Article appeared Friday, January 1st, 2016 in The News Today, Bangladesh

The Revelation (408)

yousuf mahbubul Islam, PhD

When we introduce someone, we usually say, please meet so and so. To complete the
introduction, we may continue to elaborate on the qualities of the person. While we introduce
others, however, have we ever thought of introducing ourselves to ourselves? For example,
have we ever thought of saying, meet me? If you did want to introduce yourself to yourself, what
would you say? What qualities would you talk about?
You may say a number of things about yourself. You may not, however, think of saying that in
addition to having five senses you are able to use your intelligence to analyze the input from
your senses, ask questions and find answers. You can also read and write and have the ability
to decide between right and wrong. Using these and other given resources, you have developed
a variety of skills and derive a degree of satisfaction from the life that you are living.
Perhaps you havent thought of yourself exactly in these terms. However, thinking about
ourselves, do we derive pleasure and satisfaction out of the life that we are living? To answer
this question, we may start by looking at our five senses. For example, using our eyes, we may
enjoy gazing at beautiful things, reading text and watching videos. Using our tongue, we may
enjoy tasting different types of foods and flavors. Using our ears, we may enjoy listening to
others talk and/or listening to music, etc. There are so many things that we may derive pleasure
from. So much so, often, the pursuit of pleasure becomes an overriding preoccupation of our
life. With all this, are there important questions that we should be asking?
What could be possible questions? For example, an important question would be, Should I be
grateful for these pleasures? Other questions would be, Why should I be grateful?; To whom
should I be grateful? and, How should I be grateful? Are these serious and important
questions? To help us understand the importance of these questions an entire chapter in the
Holy Quran gives the following warning,
The mutual rivalry for piling up (the good things of this world) diverts you (from the more
serious things) until you visit the graves. But no! You shall soon know (the reality). Again,
you soon shall know! No, if you only knew with the knowledge of certainty in your mind
(you would be wary). You shall certainly see Hellfire! Again, you shall see it with certainty
of sight! Then shall you be questioned on that Day about the joy (of pleasures you
indulged in)! [102.1 102.8]
Deriving pleasure without a thought to the source and origin of the opportunities to gain
pleasure will get us into serious trouble. To help us understand who has given us our individual
abilities and created the opportunities for enjoyment,
Say, "Travel through the earth and see how Allah did originate creation: so will Allah
produce a later creation: for Allah has power over all things (and is completely
competent to do so). [29.20]
Verse 20 of chapter 29 in the Quran asks us to study how Allah conceived, designed and
created everything. Using the same skills and powers, He will recreate us a second time this
time for a permanent life after the Day of Judgment. So He asks,
Say, "Of your partners' can anyone originate creation and repeat it?" Say, "It is Allah
Who originates Creation and repeats it: then how are you deluded away (from the
truth)?" [10.34]

It is Allah who has conceived, designed and created us; in addition He has arranged everything
so that we are able to derive satisfaction out of our existence. Our job is to be convinced about
the truth of this fact and become preoccupied with Him in whatever way we can. What should be
our attitude towards the One who has done so much for us?
And there is not a thing but its (sources and) treasures (inexhaustible) are with Us; but
We only send down thereof in due and ascertainable measures. [15.21]
Anything we give priority over and above the Creator is classified as a partner. Whatever we
see around us including ourselves is created to demonstrate the indulgence, skills and
blessings of the Creator. He has given mankind intelligence to appreciate this fact. An example
of how He has arranged things is given in the Verse below:

15.22 And We send the fertilizing winds then cause the rain to descend from the
sky therewith providing you with water (in abundance) though you are not the
guardians of its stores.
How do the winds know where to carry matching pollen for the fertilization of plants, also how do
the rains know when and where to fall to complete the Water Cycle? The Water Cycle and
Pollination {1} are all designed by the Creator to benefit human beings.

15.23 And verily it is We Who give life and cause death; it is We Who remain
Inheritors (after all else passes away).
It is the Creator who gives life and death to everything this includes the process of fertilization
of plants as well as the creation of human beings. He is the Originator and everything returns to
Him after death.

15.24 To Us are known those of you who hasten forward and those who lag
behind.
Among all generations, the Creator knows exactly those who have turned to Him in gratitude
and those who shy away, being preoccupied with worldly pleasures. So we have two
alternatives. First: To be preoccupied with the gifts and blessings while ignoring the Source and
the Originator of each and every blessing of our life. Second: To be preoccupied with the
Source and Originator while enjoying the blessings and gifts given by Him. Which of the
alternatives is more likely to please Him? How should He look upon those who ignore Him and
are ungrateful?

15.25 Assuredly it is your Lord who will gather them together: for He is Perfect in
Wisdom and Knowledge.
The Creator has left the choice of how we respond to His Blessings and Gifts to each individual.
The person who is willing to question, understand and turn to the Creator in gratitude is
righteous and just. A person who simply enjoys and pursues the pleasures of this life is unjust.
Both will be gathered and dealt with accordingly on the Day of Judgment.
-------{Notes}:
{1} http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/environmental.shtml