{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Episode 335: The Spectrum of the Human Soul [95:4-5]","description":"Allah tells us: \u201cTruly We created the human being in the most beautiful stature (ahsanu taqw\u012bm). Then We cast him to the lowest of the low.\u201d (95:4\u20135) These verses outline the full spectrum of the human condition. The word taqw\u012bm comes from qawwama \u2014 to shape, form, arrange in balance. Scholars explain that ahsanu taqw\u012bmrefers not only to our outward form, but to our inner potential \u2014 harmony, balance, moral and spiritual beauty. We were created with the capacity for outward and inward excellence. Yet the next verse reminds us that we can also descend to asfala s\u0101fil\u012bn \u2014 the lowest of the low \u2014 when we fail to live in alignment with our fitrah. This descent is not automatic. It is chosen, moment by moment. Most of us live somewhere along this spectrum daily \u2014 sometimes aligned with our higher selves, sometimes pulled toward our lower tendencies. This verse is both humbling and hopeful. We can fall. But we can also turn back. Reflection: Where in my life am I closer to living in alignment with my \u201cmost beautiful stature\u201d? Where am I misaligned? What small habits are elevating me? What small habits are lowering me? What baby step can I choose today? If this reflection benefits you, subscribe, share it with someone who may need it, and please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.   ","author_name":"Loving and Living the Quran","author_url":"http:\/\/marziahassan.libsyn.com\/webpage","html":"