The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam — Page 127
121 the part of God. For instance, when a person closes all the doors and windows of his room, his action is followed by a Divine action whereby the room becomes dark. All the inevitable consequences of our actions that have been appointed by God Almighty under the law of nature are all God's actions, inasmuch as He is the Cause of causes. For instance, if a person swallows poison, his action would be followed by the Divine action that he would suffer death. In the same way if a person acts in some improper way which attracts an infectious disease, his action would be followed by the Divine action that he would be afflicted with that disease. Thus, as we observe clearly that in our worldly life, there is an inevitable result for every action of ours, and that result is the act of God Almighty, the same law operates in religious matters also. For instance, it is said: 168 الَّذِينَ جَاهَدُوا فِيْنَا لَنَهْدِيَنَّهُمْ سُبُلَنَا فَلَمَّا زَاغُوا أَزَاغَ اللَّهُ قُلُوبَهُمْ 169 This means that in consequence of the full striving of a person in seeking God, the inevitable act of God is to guide him along the ways that lead to Him. As a 168. And as for those who strive in Our path-We will surely guide them in Our ways. (The Holy Quran, al-'Ankabūt 29:70) 169. So when they deviated from the right course, Allāh caused their hearts to deviate, (The Holy Quran, aș-Șaff 61:6)