Islam - Its Meaning for Modern Man — Page 372
372 Here is a direct confrontation with some of the astounding developments that portend. “I call to witness the juxtaposition of the stars ⎯ and indeed that is evidence of mighty import, if only you knew ⎯ that this is indeed a noble Quran, in a well-preserved Book, to the inner meaning of which none shall penetrate except those who are purified. It is a revelation from the Lord of the worlds. Is it this Divine discourse then that you would reject?” (56:76 ⎯ 82). Having this assurance and guarantee of the accessibility to him, at all times and in all contingencies, of comprehensive Divine guidance, man has nothing to fear from the rapid advance of science and technology. These are but instruments bestowed by Divine bounty, to be availed of for the fostering of human welfare in every sphere of life. So viewed and put to beneficent use, they will continue to be multiplied as bounties and will not become the instruments of ruin and destruction. “If you will put My bounties to proper use, I will surely multiply them unto you; but if you misuse or abuse them, then know that My punishment is severe indeed” (14:8). The danger does not lie in man’s daily augmenting knowledge of the laws of nature and their operation; it resides in man’s misapplication of that knowledge. The only effective safeguard is the acceptance of