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

The Revelation (421)

yousuf mahbubul Islam, PhD

Imagine that a car manufacturing company wants to introduce a new model of vehicle in the
market with many computerized features. Having decided, what would the company need to do
before the product can be launched? Would the new design have to be conceptualized and
designed before the manufacturing process can start? Since the vehicle would need many
subsystems to support the main function of movement, e.g., mechanical, electrical, pneumatic,
navigational, energy conversion would each system have to be conceptualized, designed and
integrated with the function of the movement? Would the manufacturing process itself have to
be conceptualized and designed? Once the vehicle is ready, would it need external systems so
that it can run effectively? For example, it would need road and signposts to move about
meaningfully? Similarly, would it need an external supply of electricity, gas, diesel or petrol in
order to function? Would the characteristics of supply have to match the functioning of the
vehicle? Would it be possible for the manufacturer to ensure an adequate supply?
When the vehicle is driven by a user or when observers see it being driven, what thoughts or
questions may arise in the human mind? Could a question be who conceptualized such a smart
and integrated product/design? Would the users and onlookers be full of praise for the
manufacturing company, write reviews and inform others about the new product? Would anyone
doubt the intelligence or the efforts that have gone behind conceptualizing, designing and
manufacturing the vehicle? Does any doubt regarding the intelligence or efforts arise in our
minds? The performance of the vehicle itself in its various functions would bear witness to the
quality and intelligence of the manufacturer. What about the external systems? Would reviewers
talk about the benefit of external support systems being in place?
Now, can we run away from the fact that not unlike the functional vehicle discussed above, we
humans are also functional beings? For the sake of argument and comparison, let us assume
that the human being is also a functional product. Could parallels be drawn between the
example of the vehicle and that of humans? In which internal and external functions or subfunctions could parallels be drawn?
Each part in a car has a particular function, e.g., the wheel it only rotates. Compared to the
car, a human body is complex and multifunctional, e.g., the legs are not only used to walk/run,
they can be used to jump, to play football, to push forward while swimming, etc. Another
example of multifunctional design is the tongue, it is used in speech, it is also used in tasting
food, it feels the temperature of food taken, it sometimes indicates the health of the stomach,
etc. a feature that engineers do not given in a car. Likewise, for a human being, much beyond
the internal support systems or sub functions, there are a huge number of external systems
(blessings) that support the human functions. What are these external systems? Does each of
these systems have to be similarly conceptualized, designed, implemented and sustained?
The website Why is there life on earth {1} cites atmosphere, climate, water, light and sun as
some of the systems that support human life. Given the millions of support systems, the website
The Earth: A Living Planet {2} argues that the earth is like a living planet where many complex
systems run perfectly without stopping to support life. All these support systems have had to be
conceptualized, designed, created and constantly sustained by the Creator for life on earth to
exist. It is no wonder that the Holy Quran calls these systems Signs of the Creator and wants
mankind to contemplate and bear witness:

Behold! In the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of night and
day there are indeed Signs for men of understanding. [3.190]
People who study the Signs realize the complexity of the external support systems and are
therefore full of appreciation for the Creator. The subsequent Verse tells us that these are the
people who understand why the Creator has taken so much care.
Who remember to celebrate the praises of Allah while standing or sitting or lying down
on their sides and contemplate the (wonders of) creation in the heavens and the earth
(with the thought): "Our Lord! You did not create all this aimlessly! All Glory belongs to
You! Give us salvation from the penalty of the fire. [3.191]
So why did Allah create intelligent human beings with so many support systems? This is like
asking without students how would a teacher be known? The fact that a teacher is effective can
be judged through a collection of a large number of students. Similarly, the Creator wants to be
known through His creation. If we think about the things that He has done for us, appreciate,
acknowledge, be grateful and adore Him, we will have fulfilled the purpose of our individual
creation. If not, we would have failed the purpose of our individual creation and He would have
no further use for such an individual.
And to Allah is the direction of the Straight Way, but there are ways that turn aside...
[16.9]
The following Verses furnish examples of His Signs that we should study, feel the benefits,
understand acknowledge and be grateful to Him.

16.10 It is He Who sends down rain from the sky; from it is drink and out of it
(grows) the vegetation on which you feed your livestock.
The article Rain brings health benefits {3} discusses some of the benefits that rain brings, in
addition to benefits of rain water as a drink {4}. Allah Himself informs of some of the benefits He
brings out of rain water. So, if we get caught in the rain what should our response be?

16.11 With it He causes to grow for you the crops, corn, olives, date-palms,
grapes and every kind of fruit: verily in this is a Sign for those who give thought.
16.12 He has subjected for you the night and the day; the Sun and the Moon; and
the Stars are in subjection by His Command: verily in this are Signs for men who
reason.
16.13 And whatever is on earth which He has multiplied in varying colors (and
qualities for you): verily in this is a Sign for men who celebrate the praises of
Allah (in gratitude).
And on the earth He has arranged
And landmarks as signposts; and by the stars (men) guide themselves. [16.16]
So, Allah asks,
Is then He Who creates like one who creates not? Will you not reason? [16.17]
-------{Notes}:
{1} http://www.bobthealien.co.uk/earthlife.htm
{2} http://www.albalagh.net/general/earth_planet.shtml
{3} http://www.redlandsdailyfacts.com/health/20140301/rain-brings-health-benefits
{4} http://guides.wikinut.com/Benefits-of-Rain-water/3egh5rfy/