The calmness of our surroundings masks the bellowing of our souls. We raise our hands high, cuffed together, reaching for the sky. Tapping on the door of salvation, we await in humility, being conscious of You, so that You grace us with your Mercy (6:155). The past, present, and future folded within each other, a moment of timelessness with the Eternal One.

During the moments in our lives when we have gone astray, we appeal to attain my Sustainers’ forgiveness and a paradise as vast as the heavens and the earth (3:133). For every moment – including this one – He has blessed us with, each worth millions in gold, we give thanks for the honour, for all honour belongs to You (63:8). Following the map of our destiny which You have knowingly drafted, we ask for guidance as You are fully aware of the needs of Your creations (17:30).

Though what we ask may seem selfish, it is a starting point for us to dovetail into the most exciting and fulfilling part of our supplication: what You adorn within us in one day, although we are unworthy, would take thousands of lifetimes for us to recite and acknowledge. In our weak and impotent state, You have made all of creation subservient to us for our survival. You provide us with such expensive and expansive gifts, though we are unworthy and ungrateful beings. Nonetheless, we are created in the best form (95:4).We are beheld by the beauty of Your Divine names manifested within our eyes. You have bestowed great treasures into our hearts, minds, and souls. These are treasures with both tangible and intangible qualities, manifested from all around, like an aura visible only through the eyes of belief. And this belief ascends us to a platform surpassing even the angels, who worship and exalt You, every millisecond of every day. These subjects do not deny You, my Lord, for the favours you provide (55:13).

This dialogue which You so compassionately offer us reluctant subjects is not just a one-way communication. You speak to us more than we care to listen. You are heard internally; You are heard externally. We stand in awe and reverence of Your Glory (21:28).As we call out Your Exalted, Dominical, Divine, Pure, Glorious names, You grace us with the benevolent words, “I am here!” (labbayk). Your Majestic, Loving, and Compassionate attributes respond to all our needs in such a nurturing and soul caressing manner that we, at times, feel like spoilt and incapable children asking for something from a parent. However, Your caressing Hand is more Merciful, a million fold: You are the best Sustainer of our needs (5:114).

All our needs are constantly being met, with or without our knowledge, remembrance, or gratitude. We are in admiration of your grandeur and we are humbled by all your offerings and blessings. All we ask, my Lord, is for forgiveness and for You to guide us to the straight path (1:6), which we anticipate will eventually lead us to our salvation. We ask, beg, and hope that You may consider us – for we have no other Lord to turn to. Besides, You are renowned for forgiveness – it suits You so well, my Lord. This notion gives us the courage and hope to hold onto Your promise, the promise of forgiveness and bounties (2:268).

Indeed, the greatest reflections of Your Divine Names and Attributes have been personified by tens of thousands of Messengers, which is further evidence of Your Compassion and Grace to us poor, lost souls. Each had their distinctive duties, events, and characteristics, and helped lead the way to the salvation we seek. All their missions culminated in the presence and calling of those masters of determination, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad (peace be upon them), who were guides to their nationsand beacons of mercy to all the realms (21:107).

If not for Your Mercy, oh God, by gracing us with Your beloved Messengers (peace be upon them), what would have become of us? They are the embroiderers of the fabric of our hearts, and allow our minds to become mirrors absorbing and reflecting Your collective and beautiful names. Their efforts were not in vain. Their divinely inspired characters and behaviours have outlasted all the trials and tribulations of time, as well as all governing systems, cultures, and societies. Their Messengerships will echo throughout eternity.

As our dialogue draws to a temporary close, let us reflect on this beautiful experience. My body is permeated by a sense of relief, but also tinged by a hint of sorrow. With my supplication concluding, which I anticipate You have accepted, I reluctantly lower my arms with a sense of a momentary despair: the despair of turning back to the realm of earthly grief. However, I am quickly relieved by the sensation of the realization of Your all-encompassing Compassion, which invites me to this sanctuary, till my last breath – my prayers each and everyday!

Lay not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Blot out our sins and grant us forgiveness. Have mercy on us. You are our Protector (2:286).

Prayers in this essay are inspired from the referenced verses in the Qur’an.

