Understanding Salat — Page 28
Understanding S al A t 28 The literal interpretation of these events by com- mentators is incorrect. However, commentators have correctly concluded that when the human mind gains guidance without revelation, it goes from low to high. According to a child, in the beginning his mother is everything. In other words, she is his god. Rather, he is not even aware of his mother; he con- siders her breast to be his god because he knows that this is where he receives milk. If he does not find her breast, then he cries. Then he recognizes his mother, so he loves her. Then he recognizes his father, so he loves him. Then he loves his brother; then he loves the children he plays with, he loves his neighbors. Then he starts to love other needs, like food and drink and clothes. At each stage, he considers each of these to be his purpose. However, slowly he leaves all of these until these things lead him to God. ( Tafs ī r-e- Kab ī r, vol. 2, pp. 318-319) The first stage of leaving idolatry starts with disappointment. What makes us distinct in the animal kingdom is that we are spiritual beings. Because of this spiritual nature, when- ever we search for satisfaction in material pleasures, we ulti- mately feel disappointed. We share our capacity for material pursuits with animals as well, and animal pursuits can never truly satisfy us. We may think that loving and sacrificing for our fellow man is a noble and unique trait, but even in Disappointment