Understanding Salat — Page 70
Understanding S al A t 70 know that the external and internal beauties of the rose, which put reproduction of its like beyond human reach, are present in S ū rah al-F ā ti h ah in the same way—indeed, with much greater beauty. And also [I chose it] so that, through this illustration, what was signified in the vision is carried out. Therefore, bear in mind that every sensible per- son would readily consider it to be a proven fact beyond any doubt that a rose, like other creations of God, has such excellent beauties within it, the like of which man is unable to reproduce. These beauties are of two types. First, those that are found in its exter- nal form, namely, its colour is beautiful and lovely, its fragrance is delightful and pleasing, and in its visible form, it is characterized by extreme delicacy, freshness, softness, tenderness, and purity. Second, there are beauties that the All-Wise God has granted it internally; namely, the qualities which are hidden within its essence, and these are that it is refreshing, strengthens the heart, alleviates the bile, and invig- orates all faculties and spirits. It is a laxative for yel- low bile and watery phlegm. Similarly, it strengthens the stomach, liver, kidneys, intestines, womb, and lungs. Moreover, it is very beneficial for severe palpi- tation, fainting, and weakness of the heart. Similarly, it is beneficial for a variety of other ailments of the body. On account of these two types of qualities, it is