In order to find your new self in tranquility

As you transformed, the sanctuary became the enemy

Demolishing your home turned out to be your first duty

Don’t worry, you will be okay

You didn’t belong there anyway

Embrace life, or else you will be cast away

Remember, you have only a single day

You are now like a newborn star in dreams

Behold your beauty and elegant limbs

Feel the air flow by you, flip your wings

Taste the drops of life on the leaves

I wish I were you, just like a baby

My smiles could buy world’s sympathy

And my cries would enslave everybody

Each day, sailing towards a new discovery

But, what is it that you are still searching in pain?

Don’t tell me all this splendor is in vain

You are a blossom in the air, don’t be insane

I cannot reason your ceaseless disdain

Oh butterfly, you have woken me up

Is this face mine or is it makeup

Or, am I you in my dream? Reality is messed up

After a life-long delusion, I need a clean up

I am now seeking a beauty

One that I saw in a dream I don’t remember

From one flower to another, alas I cannot find it.

I am starving, how am I going to survive?

But my yearning for the beauty becomes my food.

A beauty whose absence is so powerful,

I cannot even imagine reunion with it,

A beauty that is with me, but I am far from it.

Seth Mette is a professor of aerospace engineering

Over the millennia, Noah’s Ark and the Great Flood has been documented in several revelations and scriptures and related across a myriad of cultures and civilizations more or less in the same form. Every major creed, every race or civilization will have something to say about “The Great Flood.” The re-iteration of such an overwhelming event over thousands of years of history seems to convey a timeless message, as well as certain codes of universal moral conduct.

Many aspects from the world of matter are reflected as sublime meanings in the spiritual or metaphysical realm. If the Ark is likened to a spiritual and social sanctuary, then the great flood symbolizes not only a physical destruction of Earth but also a destruction of the spiritual and moral aspects of humanity. The surging of flood waters and the sinking feeling are analogous to the spiritual drowning of a lost individual in the ocean of life. Overwhelmed and burdened by a heavy weight on their shoulders, they are unable to carry on their journey in safety. Although the soul constantly seeks and yearns for continuous safety and security where it can let go of the heavy burdens of daily life and take a deep breath, it usually turns towards many false sanctuaries or havens. Not having adequate protection, the great floods of spiritual turmoil eventually drown and suffocate it.

The Ark as a representation of faith

Just like the physical need for air, water and food, the human soul similarly needs its own nourishment to survive. Without this food, it gradually decays and dies, wherein the heart becomes hardened, and a loss of sensitivity towards its environment begins. This apathy is the slow death of the human soul. In this context, the great miracle of Noah’s Ark, a significant event in the common history of humankind, represents the true spiritual sanctuary of faith that can guard humanity from drowning in the tumultuous ocean of life.

In fact, true concern for and connection with others can only be found in faith. One can even say that the greatest spiritual sanctuary and satisfaction for the human soul is faith. It enables the human soul to “let go” of those burdens that pull it down and drown it in materialism. It illuminates the heart and mind to truly feel and see beyond the prism of material life. The false perception that this fleeting world is the only goal of our life will not and cannot satisfy the innate need of the human soul for permanence and perfection. Neither comfort, wealth, nor a high social status (including other attractive but destructive desires like the love of fame) will satisfy these needs, as they are just means to a great end, not an end in themselves.

Faith is both light and power.1 Only the attainment of true faith can enable one to overcome any confronting challenges. The great enduring quality of the Ark resonates with the great qualities generated from a deep, certain faith. These attributes include perseverance and patience in doing good both in times of prosperity and in adversity, where it is especially difficult to do good in times of hardship, and even more so in times when advocating good is deemed dubious.

The Ark: A representation of common universal values

The great dangers surrounding and threatening our existence are not just in the visible world around us, but also within us: arrogance, pride, selfishness, greed, oblivion to the suffering or needs of others and many other such traits. We can certainly say that all these dangers, whether apparent or dormant, represent a “Great Flood” and, if correct precautions are not taken, they are bound to crush us – either physically or spiritually or perhaps both.

“The Ark” on the other hand can represent the common universal values that humanity at large shares. When the core human virtues, such as, being trustworthy, honest, loyal, sincere, and patient, are applied correctly and appropriately, they will be a means to protect us from the threat of the imposing “Great Flood.”

One can even say that the force of “The Flood” is so enormous that a protective sanctuary of an “Ark” with the ability to withstand such a destructive force is inevitable. This Ark must be established through the co-operation and dialogue of cultures, where the common universal values of humanity are realized and brought forth again. It will be these shared values of humanity that will serve as a protective shield against the debasing forces of “the Flood,” the real threat to our existence.

