Article appeared Friday, August 11th, 2017 in The News Today, Bangladesh

The Revelation (488) yousuf mahbubul Islam, PhD

Can a painting be introduced to its painter? For example, can we introduce the famous painting
Mona Lisa to Leonardo saying, Mona Lisa, meet Leonardo, your painter? Of course, one would
say, an impossible supposition! Are there any additional qualities that would allow Mona Lisa
recognize Leonardo? Now, if Mona Lisa had intelligence and feelings, how might she feel when
introduced? When and if she realizes that Leonardo is responsible for her very existence and
fame would she, out of gratitude and adoration, want to hug Leonardo? Would she have tears in
her eyes or would she fall down in prostration to the one who has made her beautiful resulting in
all time fame? Subsequently, if Leonardo conveyed her messages, how might she respond?
How important would messages from Leonardo be? Once introduced, would Mona Lisa inform
others about Leonardo?

Similarly, is it possible for a human to be introduced to his/her Maker, i.e., Creator? How? Just
as the natures of both the painting and Leonardo are completely different, would the nature of
our Creator be different than his creations? Would the Being who can create human beings from
nothing be of a completely superior nature? If yes, what lengths would the Creator have to go
for us to be introduced to Him? Just as Leonardo introducing himself to Mona Lisa would be a
miracle, the Creator introducing Himself to His creation would also have to be a miracle. Also,
who would He choose to introduce Himself to? Would He want the person to inform others
about Him?

As given in the Bible {1} and the Al-Quran, God, our Creator introduced Himself to Moses
(pbuh) and made Him a prophet a chosen person who introduces God to others. Prophet
Moses was also a messenger as God gave him a Holy Scripture which he passed on to his
people. In the Verses from Chapter 20 of the Al-Quran below, God asks whether we have taken
stock of the story of how Moses met God.
And has the story of Moses reached you? When he saw a fire, he said to his family,
"Stay here; indeed, I have perceived a fire; perhaps I can bring you a burning torch or
find at the fire some guidance." And when he came to the fire a voice was heard: "O
Moses! "Verily I am your Lord, so remove your sandals: indeed, you are in the sacred
valley of Tuwa. I have chosen you: so listen to what is revealed (to you). Verily I am Allah
{2}: there is no god but I: so serve me (only) and establish regular prayer for My
remembrance." [20.9 20.14]

So, what did God have to do to introduce Himself to Moses? God had to make arrangements so
that Moses could perceive His Divine Presence. He mystically arranged for Moses to hear a
voice.
Of some Apostles (Messengers) We have already told you the story; of others We have
not; and to Moses Allah spoke direct. [4.164]

19.51 Also mention in the Book (the story of) Moses: for he was specially chosen
and he was an apostle (and) a prophet.

19.52 And We called him from the right side of Mount (Sinai) and made him draw
near to Us for mystic (conversation).

19.53 And out of Our Mercy We gave him his brother Aaron (also) a prophet.
Why did God introduce Himself to Moses? Could it be to bring mankind out from darkness about
their creation and the purpose of life on earth?
No just estimate of Allah do they make when they say: "Nothing does Allah send down
to man (by way of revelation)": Ask: "Who then sent down the Book which Moses
brought? a light and guidance to man: [6.91]
 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]

Is it righteousness is to acknowledge the Giver of the gift of life, to adore and be grateful to Him
and share the truth about Him with those around while performing good deeds? Similarly, God
chose other messengers and prophets to guide mankind towards the truth.

19.54 Also mention in the Book (the story of) Ismail: He was (strictly) true to
what he promised and he was an apostle (and) a prophet.

19.55 He used to enjoin on his people Prayer and Charity and he was most
acceptable in the sight of his Lord.

19.56 Also mention in the Book the case of Idris: he was a man of truth (and
sincerity) (and) a prophet:

19.57 And We raised him to a lofty station.

19.58 Those were some of the prophets on whom Allah did bestow His Grace of
the posterity of Adam and of those whom We carried (in the Ark) with Noah and of
the posterity of Abraham and Israel of those whom We guided and chose;
whenever the Signs of (Allah) Most Gracious were rehearsed to them they would
fall down in prostrate adoration and in tears.
When the reality of God dawns and we meet Him in our hearts, what should the reaction be?

19.59 But after them there followed a posterity who missed prayers and followed
after lusts: soon then will they face Destruction
Should simply following worldly desires get us into trouble with God?

19.60 Except those who repent and believe and work righteousness: for these
will enter the Garden and will not be wronged in the least
It is the same religion that He has established for you as that which He enjoined on
Noah that which We have sent by inspiration to you and that which We enjoined on
Abraham, Moses and Jesus: Namely that you should remain steadfast in Religion and
make no divisions in it: to those who worship things other than Allah hard is the (way) to
which you call them. Allah chooses to Himself those whom He pleases and guides to
Himself those who turn (to Him). [42.13]

19.61 Gardens of Eternity those which (Allah) Most Gracious has promised to
His servants in the Unseen: for His promise must (necessarily) come to pass.

19.62 They will not there hear any vain discourse but only salutations of peace:
and they will have therein their sustenance morning and evening.

19.63 Such is the Garden which We give as an inheritance to those of Our

Servants who guard against evil.
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{Notes}:
{1} http://marccortez.com/2013/10/17/whats-in-a-name/
{2} http://www.proz.com/kudoz/arabic_to_english/religion/112612-al_llah.html