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Article appeared Friday, November 28th, 2014 in The News Today, Bangladesh

The Revelation (355)

yousuf mahbubul Islam, PhD

When faced with a choice, how do we choose? Do we apply our intelligence to choose the best
option, i.e., the option which would benefit us the most? For example, when investors are
looking for a project to invest, how do they use their intelligence to decide? A convenient method
is to find out which project gives the maximum Return on Investment (or ROI), i.e., which project
is likely to return the largest profit in the long run. In addition to the ROI, they may consider other
factors, such as risk, i.e., likelihood of failure of the project, to eventually select the best option
that suits them. In the end, the choice may simply boil down to a personal preference.
Sometimes, instead of a personal preference, we may choose to use our intelligence to work
out what may please others. For example, when we wear clothes, the choice may depend on
what might please others. Similarly, when we buy gifts, the choice may depend on what may
benefit or please others. If the gift subsequently pleases, we derive satisfaction. Put in another
way, intelligence plays a major part in all the decisions we take.
Similarly, when the Creator decided to conceptualize and arrange the life and growth of each
individual human being, was intelligence involved? Did He make the effort to work out what
would please each individual? As discussed by Nouman Ali Khan {1}, the name used by the
Creator to introduce Himself to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and to Prophet Moses (pbuh) was
Rabb. One of the meanings of this all-encompassing name is the One who nurtures growth to
completion or satisfaction. So what has our Rabb done to enable the individual human beings
derive satisfaction? Having created intelligent processing, He arranges alternatives, permits
free-will to choose, enables implementation of the choice made, grants success and allows
pleasure and satisfaction. All this adds to our experience and growth as individuals. We are then
subsequently free either to express gratitude to our Rabb or feel that the credit is due to
ourselves.
A little reflection will show that nothing can happen by itself. Nor can objects or situations that do
not exist create themselves. Each of us has a personality that is unique and distinct from all
others. We enjoy food that suit our personal tastes and are able to do things that give us
pleasure. A little thought will show that to derive pleasure, food and work have to be designed to
match each individual taste. Further thought will show that unique and distinct personalities
cannot be random they can only be the result of deliberate choice and purposeful design.
Which part of this design can a human being credit himself or herself? On the contrary, what
does it imply if a human being credits himself or herself for the success?
So a human being has the option or choice of using his/her intelligence to decide whom to
credit. One may be righteous and give credit where it is due or be unrighteous and give credit to
others either oneself or any other object. While enjoying so many blessings, it is grossly unjust
not to credit the Creator. The question is how should the Creator react to those who deny His
Favors? For those who use their intelligence to deny His Role, He says in the Quran, that they
will not believe
Even if every Sign was brought to them until they see (for themselves) that the Penalty
is Grievous (i.e., the Hell Fire during the Day of Judgment). [10.97]
At the same time, He says that the number of disbelievers is large. So much so, that He had to
destroy entire populations and townships, such as the people of Prophet Noah (pbuh).

10.98 Why was there not a single township (among those We warned) which
believed so its Faith should have profited it except the people of Jonah? When
they believed We removed from them the Penalty of Ignominy in the life of the
Present and permitted them to enjoy (their life) for a while.
When Prophet Jonah (pbuh) was returned to his people, they believed.
And We sent him (on a mission) to a hundred thousand (men) or more. And they
believed; so We permitted them to enjoy (their life) for a while. [37.147 37.148]
Our Rabb has chosen to create and give free-will. It is He who has given human beings
intelligence and an opportunity to independently recognize Him and establish His Truth.

10.99 If it had been the Lord's Will they would have believed, all who are on
earth! Will you then compel mankind against their will to believe?
The purpose of our sojourn on earth is to use our intelligence to learn about our Rabb and give
credit where it is due, i.e., learn to be righteous.
O you people! Adore your Guardian-Lord who created you and those who came before
you that you may have the chance to learn righteousness. [2.21]
We have been give options both to disbelieve and believe. Those who refuse to use their
intelligence to acknowledge the Creator, He extends the opportunities to continue to disbelieve.

10.100 No soul can believe except by the Will of Allah and He will place Doubt (or
obscurity) on those who will not understand.
The job of the human being is to use his/her intelligence to examine the wonders of His Creation
and acknowledge His Greatness in relation to what He has chosen to do for us.

10.101 Say: "Behold all that is in the heavens and on earth"; but neither Signs
nor Warners profit those who believe not.
Our Rabb asks, what exactly would convince disbelievers about Him? Would denying the
Creator be of greater benefit?

10.102 Do they then expect (anything) but (what happened in) the days of the
men who passed away before? Say: "Wait then: for I too will wait with you."
On earth, our intelligence has more than enough opportunity to comprehend the truth.
Therefore, He asks,
How can you reject the faith in Allah? Seeing that you were without life and He gave
you life; then will He cause you to die and will again bring you to life; and again to Him
will you return. [2.28]
For those who believe and do righteous deeds are Gardens as hospitable homes for
their (good) deeds. [32.19]

10.103 In the end We will deliver Our apostles and those who believe: thus is it
fitting on Our part that We should deliver those who believe!
-----{Notes}:
{1} What does the word Rabb mean? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naTtQWIXuxA

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