Article appeared Friday, August 19th, 2011 in The News Today, Bangladesh

The Revelation (192)

yousuf mahbubul Islam, PhD

What standard of conduct has our Creator set before us? Before examining what our Creator has done or is constantly doing, let us look at an analogy. Imagine that we were able to put together a colony of robots. While constructing each robot, for example, would we consider it important to give the robot feelings of satisfaction when successfully completing a job given? As another example, would we consider it important to organise a companion for the robot so that it could share its feelings and would not feel lonely? Again, as a further example, would we think it important to provide the robots source of power, e.g. a battery in different flavours and give the robot taste buds? Let us now look at creation and the support of human beings from the Creators point-of-view. While He Himself does not have a companion, why has He organised companionship for His created human beings? In the most recent Revelation, i.e. in the Qurn, our Creator points out: And Allah has made for you mates (companions) of your own nature. And made for you out of them sons and daughters and grandchildren and provided for you sustenance of the best... [16.72] Would we, as human beings, want to help others get and enjoy things that we ourselves do not have? Compared to human beings, what standard of conduct has our Creator Allah set before us? Does He want us to follow His high standards of conduct? To answer this question, let us examine two verses from the Old Testament and the New Testament (previous Revelations): So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. [Genesis 1:27 (NIV)] {1} What does his own image mean? Can man become god? The following verse elaborates on what our Creator wants us to be: ...created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. [Ephesians 4:24 (NIV)] {2} The following Verse from the Qurn completes the picture by giving us the purpose of creation: 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] So our Creator has created situations on earth as tests that challenge and provoke us to bring out and demonstrate our righteous behaviour. For this purpose, our Creator has given individual skills and resources. What does He want us to do with these? To help understand on Warren (2002, p.22) explains that on the Day of Judgment, our Creator will take account of what we did with all the gifts of life that He has given us: What did you do with what I gave you? What did you do with your life-all the gifts, talents, opportunities, energy, relationships, and resources God gave you? Did you spend them on yourself, or did you use them for the purposes God made you for? {3} Again, a Verse from the Qurn completes the picture by telling us to do the best we can: And strive in His cause as you ought to strive (with the skills and resources you have been given): He has chosen you and has imposed no difficulties on you in religion; it is the cult of your father Abraham. It is He Who has named you Muslims both before and in this (Revelation); that the Apostle may be a witness for you and you be witnesses for

mankind! So establish regular Prayer give regular Charity and hold fast to Allah! He is your Protector the Best to protect and the Best to help! [22.78] Our Creator has given each of us a beautiful personality and a unique set of skills and resources. To fulfill the Creators purpose we must develop our individual natures to the fullest and constantly strive to do what is right and just. Having given us the opportunity to exist and be someone, if we do not wish to fulfill our Creators purpose, it is tantamount to lack of faith or disbelief! It is only by fulfilling our natural purpose that our souls will find peace. Therefore, our Creator commands: Serve Allah and join not any partners with Him: and do good to parents kinsfolk orphans those in need neighbors who are near neighbors who are strangers the companion by your side the way-farer (you meet) and what your right hands possess: for Allah loves not the arrogant the conceited; [4.36]

4.37 (Nor) those who are niggardly or enjoin niggardliness on others or hide the bounties which Allah has bestowed on them; for We have prepared for those who resist faith a punishment that steeps them in contempt. 4.38 (Nor) those who spend of their substance to be seen of men but have no faith in Allah and the Last Day: if any take the Evil One for their intimate what a dreadful intimate he is!
For those who run after righteous deeds, Allah confirms that it is He who provides sustenance and that He is taking account of everything. Enjoin prayer on your people and be constant therein. We ask you not to provide sustenance: We provide it for you. But the (fruit of) the Hereafter is for Righteousness. [20.132] Logically, Allah asks, having given us so much, is fulfilling His Purpose or having faith burdensome?

4.39 And what burden were it on them if they had faith in Allah and in the Last Day and they spent out of what Allah has given them for sustenance? For Allah has full Knowledge of them.
Is it logical for our Creator be pleased with those who wish to please Him?

4.40 Allah is never unjust in the least degree: if there is any good (done) He doubles it and gives from His own presence a great reward.
This is the same message given to all mankind through Revelation throughout history. All prophets will bear witness that the Creators message has been delivered.

4.41 How then if We brought from each people a witness and We brought you as a witness against these people! 4.42 On that Day those who reject faith and disobey the Apostle will wish that the earth were made one with them: but never will they hide a single fact from Allah!
-----{Notes}: {1} http://bible.cc/genesis/1-27.htm {2} http://bible.cc/ephesians/4-24.htm {3} Warren, R. (2002). Purpose Driven Life What on earth am I here for? Zondervan