In this verse, the author asserts that dunyā will only prosper and flourish if it adheres to the tenets exemplified by dīn. As mentioned previously, dīn:
- entails the obedience of one,
- is nothing but muḥabba,
- consists of a set of beliefs which require expression through words and deeds and
- is considered as the path that leads us to the hereafter.
Thus, obedience, muḥabba and a set of beliefs and praxis, all carried out with the intention of reaching the hereafter are the vital prerequisites for the betterment of this temporal world. Political and social systems that aspire to attain this end but through alternate means will ultimately fall short of realising them.
To understand why the author has mentioned the planet Jupiter as an ideal of temporal well-being, one needs to understand its bearing upon Earth and its inhabitants. It is the manifestation of this influence that defines what constitutes prosperity and betterment of the temporal world.
One of the brightest stars of the firmament, Jupiter’s influence is known to bring about good fortune, specifically with matters pertaining to the hereafter. Jupiter exerts a spiritual energy that spreads throughout the universe, creating and maintaining a balance between various opposing energies and forces which ultimately helps uphold the laws that govern all Creation. Philosophers have termed this force the ‘Spirituality of Jupiter’. This spirituality has a special bearing on the births of prophets, the bearers of sharia as well as those of knowledge and wisdom.
Although the sun is considered as the king amongst heavenly bodies, Jupiter is seen as the judge and scholar and is a possible allusion to the notions of justice and learning it embodies. When a foetus’ growth in the mother’s womb enters its second month, its development, with the permission of Allah Taʿālā, is entrusted to Jupiter. For a newborn child, it is this influence which, along with the development of vital organs, body processes and physical features, facilitates the inculcation of good characteristics, a sense of moderation and an inclination towards dīn. Jupiter is the star of balance, the cause of good health and the genesis of all that is systemic and orderly in Creation.
When it comes to humankind, Jupiter influences the intellect, comprehension, discernment, knowledge, piety, faith, justice and other similar traits, all of which are extolled by dīn. Its influence nurtures a love for all that is good, a purity of the soul, religious piety, contemplation over the hereafter and a renouncement of worldly desires and temptations. In essence, it facilitates the development of all the traits and characteristics needed for the establishment and functioning of the sharia, and all the attributes of the scholars, jurists, judges, ascetics and all others who render their services to rulers and sovereigns who uphold the faith. This positive impact also extends to one’s dreams being about ʿibāda; sawm and namaz.
In this world, we come across two types of people. One whose faith is shaped by their characteristics and the other whose beliefs determine their characteristics. When it comes to the first category, those harbouring a Jupiter-esque temperament will be more inclined to beliefs and practices that enjoin forsaking worldly pleasure and inculcate compassion.
Jupiter’s influence is not limited to the traits and characteristics of individuals. Its celestial influence also brings about the construction of masjids and other places of worship. The establishment of such centres, in turn results in people congregating in them on Fridays and during the various Eids, thereby enabling them to further their understanding of both the spiritual and temporal realms by comprehending the directive’s of sharia, reading the texts bestowed upon various prophets, assimilating the values of dīn and understanding the intricacies of the law when having to adjudicate.
In the mineral kingdom, the Spirituality of Jupiter is evident in formations that are soft and white in colour, as well as in pearls, coral, crystal and glass. Jupiter’s force is extremely prevalent in water which is sweet and sustains animals and other forms of life. In the plant kingdom, this spirituality reveals itself in organisms that are balanced and beneficial. While animals that have received this spirituality are those which are offered to the Almighty, their meat distributed as alms and as zakat. In fragrances it is found in camphor, and in incenses in those that balance the four elements: earth, air, water and fire. In clothing Jupiter is represented by those that are white and in head coverings and shawls. Finally, with regards to the treasury, the influence of Jupiter is the most sought after for it indicates gold and silver.
The positive influences attributed to Jupiter reveal the all-important need to maintain a balance and harmony in all aspects of life, recognise the temporal nature of this world and strive for the betterment of the hereafter, all fundamentals for a vibrant and flourishing life. These are the very traits propagated by dīn, and thus can only be attained by adherence to it.