Article appeared Friday, May 27th, 2011 in The News Today, Bangladesh

The Revelation (180) yousuf mahbubul Islam, PhD

Each day, there are many things that we do. Would it be logical to do anything without a
purpose? Let’s pause here for a moment and turn our thoughts to creation of the universe. Most
acknowledge that our Creator has created the universe. If so, would it be logical for the Creator
to have a purpose? Since we ourselves are a part of the created universe, would it be
worthwhile to give due weight to the Creator’s purpose? In the most recent Revelation, the
Qur’an, our Creator warns us of a logical question that will be asked on the Day of Judgment:
“Did you then think that We had created you in jest and that you would not be brought
back to Us (for account)?” [23.115]

Some of the things that we do are good, e.g. helping someone out. Sometimes we do good on a
large scale. We do these things to give us personal satisfaction, honor or a feeling of
greatness. Where did the opportunities to do these things come from? Do opportunities have to
be created? In a manufactured car, for example, not only does the ability to turn left or right
have to be created, the roads on which the car may turn also have to be made. Similarly, in a
created universe, the ability to choose as well as the opportunity to do good or bad has also to
be created. If we take up the challenge and put in the required effort, we are granted success
and fulfillment. Many of us realize that success is also a created entity and thereby often pray
for the desired success. In all of this, what is the Creator’s purpose? Our Creator gives the
background and also answers this question in the Qur’an:
“It is We who have placed you with authority on earth and provided you therein with
means for the fulfillment of your (individual) life: small are the thanks that you give!”
[7.10]

After enjoying the benefits of a uniquely created life and fulfillment, how should a person who
does not give thanks to the One who organized fulfillment be classified? Should
ungratefulness be a right and justified response? Our Creator enlightens us as to the purpose of
creating mankind.
“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]

Sadly, if one chooses not to be grateful, our Creator tells us what will happen to our deeds:
“Say: "Shall we tell you of those who lose most in respect of their deeds? "Those whose
efforts have been wasted in this life while they thought that they were acquiring good by
their works?" They are those who deny the Signs of their Lord and the fact of their
having to meet Him (on the Day of Judgment): vain will be their works (in the world) nor
shall We on the Day of Judgment give them any weight. Hell is their reward; because
they rejected Faith and took My Signs and My Messengers by way of jest.” [18.103 –
18.106]

What are the Creator’s Signs? Anything that points to the existence of the Creator and His
Mercy may be considered as a Sign. For example, the fact that everything is deliberately made
to follow a rule in the heavens and the earth (just like all the parts of a car follow rules to
function together), the fact that Revelation has come down in different places corroborating all
previous Revelation, the fact that all messengers tell us about the Creator and His Plans for us,
etc. The most recent Revelation, the Qur’an succinctly tells us why two worlds, i.e. the current
world and the Hereafter (the next world) have been created. The first world essentially is to
allow us to choose how we wish to live in the next world. We will all have to face the Creator to
hear the judgment for the next life.
“To Him will be your return of all of you. The promise of Allah is true and sure. It is He
Who began the process of Creation and will repeat it (for the Day of Judgment and
Hereafter) that He may reward with justice those who believe and work
righteousness…” [10.4]

Those who believe in the Signs of the Creator will want to do their best, i.e. put in their best
efforts to be righteous and look to the Creator for His Mercy and Forgiveness. Those who do not
believe in the Signs of the Creator will work towards enjoying the most from the current world,
as they feel that this world is all they have.
“Those who rest not their hope on their meeting with Us but are pleased and satisfied
with the life of the present and those who heed not Our Signs, their (final) abode is the
Fire because of the (evil) they earned.” [10.7 – 10.8]

In a created world, the definition of righteousness cannot also be random; duties must be as
defined by the Creator. How can the Creator instruct mankind? Revelation may collectively be
looked upon as a User’s Manual for created souls who are using the bodies and the resources
provided by the Creator. The Qur’an corroborates and completes the Revelation given through
the ages. The Revealed Guidelines will be used as the basis for judgment on the Day of
Judgment.
“It is He Who sent down to thee (O, Muhammad) in truth the Book confirming what
(Revelations) went before it; and He sent down Law (of Moses) and the Gospel (of
Jesus) before this as a Guide to mankind and this He sent down as the Criterion (of
judgment).” [3.3]

Who is it that has sent Revelation?

“He to Whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth: no son has He
begotten nor has He a partner in His dominion: it is He Who created all things and
ordered them in due proportions.” [25.2]

Chapter 4 of the Qur’an accordingly opens with a description of creation along with the deep
respect and devotion we owe to our Creator and to our mothers.

4.1 “O mankind! Reverence your Guardian-Lord Who created you from a single
person created his mate of like nature and from them scattered countless men
and women; reverence Allah through Whom you get your mutual rights and
(respect) the wombs (that gave you birth): for Allah ever watches over you.”