Early Writings — Page 74
74 THE ا فِي اللهِ شَكْ فَاطِرِ السَّمَوتِ وَالْأَرْضِ The meaning of these two aforementioned verses is that evidence is furnished by an observation of the universe that all things are created by one Creator and Maker. For example, the heat of the sun causes vapours, which in turn forms the clouds. The clouds then produce water and water creates fruit. However, God is the Best of Creators, He is the Maker of the heavens and earth, Who brings all of these things into existence from nothing. Moreover, if God did not exist, the door to all goodness and benefit would come to a close. The reason being that all people do good because this is beneficial to them. In fact, no one performs any action without first considering the benefit or harm that it entails because certain actions are useless in a person's estimation. Similarly, a person who does not believe in the existence of God cannot fear evil. For evil is only evil when it results in ill conse- quences. If the consequences of a certain action are not deemed to be harmful, the heart will never consider it to be evil. If no one were to fear the ill effects of evil, how could anyone prevent the people from committing wrongdoing. If someone were to suggest that kings and rulers can prevent people, I would say then who would prevent the kings and rulers themselves? Those who pos- sess authority and power fear no one. Moreover, kings and rulers are not omnipresent, nor do people believe that they are watching their every action at all times. Additionally, the proposition that we do not believe in a 1. Are you in doubt concerning Allah, Maker of the heavens and the earth? (Surah Ibrāhīm, 14:11) [Publisher]