Islam - Its Meaning for Modern Man — Page 153
153 assistance from any other source, inasmuch as all sources and means proceed from Him, and none exists or subsists outside Him or outside His control and authority. “He sends down the angels with revelation by His command on whomsoever of His servants He pleases, saying, ‘Warn that there is no god but I, so take Me alone for your Protector’” (16:3). This concept is reinforced by various arguments. For instance: “Allah has not taken unto Himself any son, nor is there any other god along with Him; in that case, each god would have taken away what he had created, and some of them would surely have dominated over others. Glorify, then, Allah above all that which they attribute to Him, Knower of the unseen and of the seen; exalted is He, therefore, above all that which they associate with Him” (23:92—93). Mythology furnishes ample illustration of the confusion and chaos that would prevail if there were a plurality of gods. There would be an end to all certainty and order and consequently to all beneficence. Man and the universe instead of being manifestations of Divine beneficence would present a spectacle of capricious and cruel sport, and instead of progressing constantly toward perfection, would be speedily destroyed. “If there had been in the heavens and the earth other gods beside Allah, then surely the twain would have come to ruin. Glorified then be