Article appeared Friday, October 4th, 2013 in The News Today, Bangladesh

The Revelation (297)

yousuf mahbubul Islam, PhD

The painting Mona Lisa is among the worlds most famous and valuable paintings. When one gazes and studies the painting, does any thought or question about the painter or the woman in the picture come to mind? Of the possible questions, let us look at two. If Leonardo did not personally want to make it, could the painting have come into existence by itself? With how much love, care and patience did the painter Leonardo put Mona Lisa together? By way of comparison, let us consider the following question. Has it ever occurred to anyone viewing the painting to suggest that it is the product of random chance or even think of formulating theories of how the painting could have evolved? However, people find it sensible to suggest as well as accept that an infinitely more complex object, the human being, is the result of random chance and has evolved! Another question: Having put so much effort, love, care and patience in making Mona Lisa, would Leonardo want to leave behind a preservation manual for the painting? If Mona Lisa had intelligence and feelings, how would she look upon the instructions given in the manual? Who would stand to benefit by following the guidelines given in this hypothetical manual? Also, whose loss would it be if Mona Lisa did not follow the guidelines in the manual? Now study the human being. With what degree of love, care, affection and patience has the Creator made each intelligent human being? For preservation of each precious human being would the Creator want to give guidance? Where would human beings find such guidance? The most recent Revelation, the Quran, confirms its role as well as the role of previous scriptures. And before this was the Book of Moses as a guide and a mercy; and this Book confirms (it) in the Arabic tongue; to admonish the unjust and as Glad Tidings to those who do right. [46.12] And in their footsteps We sent Jesus the son of Mary confirming the Law that had come before him: We sent him the Gospel: therein was guidance and light and confirmation of the Law that had come before him: a guidance and an admonition to those who fear Allah. [5.46] To you (O, Muhammad) We sent the Scripture in truth confirming the scripture that came before it and guarding it in safety; so judge between them by what Allah has Revealed and follow not their vain desires diverging from the truth that has come to you. To each among you have We prescribed a Law and an Open Way. If Allah had so willed He would have made you a single people but (His plan is) to test you in what He has given you: so strive as in a race in all virtues. The goal of you all is to Allah; it is He that will show you the truth of the matters in which you dispute. [5.48] And this is a Book which We have revealed as a blessing: so follow it and be righteous so that you may receive mercy: [6.155] What is righteousness? Righteousness is loving the Creator in return for the love He has demonstrated in making us and giving us an intelligent existence. O 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] This confirms what Jesus had already confirmed regarding the Law given to Moses,

Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" And He (Jesus) said to him, "'YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.' "This is the greatest and foremost commandment. [Matthew, 22:36 22.38] {1} Who are the unjust? These are ungrateful people who feel that they themselves know what is best. While such people enjoy all the blessings of life given by the Creator, they ignore Revelation and keep on following their own vain desires. When Our Verses (Signs) are rehearsed to such a one he turns away in arrogance as if he heard them not as if there were deafness in both his ears: announce to him a grievous Penalty. [31.7] Revelation is a Sign from our Creator. He reveals Verses when He Decides. The Verses of the Quran were revealed as and when situations demanded guidance from the Creator. The role of prophets has always been that of a messenger relaying Verses of Guidance from the Supreme Being. Those who reject Faith say: "Why is not the Qur'an revealed to him all at once?" Thus (is it revealed in stages) that We may strengthen thy heart thereby and We have rehearsed it to you in slow well-arranged stages gradually. And no question do they bring to you but We reveal to you the truth and the best explanation (thereof). [25.32 25.33] People who did not believe in the source of Revelation, made fun of the Prophet (Muhammad, pbuh) when there were periods of silence between Revelations.

7.203 If you (O, Muhammad) bring them not a revelation they say: "Why have you not got it together?" Say: "I but follow only what is Revealed to me from my Lord: This is (nothing but) light from your Lord and Guidance and Mercy for any who have faith."
As each Verse is a Sign from the Creator, a blessing and a demonstration of mercy from our Creator, it must be given the attention and importance that it deserves.

7.204 When the Qur'an is read listen to it with attention and hold your peace: that you may receive Mercy.
We should feel the presence of our Creator during our prayers, as He is addressing us through the Verses we read. We should listen and seek guidance from our hearts in all humility.

7.205 And do you (O reader!) bring your Lord to remembrance in your (very) soul with humility and in reverence without loudness in words in the mornings and evenings; and be not of those who are un-heedful.
Under no circumstances should we ignore the meaning of the Verses that we read. And let nothing keep you back from the Verses (Signs) of Allah after they have been Revealed to you: and invite (men) to your Lord and be not of the company of those who join gods with Allah. [28.87]

7.206 Those who are near to your Lord are not prevented by arrogance to worship Him: they celebrate His praises and bow down before Him.
Does our Creator not deserve credit and praise for all He has done and is constantly doing for us? -----{Notes}: {1} http://biblehub.com/matthew/22-37.htm