The Essence of Islam – Volume III — Page 5
Natural, Moral and Spiritual States of Man seeks to retain them, then let it be known that, according to the Holy Qur'ān, the physical states of man are closely related to his moral and spiritual states. Even a man's habits and his way of eating and drinking affect his moral and spiritual states. If the physical states are exercised under the direction of Divine law, then, just as everything becomes salty in a salt mine, these natural states become moral states and have a deep impact on spirituality. That is why the Holy Qur'ān has placed so much stress on physical cleanliness, proprieties and temperance in connection with all kinds of worship, as well as on inner purity for the purpose of attaining righteousness and humility. . When we ponder over it, it becomes clear that physical conditions deeply affect the soul. We can see that our outward actions, though apparently physical in nature, have a great effect on our spiritual condition. For instance, when our eyes shed tears, even if by way of affectation, the tears immediately affect the heart, which becomes sorrowful. In the same way, when we laugh, even if for show, the heart begins to feel cheerful. It is also observed that physical prostration generates humility in the soul, and when we strut about with our head raised and chest pushed out, this attitude generates a kind of arrogance and vanity. These illustrations demonstrate how physical conditions directly affect spiritual ones. [Islāmi Uşūl ki Philosophy, Rūḥānī Khazā'in, vol. 10, pp. 316-320]. Natural and Moral States of Man. As indicated by the Holy Word of God Almighty, natural states, the source of which is Nafs-e-Ammārah [the self that incites to evil] are not something separate from moral states. The Holy Word of God has placed all