Wisdom 7
The Wonders of the Human Body
Imam Ali (A.S.) said:
“Marvel at this human being: he sees through fat, speaks through flesh, hears through bone, and breathes through a tiny opening.”
Keywords
Marvel (اِعْجَبُوا): To wonder, reflect with amazement, or contemplate.
Fat (شَحْم): The fatty tissue of the body, particularly referring to the eye.
Flesh (لَحْم): Muscle or soft tissue, referring here to the tongue.
Bone (عَظْم): Bone, referring to the structures involved in hearing.
Opening (خَرْم): A small hole or opening, referring to the nostrils.
Summary of Wisdom 7
In this remarkable saying, Imam Ali (A.S.) draws attention to the extraordinary design of the human body. Simple physical substances such as fat, flesh, bone, and tiny openings perform astonishing functions like seeing, speaking, hearing, and breathing. These remarkable abilities point to the wisdom, power, and perfection of the Creator.
Commentary
1. Simple Materials, Extraordinary Functions
Although the eye, tongue, ear, and nose are composed of ordinary biological materials, each possesses unique characteristics that distinguish it from similar tissues elsewhere in the body.
Not every piece of flesh can speak, not every fatty tissue can see, and not every bone can hear.
Allah has created these organs with precise abilities that enable human perception and communication. Their simple physical composition should never lead us to underestimate their profound importance.
2. The Mystery of Human Perception
Scientists continue to study how the human brain processes the images formed on the retina and interprets sound waves striking the eardrum.
Even more astonishing is the body’s ability to regulate breathing automatically throughout both sleep and wakefulness without conscious effort.
Many scholars—both scientific and religious—have acknowledged that the physical organs themselves do not truly see, hear, or understand. They merely function as instruments. The reality that perceives, understands, speaks, and comprehends is the human soul and the conscious mind that Allah has bestowed upon humanity.
Practical Lessons
1. Reflecting on Human Creation Leads to Two Great Benefits
The human being is one of the greatest wonders in all of creation.
Reflecting upon this miraculous creation produces two important results:
- It strengthens our awareness of Allah’s greatness, inspiring gratitude and worship.
- It reminds us of our own weakness and dependence upon our Creator, protecting us from pride and arrogance.
Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (A.S.) recited the Qur’anic verse:
“Man was created weak.” (Qur’an 4:28)
He then explained:
“How could he not be weak when he sees through fat, hears through bone, and speaks through flesh?”
2. Knowing Ourselves Leads to Knowing Allah
One of the greatest paths to recognizing Allah is sincere reflection upon ourselves.
The complexity, harmony, and wisdom found within the human body and soul provide some of the clearest signs of the Creator’s existence, knowledge, and power.
Self-Assessment
- What are the two major benefits of reflecting upon the creation of the human being?
- What is one of the greatest and most important ways of knowing Allah?
Related Articles
- Wisdom 7 – The Wonders of the Human Body in Nahj al-Balagha
- Wisdom 7 – Nahj al-Balagha, Imam Ali (A.S.)
- The Human Body as a Sign of Divine Creation
- Self-Knowledge as the Path to Knowing Allah
- The Illuminated Path: Commentary on the Wisdoms of Nahj al-Balagha – Wisdom 7