If one has inner beauty, he will Discern beauty in the universe

 

To be truly happy, one should enjoy the beauty and splendor of life, an enjoyment that is limited only by the boundaries set forth by Islam. Allah has created for us beautiful gardens because He is Beautiful and He loves beauty, and in order for us to study His signs that are present in His wonderful creation.

 

(He it is who created for you all that is on the earth.)     (Qur’an 2: 29)

 

The sweet-smelling odor, the delicious meal, and the awe- inspiring vista --- these all bring lightness and happiness to the soul.

 

(Eat of that which is lawful and good on the earth…..)    (Qur’an 2: 168)

 

The Prophet (Blessings and Peace be upon him) said:

"What has been made beloved to me from your world are perfume and women. And the delight of my eye is in the Prayer."

 

Extremes of self-denial and rigid austerity have clouded and distorted for some the wonders of life. They live a life of celibacy, they purposely live in a state of penury, and they deprive themselves of food. The Messenger of Allah (bpuh) said:

 

“But I fast sometimes and eat (without fasting) at other times; I stand (for prayer at night) and I relax; I many women; I eat meat. So whoever deviates from my way, He is not from me.”

 

It is strange and confusing to see what the adherents of some sects have subjected themselves to; some have abstained from certain foods; others have given up laughing; and yet others have forbidden themselves from drinking cool water. It is as though they do not realize that these actions are tantamount to torturing one’s self and to extinguishing the light of one’s soul.

 

(Say [O’ Muhammad]: ‘Who has forbidden the adoration with clothes given by Allah, which He has produced for his slaves, and At-Tayyibaat [all kinds of Halaal (lawful things) of food]?)

(Qur’an 7: 32)

 

The Messenger of Allah (bpuh) ate honey, and he is the most pious and righteous human being. This is because Allah created honey to be eaten:

 

(There comes forth from their bellies, a drink of varying color wherein is healing for men.)                                (Qur’an 16: 69)

 

The Messenger of Allah (bpuh) married a virgin, and he also married women who had been either widowed or divorced.

 

(Then marry [other] women of your choice, two or three, or four…)  (Qur’an 4: 3)

 

He wore the best of clothes on religious holidays and on other occasions as well.

 

Take your adornment [by wearing your clean clothes], while praying and going round [the Tawaaf of] the Ka 'bah….)            (Qur’an 7: 31)

 

The Prophet (bpuh) ---- whom we must follow and who was sent with the true Religion ---- fulfilled the rights of both, body and soul.