Article appeared Friday, January 28th, 2011 in The News Today, Bangladesh

The Revelation (164) yousuf mahbubul Islam, PhD

When an individual spends effort, time and money to set up a company and gives people
employment, what could be the possible motivation? Would it be just profit or could the
motivation also be to earn a name as a founder and owner of the company? Further, should
the person differentiate between grateful employees who promote the objectives of the owner
and those who are ungrateful as well as deny the rights of the owner?

Similarly, from the point-of-view of the Creator, could or even should there be a motivation
behind creating human beings and putting all support systems on earth together? Before
examining the possible motivation, what kind of effort has the Creator had to put in to create
every little detail? The most recent Revelation, the Qur’an reveals the magnitude of design:
“And if all the trees on earth were pens and the oceans (were ink) with seven oceans
behind it to add to its (supply) yet would not the Words of Allah be exhausted (in the
writing): for Allah is exalted in Power, Full of Wisdom.” [31.27]

Like the owner of the company, having put in so much work, would it be unjust for the Creator to
want to be acknowledged for His Handiwork?
“Do they not reflect in their own minds? Not but for just ends (i.e. establishing the truth
of the Creator) for a term appointed did Allah create the heavens and the earth and all
between them:…[30.8a]

How should the Creator look upon those who speak the truth about the Creator?
“Then strive in the cause of Allah and know that Allah hears and knows all things.”
[2.244]

“Invite (all) to the way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with
them in ways that are best and most gracious: for thy Lord knows best who has strayed
from His Path and who receive Guidance.” [16.125]

Again, after enjoying all the benefits of employment, would it be unjust for the owner to hold
employees to account for their actions towards the company? Similarly, after enjoying all the
benefits of being created, would it be unjust for the Creator to hold man accountable for his/her
attitude towards Him?
“…yet are there truly many among men who deny the meeting with their Lord (at the
Resurrection)!” [30.8b]

“Did you then think that We have created you in jest and that you would not be brought
back to Us (for account)?” [23.115]

Would it be just and right to praise and give credit to the Creator for all that we have?
“It is Allah Who has made for you the earth as a (temporary) resting place and the sky
as a canopy and has given you shapes and made your shapes beautiful and has
provided for you Sustenance of things pure and good such is Allah your Lord. So Glory
to Allah the Lord of the Worlds!” [40.64]

In the subsequent Verse, Allah informs us of His Motivation, i.e. what our reaction should be
towards the Creator and the enjoyment of life:
“He is the Living (One): There is no god but He: Call upon Him giving Him sincere
devotion…” [40.65]

“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]
 “That is Allah your Lord! There is no god but He, the Creator of all things: then worship
Him: and He is the only One who has Power to Dispose of all affairs.” [6.102]

Being the Creator, what is the relationship between Him and creation? Is He the Owner? Is the
Creator dependent on man for anything?
“To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth: for verily Allah He is free of all
wants, worthy of all Praise.” [22.64]

We are all individually accountable to Him.

“And your creation or your resurrection is but as an individual soul: for Allah is He Who
hears and sees (all things).” [31.28]

He has made each of us unique, with individual skills and a personality:

“Then We made the sperm into a clot of congealed blood; then of that clot We made a
(fetus) lump; then We made out of that lump bones and clothed the bones with flesh;
then We developed out of it another creature: so blessed be Allah the Best to create!”
[23.14]

“To each is a goal to which Allah turns him; then strive together (as in a race) toward all
that is good. Where ever you are Allah will bring you together. For Allah has power over
all things.” [2.148]

To help mankind understand accountability, Allah reminds us of events in our history:

3.137 “Many were the Ways of Life that have passed away before you: travel
through the earth and see the end of those who rejected the truth.”
Allah asks:
“Has not the story reached you of those who rejected faith aforetime? So they tasted the
evil result of their conduct; and they had a grievous Penalty.” [64.5]

For example,
“…the people of Noah when they rejected the apostles We drowned them and We made
them as a Sign for mankind; and We have prepared for (all) wrongdoers a grievous
Penalty.” [25.37]

3.138 “Here is a plain statement to men a guidance and instruction to those who
fear Allah!”
“Those that turn (to Allah) in repentance: that serve Him and Praise Him; that wander in
devotion to the Cause of Allah; that bow down and prostrate themselves in prayer; that
enjoin good and forbid evil; and observe the limits set by Allah; (these shall rejoice). So
proclaim the glad tidings to such Believers.” [9.112]

Allah will test the belief of each person. When Allah tests believers, Allah enjoins patience:

3.139 “So lose not heart nor fall into despair: for you must gain mastery if you are
true in faith.”
A believer must trust Allah completely. He/she should never have the feeling “that all is lost”.
Tests are only to separate believers from disbelievers – we are all safe in the Creator’s Hands.
Allah explains:

3.140 “If a wound has touched you, be sure that a similar wound has touched the
others. Such days (of varying fortunes) We give to men and men by turns: that
Allah may know those that believe and that He may take to Himself from your
ranks martyr-witnesses (to Truth). And Allah loves not those that do wrong.”