Article appeared Friday, November 18th, 2011 in The News Today, Bangladesh

The Revelation (204)

yousuf mahbubul Islam, PhD

Is it true that we are created? If we are, what does it mean to be created? To understand the concept of being created we need to examine our situation from the point-of-view of a created product. A created product must have: a creator, a maker or a manufacturer a blueprint, a design or a specification a designed purpose a user manual, a guidebook or a trouble shooting manual If we are created, should we similarly have a creator, a blueprint, a purpose and a users manual? However, products do not normally have free-will and independent intelligence. Generally, only the one who creates can be attributed to have free-will and independent intelligence! This is where the following verse from the Genesis chapter of the Bible can be put into a meaningful context. So God created man in his own image [Genesis 1:27, NIV] {1} Our Creator has made us in His own image by giving us a free-will and independent intelligence! As products, He has also designed us individually, given each a unique personality with individual skills. Additionally, He has left it to our individual judgment to decide whether He deserves, praise for making us in His own image? adoration for giving us existence? gratitude for allowing us to taste and enjoy our unique lives? With all the benefits that we are constantly enjoying, should we do these things and remain loyal and faithful to our Creator? As products, what might happen if we are not loyal and not faithful to Him? As a confirmation, our Creator tells us the purpose for which we have been designed, in the Quran: 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] If we believe that we have been created, then O, you who believe! Bow down, prostrate yourselves and adore your Lord; and do good; that you may prosper. [22.77] As the Quran is the most recent Revelation from our Creator, it may be considered as the most recent or updated manufacturers guidebook or users manual for mankind. During the time that the Quran was being revealed, our Creator confirmed that loyalty and faithfulness to the Creator is the only religion that has been revealed through the ages, The same religion has He established for you as that which He enjoined on Noah that which We have sent by inspiration to you (O, Muhammad) and that which We enjoined on Abraham, Moses, and Jesus: namely that you should remain steadfast in Religion and make no divisions in it: to those who worship other things than Allah hard is the (way) to which you call them. Allah chooses to Himself those whom He Pleases and Guides to Himself those who turn (to Him). [42.13] So the firm Guidance is: So set your face steadily and truly to the faith and establish Allah's handiwork according to the pattern on which He has made mankind: no change (you will find) in the

laws created by Allah: that is the standard Religion: but most among mankind understand not. [30.30] Unfortunately, since our Creator has given free-will, there would be those with divided loyalties, i.e. in addition acknowledging the Creator, people may devote themselves to other objects, e.g. money, themselves, idols, religious leaders, prophets or even to imagined family of the Creator seeking favors. If we believe, we must help ourselves and others understand that no other object has any power to grant favors the essence of the First Commandment of every religion. While trying to spread the word of the Creator, however, one may face serious opposition. One may become the subject of defamation, be put into difficulties and may also be attacked. During such times of trial, which also happen to be trials for our enemies, our Creator Allah tells us that we should not show any signs of weakness.

4.104 And slacken not in following up the enemy: if you are suffering hardships they are suffering similar hardships; but you have hope from Allah while they have none. And Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom.
If we have the intention to remain exclusively loyal, we will have the Creator on our side, He will Help and Protect us. It is He who grants success. The same Verse has been translated by Qutb (1999) {2} as, Do not be faint of heart when you seek out the [enemy] host. If you happen to suffer pain, they also suffer pain as you do; while you hope to receive from God what they can never hope for. God is indeed All-Knowing, Wise. [4.104] So our Creator is completely aware of what is going on. It is through such trials that a believers loyalty and faith are tested. A believer proves his faith by being persistent and steadfast.

4.105 We have sent down to you the Book in truth that you may judge between men as guided by Allah: so be not (used) as an advocate by those who betray their trust.
The most recent Revelation, the Quran, should be used as Guidance in all matters. A believer should not be distracted by justifications or logic offered by those disloyal or unfaithful to the Creator. Those that offer logic against the Creator, betray the purpose for which they have been made.

4.106 But seek the forgiveness of Allah; for Allah is Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful.
The best route is to attempt understand Revelation and seek forgiveness from the Creator for divided loyalties demonstrated in the past.

4.107 Contend not on behalf of such as betray their own souls: for Allah loves not one given to perfidy and crime.
The plotting of those with divided loyalties is carefully observed. We should not make excuses for them. Each of us is accountable for where we individually place our faith. We shall all have to face our Creator on the Day of Judgment!

4.108 They may hide (their crimes) from men but they cannot hide (them) from Allah seeing that He is in their midst when they plot by night in words that He cannot approve: and Allah does closely watch all that they do.
---{Notes}: {1} http://bible.cc/genesis/1-27.htm {2} Qutb, S. (1999). In the Shade of Quran. Translated by M.A. Salahi and A. A. Shamis, Vol.3, Markfield, Leicester and Nairobi, Kenya: The Islamic Foundation.