Contemplation Equation

Islamic Meditation

A conceptual, though simplistic, illustration can be given if one

imagines that these parameters are measurable by identical units that

increase or decrease according to the circumstances of the contemplating Muslim.

If we give the Faith factor the symbol ‘F’ (faith in Allah) , the ability to

Concentrate the symbol ‘C’ (empty mind from every though except Allah) , the believer's knowledge of the object

under contemplation the symbol ‘K’ (ilm about Allah) , the Qualities of the object under contemplation the symbol ‘Q’ (Qualities/Asma wa sifaat of Allah swt) , and so on, then the depth of contemplation will depend on the influence of the Faith factor ‘F’ on each of the other parameters. This may be put in a simplistic equation as follows:

Depth of Contemplation = F (C+K+Q+…)

This equation shows that an increase in the faith factor will lead to a

multiplication in the depth of contemplation, for it interacts with all

the other factors. However, when the other factors increase, they will

have only a limited additive effect on the depth of contemplation,

which is like the difference between adding figures and multiplying

them. Similarly, when the faith factor ‘F’ falls to zero, which corre-

sponds to total disbelief, the other factors will be worthless, no matter

how large in size, because the result of multiplying any figure by zero is

no more than zero. Therefore, those who have a degree of faith like that

of the Companions of the Prophet will need little knowledge of what

they see in their environment and much less time in order to achieve

depths of contemplation that are far beyond the reach of weaker peo-

ple.

In figures, if a Muslim has a weak faith of 10 units but has extensive knowledge about the object of his contemplation, has all the time and peace of mind he needs, and other factors, which add up to100, then his depth of contemplation will be 1,000 units. However, someone who has much less knowledge and less time may secure only half the units of contemplation, that is 50, but since he possesses a high faith factor of 100 units, his depth of contemplation will reach 5,000 –namely, five times as much as the former! Naturally, spiritual and religious concepts such as faith and contemplation cannot be subjected to

such simple and superficial measurements and equations – it is a mere notion that seemed interesting to share with readers in order to clarify

the point that was being made.

I hope that readers who wish to improve their practice of this great form of worship and achieve deeper contemplation will benefit from the explanations given. They can explore their positive natural God-given abilities and their beneficial environmental and spiritual endowments in order to make full use of them in expanding the

realm of their contemplation until it is deeply and habitually inculcated in their psychological and spiritual entity. They should also try to discover the factors and habits that deter them from contemplation in order to avoid them.

- pg 89, Contemplation, Psychology Prof. Malik Badri (May Allah be pleased with him)