Article appeared Friday, December 12th, 2014 in The News Today, Bangladesh

The Revelation (357)

yousuf mahbubul Islam, PhD

Is the Creator dependent on the worship of human beings? For example, is the Creators need
fulfilled by carrying out religious rituals or by simply saying, I believe in the Creator? In other
words, does wearing religious apparel benefit the Creator in any way?
The question is difficult to answer, particularly when the show of a religious exterior and the
outwardly show of religious rituals have gained so much popularity. To find a meaningful answer
we may look deeper into the question. One of the concepts that need to be analyzed is the
relationship between the Creator and His creation. To get a feel for this relationship, we may
consider the relationship between a manufacturer and his product just as an analogy. There are
a number of aspects of the analogy that need to be analyzed. The analysis can be done by
posing relevant questions. The first: Is the manufacturer dependent on the product? Or would
the product be dependent on the manufacturer for design, manufacture, maintenance, parts
and/or upgrades?
The second: How should a user treat the logo or emblem of the manufacturer? Before using the
product, should the user remove the logo? Or should the user proudly display the brand of the
manufacturer? The third: Would the manufacturer leave the users in the dark about how to use
the product? Or should the manufacturer provide a users manual and guide? The guide would
outline the purpose as well as show how to get the best use of the product. The guide would be
an elaboration of only what the user needs to know about the product it would not be the
complete technical blueprint. However, product knowledge may be contain extracts from the
blueprint and a simplified elaboration on the areas that a user needs for daily use.
Can we run away from the similarity between the analogy and the prevailing situation between
the Creator and mankind? The Creator has sent messengers throughout the ages and guidance
in the form of the Holy Scriptures. The Scriptures inform us of the purpose of the intelligent life
that we are leading and how to get the best use of our temporary life on earth. Let us turn to the
last and the finally revealed Holy Scripture, the Quran, to find answers to relevant questions.
First, let us look at what the Quran says about its own origin and purpose. The first Verse of
Chapter 11 (Sura Hud) informs us of the source.

11.1 Alif Lam Ra. (this is from) a Book whose verses are perfected and then
presented in detail from One Who is Wise and Well-Acquainted.
The Verses are from a Book whose verses or design concepts have been perfected by One
who is most Wise and well Acquainted with all things, i.e., who else can it be other than our Lord
and Creator? After taking these verses from the reference or place identified as Alif Lam Ra in
the main Book with the Creator [43.4], the verses have been explained or elaborated for
mankind in the Quran to read, comprehend and apply.

11.2 (It teaches through a messenger, saying), that you should worship none but
Allah, "Verily I am (sent) to you from Him to warn and to bring glad tidings:
How and why should one worship Allah alone? The website {1} defines worship as, the
performance of devotional acts in the honor of a deity, i.e., activities carried out in recognition
and in reverence to acknowledge the Creators Contribution to the existence, support and
blessings human beings are constantly enjoying. Having created us and given all we have, it is
the Creators right to be worshipped by human beings this is just, proper and righteous. So

those who do not wish to demonstrate gratitude by worshipping the Creator are warned of
severe consequences on the Day of Judgment a Day where the justice of each individual
towards the Creator will be on trial.
As for the purpose of intelligent life, we find the following Verse,
When your Lord extracted from the loins of Adam children and their descendants He
made them testify by asking: 'Am I not your Lord?' They said: 'Yes, we testify to it.'
[This was] in case you say on the Day of Judgment: 'We were unaware of this.' [7.172]
Because of this, when in serious trouble, we intuitively know who to turn to; however,
subsequently overlook to thank Him directly for His Intervention. The purpose of human beings
is to use their intelligence to testify to the role of the Creator in all aspects of daily life.
Celebrate the Praises of your Lord and pray for His Forgiveness: for He is OftReturning (in Grace and Mercy). [110.3]
If one does not do so regularly and has not done so previously, now is the time,

11.3 Seek the forgiveness of your Lord and turn to Him in repentance; that He
may grant you enjoyment good (and true) for a term appointed (on earth) and
bestow His abounding grace (subsequently) on all who are doers of good! But if
you turn away then I fear for you the Punishment of a Great Day:
On the Day of Judgment, we will stand before Him to account for the opportunity given to prove
our fairness towards Him and acknowledge the wisdom of His Commandments. There will be no
escape whatsoever.

11.4 To Allah is your return and He has power over all things.
So does the Creator need to be worshipped by human beings?
And if any strive (with might and main) they do so for their own souls: for Allah is free
of all needs from all creation. Those who believe and work righteous deeds from them
shall We blot out all evil (that may be) in them and We shall reward them according to
the best of their deeds. [29.6 29.7]
The gratitude any human being expresses towards the Creator only serves to show his/her
fairness. The purpose of creating human intelligence with feelings is so that we attach ourselves
to the Creator out of love and affection for Him and become human beings who recognize Him
for what He is and do what would please Him.
O you people! Adore your Guardian-Lord who created you and those who came before
you so that you may have the chance to learn righteousness. [2.21]
As implored by Jesus [Mark 12:30, Luke 10:27, Matthew 22:27] we should adore our Creator
with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. If we do not, He will surely know as Allah warns,

11.5 Behold! They fold up their hearts that they may lie hidden from Him! Ah!
Even when they cover themselves with their garments He knows what they
conceal and what they reveal: for He knows well the (inner most secrets) of the
hearts.
----{Notes}:
{1} http://www.islamweb.net/emainpage/index.php?page=articles&id=134507