The reality of the matter is that the servant needs the knowledge and guidance he asks for: he seeks and supplicates. Through remembering Allah and acknowledging his need for Him, Allah guides him and shows him the way, as He said:

“My servants, all of you are astray except those whom I have guided. So seek My guidance, and I will guide you.”

Likewise, the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, used to say:

“O Allah, Lord of Gabriel, Michael, and Isrāfīl, Originator of the heavens and the earth, Knower of the unseen and the seen! You judge between Your servants concerning that over which they differ. Guide me, by Your permission, to the truth concerning which I differ. Indeed, You guide whom You will to a straight path.”

This is further clarified by the fact that someone seeking knowledge through inquiry, inference, reflection, and contemplation cannot acquire it unless he examines evidence that gives him knowledge of what it indicates. Whenever knowledge is acquired through inquiry, the person conducting that inquiry must already possess some knowledge held in mind and firmly established in his heart, whose acquisition requires no inquiry. What is already known thus becomes the foundation and means for the reflection through which he seeks to know something else.

For this reason, remembrance concerns Allah, for He, glorified be He, is the known Truth, whereas reflection concerns His creation, as Allah Most High said:

“Those who remember Allah while standing, sitting, or lying on their sides, and reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth.”

A report also states:

“Reflect on what is created, and do not reflect on the Creator.”

For thought and assessment proceed through illustrative examples and analogies, and these concern things that resemble one another—namely, created things.