The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) - Volume II — Page 461
X - Siege of Madīnah and Delicate State of the Muslims, Failure of the Disbelievers and Reality of Miracles 461 for those people who on the whole believe that this world has a Creator and perceive that this world has not come about on its own; rather, has come into existence by the creative design of a Supreme Being, and that this very Supreme Being still governs the universe; and the properties of all things and the laws of nature are working as per the command of this very Hidden Entity; can have no difficulty in understanding that this very Supreme and Powerful Being can make an alteration or exception to His general law at a specific time and under special wisdom. Hence, in the Holy Qur’ān, Allāh the Exalted states Himself: “Allāh has full power and command over His decree, but most men know it not. ” 1 In other words, one should not think that as We have created the law of nature, now, Our hands are tied, rather, We have full power and command over Our law as well, and whenever We deem it necessary, can make an alteration or exception in it. This is why research scholars have written that God has instituted two kinds of decree in the world. One is the very same general and known law of nature, which is known as ‘Ordinary Decree,’ according to which this universe continues to function in normal circumstances. Secondly, that distinct decree, which is instituted in special circumstances under special wisdoms, and is known as ‘Special Decree,’ which is manifested in the form of signs and miracles; through which the Being of God shines forth to man with far greater radiance as compared to by His Ordinary Decree. 2 However, one should not think that signs and miracles are only manifested through Special Decree and not through Ordinary Decree. Many a time, signs are manifested in such a manner that certain Ordinary Decrees are gathered at one place, or a few Ordinary Decrees are manifested in a most extraordinary sequence, and this remarkable union or extraordinary sequence becomes a kind of sign or miracle. However, this is a vast and sensitive subject and there is no room for an elaborate exposition at this instance. In summary, the manifestation of signs and miracles is a proven verity, 1 Yūsuf (12:22) 2 Taqdīr-e-Ilāhī, By Ḥaḍrat Mirzā Bashīruddīn Maḥmūd Aḥmad ra , Anwārul-‘Ulūm, Volume 4, pp. 561- 599, Printed in Rabwah, Pakistan