The Essence of Islam – Volume III — Page 164
164. Essence of Islam-III إنَّا نَحْنُ نَزَّلْنَا الذِّكْرَ وَإِنَّا لَةَ تَحْفِظُونَ ؟ 135 means that it would not cease to dwell therein. . . . . Secondly, reason demands that for the teaching and understanding of Divine books, it is necessary that, like the advent of the Prophets, recipients of revelation and persons equipped with spiritual knowledge should also continue to appear from time to time. Similarly, when we study the Qur'ān and deliberate upon it we discover that the availability of spiritual teachers is part of the Divine design. For instance God has said: 136 وَامَّا مَا يَنْفَعُ النَّاسَ فَيَمْكُثُ فِي الْأَرْضِ . (Part Number 13) 'That which benefits people endures in the earth. '. The Prophets who strengthen people's faith through miracles, prophecies, verities, insights and the example of their own righteousness, and benefit the seekers after truth, are obviously the greatest benefactors of mankind. . And it is also obvious that they do not remain upon the earth for a long time and pass away after a short existence. Yet the purport of this verse cannot be contradictory to this reality. Therefore, with reference to the. Prophets, this verse means that they continue their beneficence by way of reflection. God Almighty at the times of need raises a servant of His who becomes their example reflectively and thus continues their spiritual life. It is for this purpose that God has taught the prayer: 137 اهدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ 135 'Verily, We Ourself have sent down this Exhortation, and surely. We will be its Guardian. '-Al-Hijr, 15:10 [Publisher] 136. Al-Ra'd, 13:18 [Publisher]