Islam - Its Meaning for Modern Man — Page 162
162 completely to fulfil the purpose for which it was created (67:2 ⎯ 5). Such disorder or maladjustment as may be observed results from misuse or contravention of the laws governing the universe. The purpose of the creation of the universe is to aid man in achieving the object for which he has been created. This is part of the measure of God’s unlimited bounty to man. The universe and the laws that govern it constantly work out under Divine direction the consequences, beneficent or otherwise, of man’s use of God’s bounties (14:8; 16:13 ⎯ 17; 23:79 ⎯ 81; 56:69 ⎯ 71). The creation of man has passed through many stages (71:15,18). Over aeons, having originated from water and clay, man began to be created from the sperm, was endowed with sense and understanding, and began to be guided through revelation (32:5 ⎯ 10; 23:13 ⎯ 15; 35:12). The Quran stresses the unity of mankind, emphasising that man has been created of one kind (4:2; 16:73). Like the universe, man has not been created without purpose and has not to pass his life aimlessly (75:37). His life has a purpose, and he is responsible and accountable in respect of it. In the phraseology of the Quran, the principle of accountability is expressed in terms of man having to be “brought back” to God (23:116). The purpose of man’s creation is that he