a young man who went too deep into the philosophy of “The world is an illusion.” One day he refused to run when chased by a fierce dog. His friend shouted, “Run, bro! You’ll get bitten!” He replied calmly, “The dog is an illusion; pain is just a concept of the mind.” The moment he was bitten, he screamed the loudest. His teacher laughed and said, “Wait, you said it was an illusion? Then why is your scream so real? Turns out your illusion theory vanished the second it met a dog’s material teeth!” The lesson: Practice religion with your feet on the ground; don’t “float” so high you forget your feet are still stepping on real earth.
3. Conclusion
Dear brothers and sisters, moderation in viewing nature makes us productive yet still spiritual. We build a magnificent material civilization, yet our hearts remain focused on the Everlasting One. This universe is a bridge; do not destroy the bridge (because it is real), but do not build a permanent house on it either."O Allah, show us that the truth is truth and grant us the strength to follow it, and show us that falsehood is falsehood and grant us the strength to avoid it."
والله أعلم بالصواب
الحمد لله رب العالمين
Wassalamu’alaikum Warahmaullahi Wabarakatuh.
ِAbu Sultan Al-Qadrie