Article appeared Friday, August 13th, 2010 in The News Today, Bangladesh

The Revelation (143) yousuf mahbubul Islam, PhD

What is dedication? Do people dedicate themselves to their jobs, their bosses and hobbies? Do
people dedicate themselves to a cause? What does dedication involve? Why do people
dedicate themselves, e.g. why does one dedicate himself/herself to a boss?

Similarly, should one dedicate himself/herself to the Creator? Why? Compared to a boss, has
the Creator done anything for the individual? Regarding this, what does the most recent
Revelation remind us about?
“It is We who have placed you with authority on earth and provided you therein with
means for the fulfillment of your life: small are the thanks that you give!” [7.10]

What does the phrase “with authority” mean? Allah Asks each individual to contemplate:
“Do you not see that Allah has subjected to your (use) all things in the heavens and on
earth and has made His bounties flow to you in exceeding measure (both) seen and
unseen?...” [31.20]

What does the phrase “means for the fulfillment of your life” mean?
“That it is He Who gives wealth and satisfaction;” [53.48]

So Allah has not only given each individual skills; He has Given resources with which efforts can
be made to achieve eventual success in goals desired. It is He Who finally grants success and
the satisfaction of achievement. Therefore Allah commands:
“To each is a goal to which Allah turns him; then strive together (as in a race) toward all
that is good...” [2.148]

To remove any lurking doubts, Allah confirms:

“"If Allah touches you with affliction none can remove it but He; if He touch you with
happiness He has power over all things.” [6.17]

So, coming back to the question, should one dedicate themselves to the Creator? Rephrasing
the question, should one love the blessings more than the Creator? Sadly, however, the latest
Revelation gives us feedback on the facts:
“This because they love the life of this world better than the Hereafter: and Allah will not
guide those who reject faith.” [16.107]

Is it lack of belief in the Hereafter that promotes love of the present life? If one believes, is it
difficult to imagine that a Creator Who has gone to the length of arranging the opportunity of
“satisfaction” for each individual would arrange a better place than earth where righteous people
are above the unrighteous? What should a Just Creator do? To help one understand, William
Howard Taft (1857 – 1930), 27th President and 10th Chief Justice of the United States, put this in
context:
“I love judges, and I love courts. They are my ideals that typify on earth what we shall
meet hereafter in heaven under a just God.” {1}

To help us understand the place of material things on earth:

“The (material) things which you are given are but the conveniences of this life and the
glitter thereof; but that which is with Allah is better and more enduring: will you not then
be wise?” [28.60]

Further, Allah explains the purpose of the life on earth:

 “Allah will not leave the believers in the state in which they are now until He separates
what is evil from what is good. Nor will He disclose to you the secrets of the Unseen. But
He Chooses of His apostles (those who promote the truth) whom He Pleases. So
believe in Allah and His Apostles: and if you believe and do right you have a reward
without measure.” [3.179]

Apostles are all those who promote the truth of the Creator and remind people of the temporary
nature of this world and what waits in the Hereafter. Apostles come from all walks of life with
differing personalities. They have however, one thing in common – they are all grateful and
devote themselves to the Creator. As such, they all provide examples of how one can devote
oneself to the Creator. Some of these people Allah raised to the level of prophets. The prophets
were required to say words to the following effect:

3.31 “Say: "If you do love Allah follow me: Allah will love you and forgive you
your sins for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."”

3.32 “Say: "Obey Allah and His Apostle"; but if they turn back Allah loves not
those who reject Faith.”
Just as the Creator is asking mankind to follow Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in the above Verse,
all prophets were asked to do the same during their time. For example,
“When Jesus came with Clear Signs he said: "Now have I come to you with Wisdom in
order to make clear to you some of the (points) on which you dispute: therefore fear
Allah and obey me. For Allah; He is my Lord and your Lord: so worship Him (alone): this
is the Straight Way."” [43.63 – 43.64]

Allah tells us whom He Chose to be prophets.

3.33 “Allah did choose Adam and Noah, the family of Abraham and the family of
Imran above all people.”
Why did He Choose these people? As an example, Allah tells us about Ismail, the first born son
of Abraham.
“Also mention in the Book (the story of) Ismail: He was (strictly) true to what he
promised and he was an apostle (and) a prophet. He used to enjoin on his people
Prayer and Charity and he was most acceptable in the sight of his Lord.” [19.54 – 19.55]

Likewise, feel the dedication and the understanding in Abraham’s prayer:

“"O our Lord! I have made some of my offspring to dwell in a valley without cultivation
near your Sacred House; in order O our Lord that they may establish regular prayer: so
fill the hearts of some among men with love towards them and feed them with Fruits: so
that they may give thanks.” [14.37]

3.34 “Offspring one of the other; and Allah hears and knows all things.”
“That was a people that have passed away. They shall reap the fruit of what they did
and you of what you do! Of their merits there is no question in your case.” [2.141]

“And keep your soul content with those who call on their Lord morning and evening
seeking His Face; and let not your eyes pass beyond them seeking the pomp and glitter
of this Life; nor obey any whose heart We have permitted to neglect the remembrance of
Us, one who follows his own desires, whose case has gone beyond all bounds.” [18.28]

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{Notes}:
{1} http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/w/williamhow390210.html