Badges mark quoted or attributed material (Qur'an, hadith, another author, an opposing view). Unbadged passages are Maulana Wahiduddin Khan's own words.
In nature there are examples for man to draw lessons from. If he contemplates on these lessons, he may find wisdom for leading his life. p. 305
In this state of affairs, the best way for man is to follow the examples of the world around him. What the other part of the world is doing under compulsion, he must do by choice. For example, there are numerous stars and planets in the vast space. All these astronomical bodies are continuously in motion, but there is no clash between them. They are revolving in their respective orbits and do not try to confront each other. Man must follow this pattern, that is, plan his activities without engaging in confrontation with other people. p. 305
All the creatures of the world, both animate and inanimate, are examples for man. If man ponders over the natural phenomena, he will certainly discover the right way of living which is free of confrontation, hate and violence. This is the easiest way to discover the right lifestyle for mankind. p. 305
Divine Food p. 306
The Quran refers to divine food in these words: p. 306
Do not regard with envy the worldly benefits We have given some of them, for with these We seek only to test them. The provision of your Lord is better and more lasting. (20:131) p. 306Qur'an
It is this divine food that was given to Mary. The Quran has referred to this fact in these words: p. 306original + quote
Every time Zachariah visited her in her chamber he found some provision with her. He asked, ‘Mary, where did this provision come from?’ She replied, ‘This is from God. God provides for whoever He wills without measure.’ (3:37) p. 306Qur'an
The “food” given to Mary was not material food, rather it was divine food or spiritual food. Without receiving this food, a person cannot develop his or her personality. Jesus Christ has mentioned this fact in this well-known saying: “Man cannot live by bread alone.” (Matthew 4:4) p. 306original + quote
If you want to live as a spiritual person, learn the art of extraction. You have to extract the spiritual content from material things. p. 306
The fact is that in this world everything has two components: material and spiritual. You have to develop your mind to such an extent that you are able to extract the spiritual content from material things. In this way you will be able to receive spiritual or divine food. If material food maintains your physical health, divine content of material things develops your personality on spiritual lines. Physical food gives you physical health, while spiritual food makes the non-physical part of your personality healthy. p. 306
For example, let us consider a glass of water. When you hold a glass of water in your hand, the material content that you extract from this observation is that water is a combination of two gases—Hydrogen and Oxygen. The spiritual content of this observation is to ponder over the fact that in the external world water is a combination of two material elements, but when water enters the human body it becomes a part of it and helps in maintaining its functions. When you discover this compatibility between water and your body, you will obtain spiritual food for your thinking. Because, this discovery will lead to the realization and appreciation of God’s wisdom, in that He created water in such a way that it is completely compatible with the human body. Discoveries of this kind from various material events around will give you unlimited solace and contentment. p. 307
If you want to live as a spiritual person, learn the art of extraction. You have to extract the spiritual content from material things. This will give you spiritual food, and in this way you will be able to develop yourself as a spiritual person. p. 307