When I use the expression “Ultimately” in relation to God Almighty, every time I use it, here is what I mean by it – and I mean it in all its micro and macro connotations; and in all its conceivable dimensions.
So here is what I mean:
(a) In the beginning.
For, God is the beginning of all things.
Huwal Awwal!
(b) In the end.
For, God is the end of all things.
Wal Aakhir!
(c) And in the middle – and at all other stages of that thing, whatever it is that I am referring to.
(d) And with regard to everything that meets the eye.
For, that is who God is.
Waz-Zwaahir!
(e) As well as with regard to everything that is hidden from the eye.
Wal-Baatin!
No, I did not make any of this up. It is all directly from the Qur’an.
Here is the Qur’an in its own immortal words:
Huwal Awwalu Wal Aakhiru Waz Zwaahiru Wal Baatin!
Paraphrase:
“He is the first and the last and the manifest and the hidden.”
Every time I read this Aayat Kareemah – this most noble and glorious passage of the Qur’an – it sends my head spinning and my whole body tingling.
Sometimes I feel if I had been given in all my life nothing but this one most glorious Aayat – not a thing but these eight words I posted above – my life would have been the richest and the most complete and the most fulfilled.
And I would not have dared to ask for anything else!
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