Article to appear on Friday, March 12th, 2010 in The News Today, Bangladesh

The Revelation (121) yousuf mahbubul Islam, PhD

To function as a whole, a car has many different types of parts. Each part has its own purpose.
Would it make sense for any particular part to feel superior to the other parts, e.g. petrol saying,
“Without me, the car would not get anywhere!”? Equally, the wheels could respond, “Let’s see
you get anywhere without us!” As one can see, each part has something to contribute to the
whole – could all parts be therefore classified as equal in this sense?

Similarly, if one considers the earth as a complete living mechanism, everyone and everything
has a role to play as well as a contribution to make. A king, queen, president, prime minister or
religious leader may feel that he/she has power over others; equally, without subjects would
there be any point in being a king, queen, president, prime minister or a religious leader? If
anyone feels superior, our Creator asks:
“Is it they who would portion out the Mercy of thy Lord? It is We Who portion out
between them their livelihood in the life of this world: and We raise some of them above
others in ranks so that some may command work from others. But the Mercy of thy Lord
is better than the (wealth) which they amass.” [43.32]

Equally, if one feels that the messengers or apostles appointed by the Creator were superior
human beings or had self-made powers, Allah points out:
“And the apostles whom We sent before thee were all (men) who ate food and walked
through the streets: We have (simply) made some of you as a trial for others: will you
(then not) have patience?...” [25.20]

As for each individual, the Creator has honored each created person as his deputy on earth!
“Behold thy Lord said to the angels: "I will create a vicegerent on earth."…[2.30a]

“It is He who has made you (His) agents inheritors of the earth: He has raised you in
ranks some above others: that He may try you in the gifts He has given you:..”
[6.165]

However, having given human beings free-will, the angels asked:

“…They said "Will You place therein one who will make mischief therein and shed
blood? While we do celebrate Thy Praises and Glorify Thy Holy (Name)?" He said: "I
know what you know not."” [2.30b]

Having been given limited knowledge and not having been given free-will, the angels did not
understand that:
“He it is Who created the heavens and the earth in six Days …that He might try you
which of you is best in conduct…” [11.7]

The Creator has honored each as a unique beautiful human being with individual skill sets and
responsibilities. He has only given some wealth above others and/or status above others as a
test. Does arrogance or a superiority complex become anyone? Consider, at the same time,
how should others look upon people with a higher status, more wealth or those appointed as
messengers or apostles?
2.258 “Have you not turned your vision to one who disputed with Abraham about
his Lord because Allah had granted him power? Abraham said: "My Lord is He
Who Gives life and death." He said: "I give life and death." Said Abraham: "but it
is Allah that causes the sun to rise from the East do you then cause it to rise from
the West." Thus was he confounded who (in arrogance) rejected faith. Nor does
Allah give guidance to a people unjust.”
Abraham’s intention was to point out the difference between the Creator and the created. By
becoming proud or arrogant over power, possessions, fame or status who does one indirectly
credit? Crediting anyone or anything else other than the Creator is disbelief!

In contrast, analyze the understanding demonstrated by Joseph’s conversation and prayers

below. This was after he was able to give his parents a dignified position in Egypt:
“…(Joseph) said: "O my father! This is the fulfillment of my vision of old! Allah has made
it come true! He was indeed good to me when He took me out of prison and brought you
(all here) out of the desert (even) after Satan had sown enmity between me and my
brothers. Verily my Lord understands best the mysteries of all that He plans to do: for
verily He is full of knowledge and wisdom.” [12.100]

“(Joseph prayed:) "O my Lord! You have indeed bestowed on me some power and
taught me something of the interpretation of dreams and events O Thou Creator of the
heavens and the earth! Thou art my Protector in this world and in the Hereafter take thou
my soul (at death) as one submitting to Thy Will and unite me with the righteous."”
[12.101]