Reflection (Tafakkur):

Modern science tries to differentiate and classify the waves that are generated by the brain in different states of mind. These waves are named as alpha, beta, theta and delta. These waves are named as brain waves that can be measured through electroencephalogram or EEG. Alpha waves with an average frequency of 8-13 Hz are low amplitude, slow and synchronous waves. These types of brain waves are observed when a person’s brain is idling but calm, relaxed state of wakefulness. It is observed that alpha waves are normally generated when a person sits quietly with eyes closed. Beta waves are higher frequency than alpha waves normally in the frequency (14 – 25 Hz) and these waves are more irregular than alpha waves. Beta waves can be generated when a person is mentally alert and awake to pay particular attention to solve a problem. Theta waves are still irregular and frequency ranges 4-7 Hz. These waves are common in children and in adults in the early stages of sleep, theta waves are considered abnormal in adults who are awake. Delta waves are high-amplitude waves with a frequency of 4 Hz or less. They are seen during deep sleep and when the reticular activating system is damped, such as during anesthesia. Brain waves have a normal frequency range of 1-30 Hz, a dominant rhythm of 10 Hz, and an average amplitude of 10-100 \(\mu\)V. The amplitude of brain wave depends on the number of neurons that fire synchronously rather than the degree of electrical activity of individual neurons. In the sleep state the brain is inactive and at this state large numbers of neurons fire synchronously, producing similar, high-amplitude brain waves. These brain waves have connectivity with the states of human mind. So firing brain neurons in synchronous and asynchronous mode may need to be understood with respect to many variables such as rate of pulse generation, pulse shapes, duration and amplitudes of the pulses and many other components. On the other hand how brain waves stimulate our central nervous system (CNS) to bring the degree of visualization both in the domain of mind as well as influencing our peripheral nervous system (PNS) that requires much deeper and extensive research. One thing is very obvious that our CNS and PNS may act as transceivers but it may not be enough to explain the functionalities and evolution of the human mind. After all, one thing is clearly understood that a mind is non-physical or metaphysical.

It is important to observe the different types of brain waves in different states of mind that may not necessarily lead us to perceive the non-material events of mind. The special meditation techniques widely discussed in recent times are not new but it has been with human beings for thousands of years. It is an inherent part of the human mind and prophecies are the highest manifestations of special meditation practices. Somehow under special circumstances and socio-cultural conditions we notice the emergence of personalities that bring special knowledge and truths to bring society in harmony. The objective of meditation is to bring the mind and physical body in harmony to hold a special state of consciousness through which a mind can see the divine truths and knowledge. Various meditation techniques are widely practiced by people in different parts of the world. These include visualization, love & compassion, transcendental meditation, movement meditation, concentrative meditation, mindfulness meditation and many others. The general approach of meditation is to bring a balanced state of mind in which a human being knows how to keep his mind and body in harmony. The emotion and ambitions may go out of scale with respect to the body and as a result can cause various personal and social problems. Modern meditation technique is based on a technique in which there is an observer and an object, the observer that becomes one perception. Outside the domain of conscious unity we only see a partial reality of superficial and disconnected view which is primarily designed to satisfy material greed and desires. Living such a life of fragmented consciousness denies a person’s access to the unlimited potential waiting in the inner experience of the Quantum World. We need to realize this state of unity within our own soul through the meditation that Prophet Muhammad (pubh) used to practice in the cave of Hira of Jabal an-Nur(Mountain of Light) near Mecca in the Hejazi region of Saudi Arabia. It is widely believed that it is the cave of Hira where our prophet Muhammad (pubh) received his first revelation, the first five ayats of Surah Al-Alaq through the angel Jibra’il (Gabriel).

Islam encourages Muslims to be people of pondering and deep reflections through the many verses of Al Qur’an and the hadiths of our Prophets.

Meditation in Islam is vital as Prophet Muhammad (pubh) used to meditate in the cave of Hira till he achieved his prophecy. Meditation is deeply connected with the word “tafakkur” in Al-Qur’an with literal meaning reflected. The next question is “What to reflect and how to reflect?” Also, “how and what Prophet Muhammad (pubh) used to reflect?” Most of us are being continually pushed and drifted from self visualization and deep reflections and thinking to the material greed, fear and grief.

A hadith of Prophet Muhammad (pubh) says “No act of worship is as meritorious as reflection (tafakkur). So reflect on the God’s bounties and the works of His Power.”

In another hadith, Prophet Muhammad (pubh) says, “True reflection an hour is better or more meritorious than one whole year of voluntary physical worship.”

Tafakkur, in the words of our scholars, literally means to think on a subject deeply, systematically, and in great detail. In the Islamic context, it signifies reflection, to see the human soul’s light, the spirit’s nourishment, the essence of wisdom, and the heart and light of the Islamic way of life. The closeness with Allah comes from the very understanding and the process of practicing “tafakkur” as stated in many instances in Al-Qur’an. In Al Qur’an, the concept of reflection repeated several times in different verses.

[13:3] And it is He who spread the earth and placed therein firmly set mountains and rivers; and from all of the fruits He made therein two mates; He causes the night to cover the day. Indeed in that are signs for a people who reflect.

[16:11] He causes to grow for you thereby the crops, olives, palm trees, grapevines, and from all the fruits. Indeed in that is a sign for a people who reflect.

[16:44] [We sent them] with clear proofs and written ordinances. And We revealed to you the message that you may make clear to the people what was sent down to them and that they may reflect.

[16:69] Then eat from all the fruits and follow the ways of your Lord laid down [for you]." There emerges from their bellies a drink, varying in colors, in which there is healing for people. Indeed in that is a sign for a people who reflect.

[59:21] If We had sent down this Qur’an upon a mountain, you would have seen it humbled and coming apart from fear of Allah. And these examples We present to the people that perhaps they reflect.

[45:13] And He has subjected to you whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth – all from Him. Indeed in that are signs for a people who reflect.

[50:16] And We have already created man and know what his soul whispers to him, and We are closer to him than [his] jugular vein.

So, if soul whispers, we must be able to listen distinctly or clearly its desire and cry through the process of “tafakkurun” or “meditation” of self visualization.