Contemplation
SowSee Summary
About the Book
Dr. Malik Badri’s Contemplation: An Islamic Psychospiritual Study, bridges the realms of Islamic spirituality and modern psychology. He delves into the Quranic concept of contemplation, presenting it as a psychospiritual exercise that nurtures faith and aligns the heart and mind. Drawing from classical Islamic scholarship and modern psychological theories, Badri critiques secular approaches to the human psyche while advocating for an Islamic framework that integrates the soul and spirituality.
About the Author
Dr. Malik Badri was a Sudanese scholar renowned for his contributions to Islamic psychology. He was a pioneer in integrating Islamic principles with modern behavioral sciences. His work emphasized spiritual dimensions in understanding human behavior, leaving a lasting impact on both Islamic thought and psychology.
Insight 1: Contemplation as a Path to Certainty
Certainty is the bedrock of a fulfilling spiritual life, yet it is often elusive in a world filled with distractions, doubts, and fleeting truths. Malik Badri posits that contemplation offers a profound pathway to achieving certainty, transforming mere belief into unwavering conviction. This insight draws heavily on Quranic guidance, prophetic teachings, and centuries of Islamic thought, reminding you that the journey to certainty is one of deliberate reflection and engagement with the world around you.
The Quran describes certainty as an elevated state of faith, one that stems from witnessing the signs of God in creation and understanding their implications. God promises:
“We will show them Our signs in the horizons and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that it is the truth.”
This verse is not just an invitation—it is a guarantee. The more you engage with the signs of God in the universe and within yourself, the more clarity and conviction you will attain. Consider the intricate design of a single leaf, the vast expanse of the night sky, or the miracle of your own heartbeat. Each of these is a testament to the Creator’s wisdom and power, offering undeniable evidence of His presence.
However, certainty is not achieved passively. It requires a proactive commitment to reflection. Dr. Badri emphasizes that contemplation transforms abstract theological concepts into personal experiences. For example, you may believe that God is Al-Razzaq (The Provider), but when you reflect on the ways your needs have been met—often in unexpected ways—you begin to feel this attribute on a deeper level. Certainty emerges when faith moves from your mind to your heart, from knowledge to lived reality.
Badri draws an analogy between contemplation and the process of solving a complex problem. Just as a mathematician works through equations to arrive at certainty, you, too, must work through the signs of God in the world to deepen your faith. This process involves not only observing but also asking questions: Why does the rain fall? What sustains the balance of ecosystems? How does my body function without my conscious control? Each question, when explored sincerely, leads to an answer that reinforces your conviction in God’s design.
The importance of contemplation in achieving certainty is underscored by the Quran’s repeated calls to reflection:
“Do they not reflect upon the camels, how they are created? And the sky, how it is raised?”
These questions are not rhetorical; they are an invitation to engage deeply with the world. The camel, with its ability to thrive in harsh deserts, is not just an animal—it is a marvel of divine engineering. The sky, vast and unyielding, reminds you of your own smallness and God’s greatness. Reflecting on such phenomena shifts your focus from the mundane to the divine, bridging the gap between belief and conviction.
Certainty through contemplation is not limited to the external world. The Quran also points inward, urging you to reflect on your own self:
“And in yourselves. Then will you not see?”
Your body, with its intricate systems and delicate balance, is a miracle in itself. Reflecting on your creation fosters humility and a deeper connection to your Creator. It reminds you that you are not a random occurrence but a deliberate act of divine will.
Imam Ibn al-Qayyim, in his writings on certainty, explains that reflection is one of the most potent tools for cultivating certainty. He compares the heart to a garden that must be irrigated with the waters of contemplation to bear the fruits of conviction. Without reflection, the heart becomes barren, unable to nurture the seeds of faith.
When you consistently engage in contemplation, the world becomes a mirror reflecting God’s attributes. You see His mercy in the provision of food, His wisdom in the laws of physics, and His power in the vastness of the cosmos. This transformative practice ensures that your faith is not just inherited but deeply rooted, capable of weathering doubts and challenges.
