The Holy War — Page 268
268 ‘The whole earth is at rest and is quiet,’ whereas the movement of the earth has been proven. A— How should one fast in places where the sun does not come out for six months? G— If we must speculate on the capabilities of people based on their strength, then we will have to illustrate in relation to the period of human gestation, which is the root of all human faculties. Thus, if it is required to abide by our reckoning, then the period of gestation in these countries should last only a day and a half; but if their reckoning is to be employed, then the child has to remain in the womb for 266 years, and the burden of this proof lies upon you. The gestation period lasts only a day and a half, but in the case of it lasting 266 years, it would not be beyond belief to think that they could also hold a fast for up to six months because this is the duration of their day and their faculties are also commensurate with that. A— Mercy is after justice but goodness, meaning kindness, is before it. G— Kindness is not an attribute but a consequence of the attribute of Mercy. For instance, a person can say that he felt merciful towards someone, but we cannot say that he felt kindness towards anyone. We feel merciful towards the sick, the weak, the young. If we feel merciful towards a scoundrel or one deserving punishment, then it would only be when he adopts the ways of the weak and the helpless; so in such case, the real cause of drawing our mercy would be weakness and help- lessness or would it be something else? A— Man is free to act as he wishes. G— If by this is meant that to the extent that he has been bestowed the powers and abilities, then to that extent he has the freedom to use them