Article appeared Friday, September 18th, 2015 in The News Today, Bangladesh

The Revelation (394)

yousuf mahbubul Islam, PhD

Do we give weight to the words that we read or the words that we speak? In other words, do we
link the meaning of words to our personal life and the activities that we carry out from day to
day? For example, if one says, I believe in the Creator, do these words carry any weight in our
day to day activities?
If we want to work out the possible significance of these words, how could we start? One way
would be to revisit the meaning of the keywords. There are three main words, I, believe and
Creator. Notice that the verb believe links the two nouns I and Creator together. Looking up
the dictionary, the noun I is defined as a pronoun which is used by a speaker to refer to himself
or herself and in metaphysics, it refers to the subject or object of self-consciousness, the ego.
Next, let us look up the word, Creator. The Merriam-Webster dictionary {1} and thesaurus {2}
defines Creator as one that creates usually by bringing something new or original into being and
the ruler of the universe. The thesaurus includes the synonyms Allah, Almighty, Eternal,
Everlasting, God, Jehovah, Lord, Maker, Supreme Being and Yahweh. Believe is defined {3} as
to accept or regard (something) as true, genuine or real. So, considering the three words
together, the person making such a statement believes that the Creator is genuine and real.
If the Creator is real, what significance does it carry for the person claiming belief? By virtue of
the statement, the person making the declaration of belief accepts or links the fact that he/she is
created, i.e., he/she has been brought into existence from nothing by the Creator. What does
bringing into existence from nothing mean? As humans, whatever we have and feel including
whatever exists around us has been conceptualized, designed and brought into existence from
nothing. This also means that knowledge and ability to act freely based on analysis of available
knowledge has also been created. Those who want to confirm their assumptions regarding the
Creator have relevant information, sent by way of revelation through selected humans, for their
evaluation. For example, those who wonder why they were created, for them Allah provides the
following Verse in the Quran.
It is He Who brought you out from the wombs of your mothers when you knew nothing;
and He gave you hearing and sight and intelligence and affections: that you may give
thanks (to Allah). [16.78]
The Verse comprehensively not only informs where we were created (wombs), it also reveals
the purpose of creation showing gratitude for being given intelligent existence. It also tells us
that there was a point of time that we knew nothing (i.e., indicating that we did not exist in our
current form). This means the Creator gave us knowledge created by Him and means to
analyze that knowledge using the tools of hearing, sight, intelligence and subsequently be
grateful using our feelings.
How should humans use their given intelligence? Along with the concept of the Creator, to test
our intelligence, He has created the concept of false gods. We need to use our analytical ability
to distinguish the ability of the objects that we attach ourselves to. The moment we come to
terms with the reality of the Creator and the fact that the revelation is a direct communication
from the Creator strong emotions should take place in our hearts. The Quran (collection of
revealed Verses to be read, compiled in the form of a Book) informs us of this moment.
Allah has revealed (from time to time) the most beautiful message in the form of a Book
consistent with itself (yet) repeating (its teaching in various aspects): the skins of those
who fear their Lord tremble (when they realize that the Verses are directly from Allah);
subsequently their skins and their hearts do soften when they celebrate the praises of

Allah (i.e., come to terms with the wisdom and love of Allah). Such is the guidance of
Allah: (with the Verses) He guides whom He pleases but such as Allah leaves to stray
have none to guide. [39.23]
The Verse bears witness to Allahs in-depth knowledge of His creation the Quran therefore
not only details the nature of humans, it is also a guide. Those who care to work out the reality
of the Creator apply the meaning of the Quran to their lives and are grateful for the existence
that He has given. How should the Creator treat those who do right by Him, i.e., are righteous?

13.35 The parable (example or description) of Paradise, which the righteous

have been promised, is (that) beneath it rivers flow. Its fruit is lasting, i.e.,
perpetual is the enjoyment thereof and the shade therein. That is the
consequence or end for the righteous, and the consequence for the disbelievers
is the Fire.
Those who do not care to separate the Creator from other powers, e.g., wealth, status, idols
and demonstrate appropriate gratitude will be in trouble they will not have fulfilled the purpose
of their creation.

13.36 And (the believers among) those to whom We have given the (previous)
Scripture rejoice at what has been revealed to you, (O, Muhammad), but among
the (opposing) factions (sects) are those who reject (deny) a part of it (the current
Scripture, i.e., the Quran). Say, "I have only been commanded to worship Allah
and not to join partners (or associate anything) with Him. To Him I invite and to
Him is my return."
As Allah has made everything from nothing, it is only He who has independent power. All
qualities of created objects are given by Him alone. As He has also created knowledge, humans
are in no position to contest or ignore the knowledge given in the Quran.

13.37 And thus have We have revealed it (the current Scripture, i.e., the Quran)
to be a judgment of authority (or legislation) in Arabic (as the current Prophet is
an Arab). And if you should follow their desires (or inclinations that direct away
from the Creator) after the knowledge (given in the Quran) has reached you, then
you will find neither protector nor defender against Allah.
If one manages to annoy the Creator, is there any power that can protect or defend a wrong
doer against Him?

13.38 We did send apostles (those who carry the Words of Allah) before you (O,
Muhammad) and assigned to them wives and children (i.e., they were normal
human beings). And it was not for a messenger to come with a Sign except as
Allah permitted (or commanded). For each period is a Book (or decree revealed).
As and when needed, Allah has revealed verses through normal humans specially chosen as
messengers. The Quran, being the final revelation, fulfills the information needs of humans
completely.
----------{Notes}:
{1} http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/creator
{2} http://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/creator
{3} http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/believe
{4} http://www.azquotes.com/quote/823335