Ultimately, contemplation as a path to certainty is a deeply personal journey. It requires solitude, sincerity, and a willingness to question and seek answers. But as Malik Badri and the Quran remind you, the reward is profound: a heart filled with certainty and a life aligned with the divine purpose.
Insight 2: Contemplation as a Remedy for Anxiety
Anxiety, in many ways, is the signature ailment of modern life. It manifests as restlessness, a gnawing uncertainty, and a sense of being untethered. Malik Badri identifies contemplation as a spiritual antidote to this condition. By reflecting on God’s infinite control, wisdom, and mercy, you can find the tranquility that modern distractions and material pursuits fail to provide. Through contemplation, anxiety is reframed not as an insurmountable burden, but as an opportunity to deepen your reliance on God and His plan.
At its core, anxiety stems from fear of the unknown—the unpredictable outcomes of your actions or the challenges life may throw your way. It thrives in the vacuum of control that defines human existence. Badri argues that contemplation helps to fill this vacuum with a sense of divine presence and purpose. Instead of focusing on what you cannot control, contemplation shifts your perspective toward the One who controls everything.
God reminds us in the Quran:
“And to God belong the unseen (aspects) of the heavens and the earth, and to Him will be returned the matter, all of it. So worship Him and rely upon Him.”
When you reflect deeply on verses like this, you begin to internalize the reality that every event—whether it seems good or bad—is part of God’s perfect plan. Anxiety arises when you mistakenly believe that your well-being rests solely in your hands. Contemplation helps dismantle this illusion, replacing it with a deep trust in God’s wisdom and mercy.
Badri’s insight finds resonance in the broader Islamic tradition. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said:
“Remember God abundantly until people say, ‘He is mad.’”
This hadith illustrates that remembrance and contemplation are powerful tools for the soul. When you immerse yourself in reflection—on God’s attributes, His creation, and His blessings—you drown out the noise of anxiety and bring clarity to your heart. Anxiety thrives in a state of mental clutter; contemplation organizes that clutter into a coherent recognition of divine sovereignty.
Badri also highlights how contemplation allows you to confront the transient nature of life. Much of modern anxiety stems from an obsession with permanence—whether it’s securing material wealth, relationships, or social status. Reflecting on death and the Hereafter, as the Quran advises, reminds you that this world is temporary:
“Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your (full) compensation on the Day of Resurrection.”
This perspective doesn’t diminish the importance of worldly efforts but contextualizes them. When you contemplate the impermanence of your worries, they lose their power to overwhelm you. Suddenly, the job interview, financial setback, or health scare is not an end in itself but a test in a larger divine plan.
Badri contrasts contemplation with the coping mechanisms often promoted in secular psychology, such as mindfulness or positive affirmations. While these practices can offer temporary relief, they often lack the depth and spiritual anchoring of Islamic contemplation. Mindfulness asks you to be present in the moment, but contemplation takes it a step further, urging you to find God in every moment. For instance, as you watch the sunrise, you are not just appreciating its beauty; you are reflecting on the One who makes the sun rise each day, unfailingly. This level of engagement nourishes the soul and provides lasting peace.
Consider how contemplation engages your heart and mind during moments of anxiety. Instead of ruminating on worst-case scenarios, you focus on God’s promises:
“So do not weaken and do not grieve, and you will be superior if you are (true) believers.”
This is not denial of reality but a conscious choice to view reality through the lens of faith. By reflecting on God’s control over the cosmos, you remind yourself that the same Creator who orders the stars also ordains your life. Anxiety may persist, but its sting is lessened because your focus shifts from the problem to the Problem Solver.
Anxiety can be described as a symptom of a heart disconnected from its Creator, and contemplation can be used to shift from self-reliance to reliance on God. Imam Al-Ghazali similarly stresses that reflecting on God’s names, such as Ar-Rahman (The Merciful) and Al-Wakeel (The Trustee), cultivates trust and surrender. These practices transform anxiety into an opportunity for spiritual growth.
