The Essence of Islam – Volume II — Page 400
400 Essence of Islām II Lord comprises a grand verity to which, in your haste, you have taken objection. The explanation of it is that the providence of God brings that which is non-existent into existence in two ways, and that which is brought into existence is designated differently according to the way whereby it is created. When God Almighty creates something out of non-existence such creation is called Amr (command) in the idiom of the Qur'an, and that which is produced out of a previous form of existence is named Khalq (creation). In other words, the creation of an element out of non-existence is Amr and the produc- tion of a compound out of some previous form or shape is Khalq, as it is said in the Holy Qur'an: الا لَهُ الْخَلْقُ وَالْأَمْرُ 171 That is to say, the creation of elements out of non- existence and the manifestation of compounds both belong to God and elements and compounds are both God's creation. Observe, therefore, how succinctly the Holy Qur'an has expounded a high and excellent verity within a brief verse. In contrast, the more you reflect on the doctrine of the Vedas the more you will feel embarrassed. [Surmah Chashm Āryā, Rūķānī Khazā'in, vol. 2, pp. 171-177] I tell you truly, without the least exaggeration, that the Holy Qur'an has expounded the qualities, faculties, powers, capacities and other wonderful particulars of the soul in such a true, clear, fine and excellent manner, and has furnished proofs of these, that it constitutes a high and fine statement, so full of wisdom comprising perfect verities that if all the four Rishīs who compiled the Vedas 171 Al-A'raf, 7:55 [Publisher]