Talim-ul-Quran — Page 179
19th section it is mentioned that the Holy Prophet will meet strong opposition from disbelievers in the discharge of his onerous mission, and this opposition will continue till the Fall of Mecca. The 20th section draws attention to the supreme truth that all that is stated above is not an idle guess or conjecture; the very creation of the heavens and the earth, the alteration of day and night and other natural phenomena bear incontrovertible testimony to its truth inasmuch as, on the one hand, the law of nature points to the existence of a spiritual law and to a process of progressive evolution in it and, on the other hand, the whole universe seems to be working in support of the Holy. Prophet. With the 21st section begins a description of the ordinances of the Shariyy‘ah and the wisdom underlying them; and first of all directions have been laid down for using lawful (Halal) and wholesome (Tayyib) food, because human actions are governed by man's mental condition and his mental condition is strongly influenced by the food he eats. In the 23rd section substance of Islamic teaching is given which consists of belief in God, Life after death, revealed Scriptures and Divine Messengers. . Doing good to others, worship and contributions to national funds are also mentioned as constituents of righteous conduct. To these, observance of patience under trials and fulfillment of solemn promises are added. Maintenance of justice, legitimate help of relatives and observance of social laws, of which the law of inheritance occupies a most important place, are also regarded as important. In the next section stress is laid on devotional exercises which purpose is fulfilled by the Islamic Fast. Sections 24th and 25th deal with rites and laws pertaining to Pilgrimage which plays a very important role in bringing about national unity and solidarity among Muslims. In section 26th light is shed on the philosophy of ordinances of Shariyy‘ah which should be shown due regard because outward acts have a very potent effect on inward purity. . Then it is stated that the laws of Shariyy‘ah are disregarded because men generally do not like to spend their time and money in the cause of God and they adduce lame excuses to shirk their duty in this respect. In fact, no progress is possible without sacrifice and believers are exhorted to spend their hard-earned wealth in the way of. Allah so that full religious freedom may be established. In section 27th we are told that when religious freedom is interfered with, fighting becomes obligatory and sacrifice of life and money necessary. Then it is stated that, in order to while away their time and to seek mental relief, people indulge in drinking, and in order to collect money to meet the expenses of war, they have recourse to gambling. Islām condems these evil practices. Next, we are told that war leaves behind many orphans who should be properly looked after, and in this connection Muslims are enjoined not to contract marriage with idolatorous women because it is calculated to disturb the harmony of their domestic life. In sections 28th, 29th, 30th, and 31st, we are told not to have sexual intercourse with women in their monthly courses which is a sort of temporary separation. These instructions are followed by laws that govern divorce which is more or less a permanent separation and then by laws that concern suckling and also treatment of widows. Sections 32nd and 33rd deal with principles that have a special bearing on national wakening and by observing which alone a people can make real progress, and Muslims are told that a people who seek to occupy an honored place among the powerful nations must be prepared to face death to promote the cause of truth and righteousness. In section 34th it is mentioned that man's stay on earth is but 179