Ultimately, contemplation is not about avoiding life’s challenges but reframing them. It helps you see anxiety not as a curse but as a call to contemplation, reminding you of the vastness of God’s mercy and the perfection of His plan. Through this practice, you not only calm your heart but also strengthen your faith, emerging more resilient and spiritually grounded.
Insight 3: The Heart as the Seat of Reflection
Contemplation is often associated with the intellect, but Malik Badri highlights a deeper reality: the heart is the true seat of reflection. The Quran frequently calls attention to the heart as the organ of understanding and guidance:
“Do they not reflect upon the Quran, or are there locks upon their hearts?”
This verse suggests that reflection isn’t merely an intellectual act—it is a spiritual exercise rooted in the purity and receptivity of the heart. When the heart is open and unclouded, it becomes a vessel for divine wisdom, transforming knowledge into actionable insight and connecting you more intimately to God.
Badri explains that the heart’s role in contemplation isn’t metaphorical. In Islamic thought, the heart has a dual nature: it is both a physical organ and a spiritual center. While the brain processes information, the heart is where truths are internalized and given meaning. This distinction aligns with modern scientific findings about the heart’s connection to cognition. Studies in neurocardiology reveal that the heart communicates with the brain in complex ways, influencing emotional and cognitive processes. For the believer, this reinforces the Quranic perspective that the heart plays a central role in understanding and decision-making.
“It is not the eyes that are blinded, but the hearts within the chests.”
This verse underscores a profound truth: intellectual knowledge alone is insufficient for spiritual growth. You can possess vast information about Islam and still feel distant from God if your heart is locked or distracted. Conversely, a purified heart, even with limited knowledge, can achieve closeness to the Creator through sincerity and reflection. The heart, therefore, is not just a passive recipient but an active participant in the process of contemplation.
Badri describes how contemplation works as a purifier of the heart. When you engage in sustained reflection on God’s signs, your heart sheds its attachments to material distractions and becomes more receptive to divine guidance. This is why the early scholars emphasized contemplation as a superior form of worship. Ibn Abbas famously said:
“One hour of contemplation is better than a night of worship.”
The heart’s role in contemplation is also tied to emotional intelligence. Badri explains that true reflection engages both thought and feeling. Consider, for example, reflecting on God’s mercy. Intellectually, you may understand that God is The Most Merciful, but when your heart reflects on how His mercy manifests in your life—your health, your provision, your moments of relief after hardship—it stirs gratitude and love. This emotional connection transforms abstract knowledge into a lived spiritual experience.
However, the state of your heart determines the depth of your contemplation. A heart that is clouded by sin, arrogance, or heedlessness cannot reflect deeply. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said:
“When a servant commits a sin, a black dot is inscribed on his heart. If he repents, it is polished away. But if he continues in sin, it spreads until it covers his entire heart.”
This covering, or raan, prevents the heart from perceiving divine truths, much like a dirty mirror fails to reflect light. Through contemplation, paired with repentance and remembrance of God, you polish the heart, restoring its ability to reflect divine light and wisdom.
Badri also emphasizes the importance of emotional humility in contemplation. A prideful heart resists reflection because it refuses to acknowledge its dependence on God. True contemplation begins with a posture of surrender, recognizing your limitations and seeking God’s guidance. This humility creates space for transformation, allowing your heart to align with divine will.
The relationship between the heart and contemplation is transformative. As you reflect on God’s signs, your heart becomes a vessel for divine wisdom, empowering you to live with clarity, purpose, and faith. In a world that often prioritizes intellect over spirituality, Malik Badri reminds you to return to your heart—the place where divine truths are not only understood but also felt and embodied. Through contemplation, you polish your heart, making it a radiant mirror that reflects the light of God in your life.