The common universal values of humanity are the moral pillars that will and can move each individual to take action for the sake of all and for the betterment of all because in essence these values are based upon recognizing the great, common needs we share rather than our apparent differences. Hence, for the sake of our common needs, it is pertinent to make every effort to co-operate and prevent animosities to the best of our abilities.

The application of these values requires the alleviation of misconceptions and misunderstandings of the great systems that formed civilizations, as well as pro-active dialogue between cultures, communities and individuals. Becoming increasingly more relevant in a constantly developing “global village” such as our contemporary society, these values will be founded and driven by respect, appreciation for the differences of cultures and their contributions to world history. As each individual is a masterpiece of the Creator of the Universe, then their freedom or right to belief, expression and travel should not be violated, for each individual has an inviolable dignity and honor.

The contemporary “social sanctuaries” or “Arks”

Existence is based upon the creation of opposites. Just as the darkest hour of the night happens before dawn; so too the Ark provided much needed solace and sanctuary as the “Great Flood” engulfed all. Similarly, the contemporary “social Ark” will serve to rectify and protect humanity from the social torment and tumults of our current times. Indeed, a great characteristic of a contemporary “social sanctuary” is that it will receive its energy and passion from deep faith and an ultimate sense of responsibility for its actions aiming to reinstate the common values of humanity first within itself and then with others. Each individual (moving as part of a collective whole) of this society will be a kind of “devotee and advocate of love” to provide selfless, altruistic service, consciously reaching out to help the community they come across and to overcome their problems at the expense of their own worldly desires. Being aware of their unremitting duty of gratitude and obligation towards the Creator, their philosophy will be to give without expecting anything in return, seeking only His approval. They will suffer great distress, but in this process they will set forth a great example of tolerance, respect, understanding and generosity. Over the last three decades, millions of individuals have been moved in this way through the inspiration of a great thinker and leader, Fethullah Gulen. 2, 3

One of the greatest diseases of our current times is prejudice and discrimination. Millions of people have suffered and still continue to suffer great anguish as a result of this crippling psychological and social disorder. The contemporary “social Ark” will take upon itself to help cure this disease by consciously drawing attention against the mentality which disregards the myriad of similarities and great common needs of humanity but instead focuses on small but unique differences of individuals or communities, thereby sowing the seeds of hatred. In contrast, they will actively teach what a great act of justice it is to focus on what brings humanity together rather than what seems to divide them. To further demonstrate this reality with example, they will recruit all their personal resources within their reach to melt the icebergs in hearts and bring together communities. Their actions will serve to blow out the fires of hatred and jealousy, fostering what has been neglected for centuries.

As they do so, they will learn and demonstrate how to hate hatred (which is easy to do) and love the act of caring (which is difficult to do). They will establish platforms where people can find common ground to work together to solve the current chaotic problems of our times. Social justice will be born when individuals begin to realize that each person is a unique master-piece that reflects (like a mirror) the most beautiful attributes of its Creator in various ways. When individuals will not be judged by their differences, but when their differences will be viewed as enrichment and a contribution, true global peace will arise. At that point humanity will board the final Ark of social justice and find solace and comfort in appreciating each other.

Sebnem Unlu, PhD, is a Research Faculty at University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, USA.

Notes

1. Bediüzzaman Said Nursi. The Words, Twenty-third word, Third point, The Risale-i Nur Collection.
2. Mücahit Bilici. “The Fethullah Gulen Movement and Its Politics of Representation in Turkey,” The Muslim World, volume 96, Issue 1, pgs. 1-20.
3. Serif Ali Tekalan. “A movement of Volunteers.” Paper presented at the conference “Islam in the Contemporary World: The Fethullah Gulen Movement in Thought and Practice,” Rice University, Nov. 12-13, 2005.

Once the heart has found You,

Would it ever remember another?

Once it has burned in Your fire,

Would it ever burn in another?

Only those who have found You

Are purified in an incessant flow;

Satisfied with Your love,

Would they ever be content with another?

You gave being to the universe,

All life emanates from You.

Having found Your ocean,

Would they ever dive into another?

Your Name is recited everywhere;

It is the cure for the ailments of the soul.

Once having truly believed in You,

Would they ever assume their Lord to be another?

Absorbed in awe at Your beauty,

On the path of love,

Once having tasted the honey from Your comb,

Would they ever taste another?

Once having discovered You,

Hastening towards and meeting You,

Having entered Your sanctuary,

Would they ever seek another?