Malfuzat – Volume II — Page 187
187 divine providence. Any person would accept that to plant a seed, water it, look after it and protect it until it grows into a fruitful tree, is an act of great benevo- lence. Hence, if one contemplates the nature of man, his state and the manner in which he was supported and maintained, you will see how great a favour God Almighty has done, by supporting man through countless transformations and changing stages of helplessness. The second aspect that I have just alluded to relates to the full availability of such means as are necessary for human coexistence and the use of human fac- ulties even before our coming into being. You can observe that even before we were born, God created the means necessary to support us. If the brilliant sun that is raised above us—owing to which there is light far and wide, and the day shines forth—did not exist, would we be able to see? How else would we reap the benefits and advantages that we are able to gain through light? If the sun and moon, and other forms of light did not exist, the faculty of sight would be futile. Although the eyes possess an ability to see, they are completely useless without outer and external light. So how great a favour is it that, in order to make use of our faculties, God has furnished the necessary means in advance, and how great a mercy is it that He has granted us such faculties and then vested them with in- herent capacities that are absolutely imperative for the perfection of man and in reaching the ultimate objective? The qualities that have been vested in the brain, muscles and veins are put to use by man and he can perfect them. For at the same time, God Almighty has also created the means that perfect man’s faculties. This is the state of the internal system whereby each and every faculty is geared to the objective and interest that results in man’s prosperity. Even in the external respect, there is an established system whereby each and every individual who is skilled in an art has, at their disposal from the very beginning, the raw materials and tools that are required for their craft. For example, if there were no leather and thread, from where would a cobbler produce these things and how could he per- fect his craft? Similarly, if there was no cloth, how would a tailor sew anything? This is the case with every human being. A physician, irrespective of how skilled and knowledgeable he may be, can do nothing if medicines were not available. He would write a prescription after extensive thought and reflection, but if the medicine was nowhere to be found in the shops, what would he do? What a great bounty it is that on the one hand, God has given us knowledge, and on the other hand, He created plants, minerals and other living organisms that are helpful to