Insight 4: The Link Between Reflection and Action
Contemplation is not an end in itself; it is a means to action. Malik Badri argues that true reflection transforms your thoughts into tangible, righteous deeds. This dynamic interplay between thought and action is deeply rooted in the Islamic tradition, where contemplation serves as the precursor to moral and spiritual refinement. Without action, contemplation remains incomplete, its potential unfulfilled.
The Quran consistently links reflection to behavior, urging believers to not only ponder God’s signs but also to let that pondering inform their lives:
“Do they not reflect on themselves? God created the heavens and the earth and everything between them for a purpose and an appointed term.”
This verse reminds you that reflection is not merely intellectual—it has a purpose, and that purpose is to lead you toward a life of intentional, God-conscious action. When you reflect deeply on God’s creation, His mercy, and His guidance, your heart is stirred to align your actions with His will.
Badri emphasizes that reflection inspires self-awareness, which is the first step toward personal transformation. For example, when you contemplate the Quranic description of the qualities of the believers—such as humility, patience, and charity—you are prompted to assess whether these traits are evident in your own life. This self-assessment, rooted in contemplation, pushes you to strive for improvement.
Badri notes that the transformative power of contemplation is not limited to personal growth—it extends to societal impact. When you reflect on issues of justice, compassion, and the shared humanity of others, you are compelled to act in ways that uplift your community. To reflect on God’s signs without translating that awareness into righteous deeds is akin to turning a blind eye to the truth. True contemplation engages your heart and mind in a way that compels action, making every moment of reflection a catalyst for meaningful change.
Badri contrasts this with hollow contemplation—reflection that remains abstract and disconnected from daily life. He warns against the danger of intellectualizing spirituality without allowing it to penetrate your character and behavior. Reflection without action, he argues, can lead to arrogance, as you may become satisfied with the mere appearance of wisdom rather than its application.
In essence, contemplation is not a passive exercise; it is an active process that bridges the gap between intention and action. By reflecting deeply on God’s guidance and the realities of your life, you transform abstract knowledge into purposeful living. Malik Badri’s insight challenges you to ensure that your moments of contemplation lead to moments of change, making your reflection a living testament to your faith. Through this practice, you embody the Quranic ideal of being among those who “hear and obey,” letting reflection guide your journey toward a life of righteousness and impact.
Insight 5: The Call to Individual Reflection
In a world inundated with constant noise, collective opinions, and societal distractions, Malik Badri’s emphasis on individual reflection offers a much-needed counterbalance. Islam uniquely encourages a personal, introspective approach to faith, where solitude and reflection are not only encouraged but essential for spiritual growth.
Badri explains that individual reflection fosters authenticity in faith. In an age of performative piety, where acts of worship can sometimes be influenced by social pressure or desire for recognition, solitary contemplation removes the need for external validation. When you reflect alone, you confront your inner self with sincerity, unmasking pretenses and facing your strengths and weaknesses with honesty.
Consider how the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, often withdrew to the Cave of Hira for solitude and reflection. These moments of isolation preceded the revelation of the Quran, underscoring the transformative power of individual contemplation. His example teaches you that true insight and spiritual growth are born in moments of quiet introspection.
Badri also emphasizes that individual reflection empowers you to develop personal conviction. In a world dominated by groupthink, where opinions are often borrowed rather than formed, contemplation allows you to take ownership of your beliefs. By reflecting on the Quran, the Sunnah, and God’s signs in creation, you move to a deeply personal, unshakable conviction.
The Quran repeatedly highlights the importance of independent thinking:
“Do they not reflect upon themselves? God created the heavens and the earth and everything between them for a purpose and an appointed term.”
Here, the Quran challenges you to reflect on your existence—not through the lens of what others have told you, but through your own observations and understanding. This personal engagement with the truth fosters a deeper connection to God and a more profound sense of accountability.
