Article appeared Friday, April 24th, 2015 in The News Today, Bangladesh

The Revelation (375)

yousuf mahbubul Islam, PhD

If one wanted to manufacture a new type of car, how could he/she commence with the design?
One of the first things perhaps would be to decide what functions or functionality the new car
would have. For each function detailed drawings and designs would have to be worked out and
documented. For example, for the steering system, where the steering wheel would be placed,
how it would turn the tires, how much they would turn, the length and dimensions of each of the
parts. In addition, the required strength of each part would have to be specified so that the parts
dont break while turning. Similarly, all other parts have to be carefully designed and matched
with the relevant functions of the car. All systems would have to work in harmony with each
other, e.g., the steering system with the braking mechanism; the engine turning the tires while
allowing the braking system to work, etc.
So, before the car is manufactured, each component part needs to be carefully planned and
designed in an integrated manner. The documentation for the entire car could easily occupy
more than 10,000 pages. The design would contain how each part would work in unison with
other parts, and how metal parts would have to be greased and oiled to function effectively.
Also, whether the car would run on petrol, diesel or gas would also have to be specified. When
the car is finally manufactured and handed over to a user, should any part of the elaborate
documentation be given to the user? Would it be important for the user to know how to get the
best use of the car and its functions?
For the car, we see that there are two types of documentation the second being derived from
the first. The main one contains elaborate designs that engineers would use to build the car. The
second is for the users, on how to get the best use of the various functions of the car. The main
documentation or book could be called an engineering specification and the other a user
manual. The user manual may contain references to the main book to authenticate and
demonstrate the importance of the guidance or recommendations given.
Just like a car is full of functioning systems, do other things in the universe have functioning
parts, and in particular, what functions does a human body have? To name just a few {1}, each
human body has a nervous system, the skeletal system, the muscular system, the
cardiovascular system, the respiratory system, the sensory system, etc. In engineering design
terms, all these systems are accepted as miracles {2} in terms of their functionality. Not unlike
the functioning of a computer, all systems are intelligent and need input information from
sensors to function {1}. For example, the pupil of the eye adjusts to the amount of light available
{3}. Like other functions in the body, the working of the eye suggests an intelligent design and
manufacture. Each function of a car and of a human body has a purpose. Purposeful
functionality in both cases requires intelligent design. Can we run away without drawing an
analogy between the required design of a car and that of a human? If we accept this analogy,
the question that needs to be asked is whether the Designer or Creator would similarly produce
two documents a master blueprint as well as a user manual? And would the user manual
similarly refer to the master blueprint for authentication and value?
To answer these two questions, let us turn to the Quran and analyze the initial Verses of
Chapter 12 or Sura Yusuf.

12.1 Alif Lam Ra. These are the verses of the clear Book.
The verse is talking about two distinct entities. One is verses and the other is clear Book.
Verses obviously refer to the verses being read. Which clear Book is Verse 12.1 referring to?

Also, what have Alif, Lam, Ra to do with these two entities? To help answer these questions,
we find in another place in the Quran,
By the Book that makes things clear; We have made it a Qur'an in Arabic that you may
be able to understand (and learn wisdom). And verily it is in the Mother of the Book in
Our Presence high and full of wisdom. [43.2 43.4]
The verses have been revealed or quoted from the Mother of the Book or Mother Book which is
in the presence of the Creator and converted to a reading (i.e., Quran) in Arabic so that the
prophet at the time could understand, learn and explain to the Arabic speaking people.

12.2 We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur'an in order that you might
understand.
Had We sent this as a Qur'an (in a language) other than Arabic they would have said:
"Why are not its verses explained in detail? What? A Book not in Arabic and (the
Messenger) an Arab?" Say: "It is a guide and a healing to those who believe; [41.44]
So the verses are meant as guidance for those who have used their intelligence to work out that
they have been created, i.e., put together by a higher intelligence. The Being or the Creator has
sent verses from the Mother Book as a mercy for those who believe that they have been
created and seek guidance. The three Arabic letters, Alif, Lam and Ra could simply be
citing the place in the Mother Book from where the verses have been extracted. The place Alif
Lam Ra refers could simply be saying that mankind would be informed about their history to
take lesson from the doings of previous generations. And hence,

12.3 We do relate to you, the best of stories in what We have revealed to you this
(portion of the) Qur'an: before this you too were among those who knew it not.
12.4 Behold, Joseph (Yusuf) said to his father, "O my father! I did see (in my
dream) eleven stars and the sun and the moon; I saw them prostrating to me!"
In the dream, Allah is guiding Joseph to the purpose for which He created him. Josephs father
however warns that family may become his enemy, misguided by Satan, our common enemy.

12.5 Said (the father), "My (dear) little son! Relate not your vision to your
brothers lest they concoct a plot against you: for Satan is to man an avowed
enemy!
12.6 Thus will your Lord choose you and teach you the interpretation of stories
(dreams and events) and complete His favor upon you and upon the family of
Jacob, just as He completed it upon your fathers before, Abraham and Isaac! For
Allah is Knowing and Wise.
Allah guides each to His Purpose. History and dreams are a means of guidance. Whether or not
to fulfill his/her purpose is up to the individual. Allah further guides those who turn to Him and
seek His Help.

12.7 Verily, in Joseph and his brethren are Signs (or pointers) for seekers (of
Truth).
-----{Notes}:
{1} http://www.iptv.org/series.cfm/22658/miracle_human_body/ep:104/episodes
{2} http://www.hearttoheartassociates.com/miracle-body.htm
{3} http://www.exploratorium.edu/snacks/pupil/