Approaching the West — Page 133
A pproaching the West—133 exists Who is All-Wise and Benevolent. Sometimes, a prophet/messenger of God also shows a Sign as a warning. Such a Sign becomes a pending judgment on unbelief. The Qur’ ā n declares, And We send no Signs but to warn. (17:60) God also shows His Signs against His enemies, the sinners, as punishment for their rejection of truth. For instance, Noah’s flood was one of such Signs (54: 16). The greatest of all the Signs is to become one with God, to “see” Him by attaining the utmost nearness to Him. This Sign was bestowed in its full glory upon the Holy Prophet Mu ḥ ammad (peace and blessings of All ā h be on him), Surely, he saw the greatest of the Signs of his Lord. (53:19) Signs and Symbolism There are signs mentioned in the Qur’ ā n that are symbolic. For example, the quickening of the earth after its death is a symbolic sign for the revival of peoples who are morally and spiritually dead. Has not the time arrived for those who believe that their hearts should be humbled at the remembrance of All ā h and at the truth which has come down to them, and that they should not become like those who were given the Book before them, but their hearts were hardened, and many of them are wicked? Know that All ā h is now quickening the earth after its