Badri contrasts this call for individual reflection with the tendency in modern society to outsource thinking to others—whether it’s relying on influencers, or even algorithms. While seeking knowledge from credible sources is a cornerstone of Islam, it must be paired with personal reflection to internalize and apply that knowledge meaningfully. Without individual contemplation, faith can become shallow and disconnected from your lived experience.
Furthermore, individual reflection creates space for sincere repentance and self-improvement. In solitude, away from the distractions of life, you can critically evaluate your actions, identify areas for growth, and seek God’s forgiveness.
The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: “Take account of yourselves before you are taken to account, and weigh your deeds before they are weighed for you.”
This self-accountability, born of reflection, prevents complacency and motivates you to strive for excellence in your worship and character.
Badri also highlights the healing power of individual contemplation. In moments of solitude, you have the opportunity to process emotions, find perspective, and connect with God on a deeply personal level. Reflecting on His names and attributes, such as Ar-Razzaq (The Provider) or Al-Wakeel (The Trustee), helps you reframe life’s challenges and find solace in His wisdom and mercy.
The Transformative Power of Individual Reflection
Through contemplation, you move beyond superficial faith to a profound, personal relationship with God. Solitude becomes a space for clarity, self-accountability, and healing, empowering you to align your life with divine guidance. In this noisy, fast-paced world, the call to individual reflection is more relevant than ever. It reminds you that your spiritual journey is uniquely yours, and it is in these moments of quiet contemplation that you find your truest self.
Insight 6: Contemplation and Gratitude
Gratitude is the cornerstone of faith, and contemplation serves as its gateway. Malik Badri highlights how reflecting on God’s blessings awakens a profound sense of thankfulness in the believer, transforming how you perceive both abundance and adversity. Gratitude is not merely a reaction to favorable circumstances; it is a state of mind and heart cultivated through deliberate reflection on God’s signs, creation, and bounties.
The Quran underscores the transformative power of gratitude:
“If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]. But if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.”
This promise ties God’s divine generosity to your awareness and acknowledgment of His blessings. Through contemplation, you train yourself to see the world through a lens of gratitude, recognizing that every aspect of your existence—from the air you breathe to the relationships you cherish—is a manifestation of God’s mercy.
Badri explains that contemplation shifts your focus from what you lack to what you have. In a world dominated by materialism, where dissatisfaction is often fueled by comparison, reflection allows you to see the blessings you take for granted. Consider the simple act of drinking water. It is a mundane act, repeated daily without much thought, yet when you reflect on the intricate processes that make water accessible—from rainfall to purification systems—you are moved to thank God for this sustenance.
Through contemplation, even the simplest blessings become sources of awe and gratitude. This shift in perspective transforms your relationship with the world, filling your heart with contentment.
Gratitude Amid Adversity
Gratitude is often easy in times of ease, but what about moments of hardship? Badri emphasizes that contemplation can also cultivate gratitude during adversity by helping you recognize the wisdom and hidden blessings in trials. Reflecting on your challenges within the framework of divine wisdom allows you to see them not as punishments but as opportunities for growth and purification. The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said:
“How amazing is the affair of the believer! All his affairs are good for him—and this is for no one except the believer. If something good happens to him, he is grateful, and that is good for him. If something bad happens to him, he is patient, and that is good for him.”
Through contemplation, you begin to see hardships as part of a larger divine plan. Reflecting on past difficulties often reveals how they led to unexpected blessings or growth, fostering gratitude for God’s mercy even in testing times.
The Connection Between Gratitude and Contentment
One of the profound insights from contemplation is how gratitude fosters contentment. Reflecting on God’s provision helps you understand that what you have is precisely what you need, tailored by the Creator for your spiritual journey. This realization eliminates envy and dissatisfaction, replacing them with trust in God’s wisdom.
Through contemplation, gratitude becomes a way of life. Reflecting on God’s blessings fosters contentment, inspires generosity, and deepens your connection to Him. It transforms challenges into opportunities for growth and abundance into reminders of God’s mercy. By cultivating gratitude through contemplation, you align your heart with the divine, making every moment a source of peace and spiritual enrichment.
