Way of The Seekers — Page 24
24 THE out of this shapeless lump. then We clothed the bones with flesh, then We developed it into a new creation. So blessed be Allah the Best of Creators. (23:13-15) Man is the acme of creation. All other creation is below him, under him. He is the top. Having comprehended the key to the picture, we can see very well how human morality may have emerged by progres- sive change from the six paired faculties of primitive matter, through a number of emergent changes. Human behavior and its manifestations cannot be evil in themselves. If they become evil, it is because of their consequences. Otherwise they are just examples of natural dispositions. They will be evil if they are contrary to reason and if the probable consequences are evil. Take cowardice as an example. Cowardice is evil according to everybody. Yet what is cowardice but withdrawal from a situation which inspires fear. Withdrawing in itself is not evil; even withdrawing from fear is not an Intrinsic evil. It is only a natural disposition which is neither good nor bad. We call it evil, only in terms of our reason and in terms of its probable consequences. Take another example: a pious man’s withdrawal to his cloister. But somehow withdrawal to the cloister is generally credited with merit. It can be good only if it satisfies our reason and if its probable consequences are good. Call it piety or what you will, names do not matter. Patience or fortitude is another case in point. This too displays the disposition to withdraw. We will call it good only when it is in keeping with the dictates of reason and demands of the situation. Take the example of loving and being loved. This brings the lover-beloved relationship into existence. A disciple loves his mentor or spiritual teacher. The teacher possesses beauty, of learning, of character. This attracts the disciple who, in consequence, inclines towards him. A relationship of love