Article appeared Friday, May 13th, 2016 in The News Today, Bangladesh

The Revelation (426)

yousuf mahbubul Islam, PhD

There was a point in time when we individually did not exist. Now we exist. We not only exist,
we are enjoying the benefits of an intelligent existence. Human beings have at their disposal all
the resources available on earth. In addition, the earth has innumerable systems that directly or
indirectly support our existence. For example, Bhushan Karmarkar {1} writes that the earth not
only has a suitable and appropriate atmosphere, its temperature, its water, the sunlight
available, the process of photosynthesis, the right moon, the right core, the right neighbors are
all conducive to life. In particular, regarding the earths temperature he says,
Earth has a suitable temperature (amount of heat). Earth is situated from the sun at
such a distance, that it receives the perfect amount of solar energy from the sun, such
that the life can be sustained. The temperature is maintained by the moderate amount of
carbon dioxide in the planet's atmosphere, which is constantly refreshed whenever there
is a volcanic eruption. The temperature on Earth does not go from one extreme to the
other either. Mercury can be anything from 200C below freezing to 375C above. At
375C, water would only exist as a gas, and the planet would be completely dry. Venus
has a surface temperature of 480C, which would be much too hot for anybody to live in.
Mars, although it can reach 25C, can be as cold as -140C, a temperature which would
freeze blood and water. The other planets are even colder. {1}
We see that out of all the planets in the Solar System only earth has habitable temperature
conditions. All other systems on earth similarly support our existence conditions that only exist
on earth {1}. So the planet earth is different from all other planets with life support systems that
other planets do not have. Why do the systems on the earth specifically happen to be different?
Such an arrangement can only be by deliberate design, i.e., conceptualized, designed in an
integrated manner, implemented and maintained for humans and other created life forms. Who,
then, is behind this creation? Searching the Quran for an answer to this question we find the
same question and the answer,
Say, "Who is it that sustains you (in life) from the sky and from the earth? Or who is it
that has power over all hearing and sight? And who is it that brings out the living from the
dead and the dead from the living? And who is it that arranges every matter?" They will
soon say, "Allah." Ask, "Will you not then show piety (to Him)?" [10.31]
So, a Supreme Being who calls Himself Allah has created all systems on earth and in the
atmosphere to sustain us. He has arranged things so that we can observe and contemplate.
When we begin to exist, it is He who has brought us into existence. And when we die, it is He
who will take our lives, i.e., it is He who brings out the living from the dead and the dead out
from the living. Not only that, the Verse enjoins us to pose the question, Who is it that sustains
you from the sky and from the earth? Having found the answer, Allah instructs us to pose a
logical question, Will you not then show piety? If we work out and realize that we owe our
existence and the opportunities life offers to our Creator Allah, what should our attitude be
towards Him? As an analogy, if the painting Mona Lisa could work out the contribution of
Leonardo da Vinci to its existence, what attitude should she have towards him?
Further, if we wanted to know the nature and power of our Creator, the following Verse
enlightens us how He creates,

16.40 Indeed, our word to a thing when We intend it, is but that We say to it, "Be"
and it is.

All the Creator has to do to create, is to say, Be and it becomes. All we need and want is
therefore in His Hands. Is there anyone or anything other than Allah that we need to fear or
show allegiance? As there are many objects (beings and things) we feel have influence over our
lives, Allah asks the following logical question.
Say, "Of your partners can any originate creation and repeat it?" Say: "It is Allah Who
originates Creation and repeats it: then how are you misled (from the truth)?" [10.34]
Those who show piety to Allah and express their allegiance to Him alone often land in trouble
with those around them so much so that they may have to leave their homes.

16.41 To those who leave their homes in the cause of Allah after suffering
oppression We will assuredly give a goodly home in this world: but truly the
reward of the Hereafter will be greater if they only realize (this)!
Without leaving their homes, it is better to be patient and trust Allah. This would serve as a proof
of belief and bring greater rewards from Allah as they would have put up with oppression for the
sake of Allah and have demonstrated complete trust in Him.

16.42 (They are) those who persevere in patience and put their trust on their
Lord.
16.43 And before you (O, Muhammad), also the apostles We sent were but men
to whom We granted inspiration: if you realize this not ask of those who possess
the Message.
The test of the life on earth is our individual attitude towards our Creator who cherishes and
sustains us. The job of messengers and apostles is simply to remind us of the gratitude due and
duty towards Him.

16.44 (We sent them) with Clear Signs (proofs) and Books (documented
revelation); and We have sent down to you (also) the Message (in the form of the
Quran); so that you may explain clearly to men what is sent for them and that
they may give thought.
It is important that we ask questions on the benefits and pleasures that we are deriving from the
life given. We should ask ourselves why He has taken the trouble to create each individually. If
we demonstrate ingratitude and create theories that divert thinking away from the Creator, what
may He do? For example, in our daily activities when the fact or signs of Allah are shared or
discussed, if someone says, Oh, but thats all to do with the spiritual world we live in a real
and practical world!; what would happen? Would people tend to get diverted?

16.45 Do then, those who devise evil (plots) feel secure that Allah will not cause
the earth to swallow them up or that the Wrath will not seize them from directions
they little perceive?
16.46 Or that He may not call them to account in the midst of their goings to and
fro without a chance of their frustrating Him?
Allah asks, can anything prevent Him from withdrawing the opportunity of life and blessings
given? He can call us (give death) whenever He pleases.