Insight 7: Seeing the Self as a Divine Sign
The Quran urges believers to reflect on themselves as evidence of God’s existence and creative power:
“And in yourselves. Then will you not see?”
This profound verse encapsulates the idea that the human being is not merely a biological entity but a living sign of the Creator. Malik Badri delves into this insight, emphasizing that deep reflection on the self unveils layers of divine wisdom, instilling awe, humility, and purpose. By contemplating the intricacies of your body, mind, and soul, you can gain a profound appreciation for the divine order and your unique role within it.
The Human Body: A Masterpiece of Divine Engineering
Every system in your body is a testament to God’s meticulous design. The way your heart beats continuously without your conscious effort, the brain’s capacity to process information, the immune system’s ability to combat disease—all of these are signs of God. The Quran refers to this intricate design:
“We have certainly created man in the best of stature.”
When you reflect on your body’s functions, you begin to see the divine care embedded in every detail. For instance, the eye, with its complex interplay of lenses, nerves, and muscles, is perfectly suited for its purpose. Its ability to adjust focus, detect color, and process visual information faster than any machine demonstrates that it is not the result of random chance but of deliberate design.
Badri encourages believers to marvel at these signs within themselves, not just as biological phenomena but as manifestations of God’s power and mercy. Every heartbeat and breath is a reminder of your dependence on Him, fostering gratitude and humility.
The Mind: A Vessel for Understanding
The human mind, with its ability to think, reason, and create, is another divine sign that warrants reflection. The Quran describes humans as being taught knowledge directly by God:
“He taught Adam the names—all of them.”
This capacity for knowledge sets you apart from other creatures and highlights your elevated purpose. By reflecting on your thoughts and intellectual abilities, you recognize that these are gifts meant to be used for seeking truth and serving your Creator.
Badri also highlights the mind’s role in shaping your worldview. When you reflect on the source of your thoughts and their alignment with divine guidance, you become more intentional in your actions. This self-awareness leads to spiritual growth and moral accountability.
The Soul: The Eternal Divine Breath
The most profound aspect of self-reflection is contemplating your soul (ruh). God describes its origin:
“And I have proportioned him and breathed into him of My (created) soul.”
Your soul is a direct link to God, making you a uniquely spiritual being. Reflecting on this divine breath within you reminds you of your purpose: to worship God and strive for nearness to Him. This realization elevates your existence beyond mere survival, imbuing your life with spiritual meaning and direction.
Reflection as a Path to Self-Improvement
Badri emphasizes that seeing yourself as a divine sign is not just about wonder but also about responsibility. Reflecting on your physical, intellectual, and spiritual capabilities should inspire you to develop them in ways that align with God’s guidance. When you reflect on yourself, you identify areas for growth and take steps to align your life with divine expectations. This ongoing process of self-improvement is a form of worship, as it fulfills the potential God has placed within you.
The Balance Between Self-Awareness and Humility
Badri cautions against letting self-reflection lead to arrogance. While marveling at your abilities and blessings, it is crucial to remember that they are not self-generated but gifts from God. Humility is key. Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, exemplified this balance, always acknowledging God as the source of his strength and success.
By seeing yourself as a divine sign, you unlock a deeper connection to God and your purpose in life. This act of contemplation transforms ordinary moments into profound spiritual realizations, guiding you toward gratitude, self-improvement, and humility. Your body, mind, and soul are not just parts of you—they are divine gifts and signs, reminding you of God’s greatness and your duty to live a life of worship and reflection.
Contemplation: An Islamic Psychospiritual Study is a call to reclaim the profound Islamic tradition of contemplation. Badri offers a framework to reconcile Islamic spirituality with modern psychology, reminding Muslims of the transformative power of reflective worship. The book is both a critique of secular approaches and a celebration of Islamic intellectual heritage, urging readers to use contemplation as a means of spiritual and cognitive elevation.