Life Supreme — Page 95
98. LIFE SUPREME 14. THE INNER UNIVERSE "All praise belongs to Allah the Lord of all the Worlds. 22 (1:2). The material or outer universe extends in all directions so far into the depths of space that the most powerful telescopes have not been able to reach its perimeter although they have located stars thousands of millions of light years away, bearing in mind that light travels at 186,000 miles per second. The immensity of the universe and the mysteries contained therein are beyond the comprehension of man. (2:127) "Allah knows all things, and you know not. ". Every star and planet in the universe is revolving on an orbital course. In our own solar system the earth and its eight accompanying planets are orbiting around the sun; and the gigantic galaxy to which it belongs is itself revolving as one mighty cluster of heavenly bodies at 600,000 miles per hour around a central point in space; and so wide is its orbital path that it completes only one revolution every 250 million years. This enormous galaxy which occupies such a vast area space is only one of a trillion such galaxies lying within the range of the telescope. Fourteen centuries ago God revealed in the Holy. Quran that every orb in space is in constant motion: in "All of them float in orbit. . . . " (36:41). Today the attention of the world is focused upon space exploration and the unravelling of the mysteries of the universe. While this is in no way to be condemned, it is unfortunate that man gives little thought and attention to the inner universe which exists not only within himself but far beyond into eternity. Vast and intriguing as the outer universe may be, it is but a temporary creation in which life thrives for a few fleeting moments. What is a score of years in the age of the universe? What is it compared with eternity? ""The benefit of this world is little and the Hereafter will be better for him who fears God; and you shall not be wronged a whit. " (4:78) "And worldly life is nothing but a sport and a pastime. And verily, the abode of the Hereafter is better for those who are righteous. " (6:33)