Article appeared Friday, January 9th, 2015 in The News Today, Bangladesh

The Revelation (361) yousuf mahbubul Islam, PhD

Do “words” communicated have a meaning and a consequence? If, for example, a parrot were able to pronounce the first sentence of this article, would it link the words, meaning and consequence to real world examples and understand? Or would the parrot be in complete darkness about these words? Would it make a difference which word is pronounced? In contrast, if a human being similarly pronounced the same sentence, should the words have implications for the reader or should he/she treat the words just like a parrot would?

The human brain is able to ask questions, e.g., why were particular words written, whether the words apply to the reader and whether there could be any consequences? It is only when the individual attaches meaning to words that he/she starts making sense of his/her environment and is able to question his/her existence on earth. Compared to a parrot, then, a human can tailor his/her actions/reactions with the “light” of knowledge, as opposed to the “darkness” in which the parrot leads a “mechanized” life.

A parrot does not have the ability to ask questions and/or reflect on the “light” given by knowledge. It does not have the ability to realize that it is a created being with created blessings that allow it to exist – a parrot therefore does not know that it exists, just like a computer does not know its own value. The computer is completely in the dark about the value of the functions it performs. The computer does not have the ability to attach meaning to what it does. On the other hand, what abilities do humans possess? So, what should our Creator say about people who read the Qur’an without wanting to understand the meaning of words and implications for them? For those who do not wish to understand and/or simply react to the words in the Qur’an like parrots would, Allah says in the Qur’an:

“…Say: "Are the blind equal with those who see? Or the depths of darkness equal with Light (of knowledge)?"…” [13.16b]

People who effectively ignore the words sent down by Him are labeled as “blind” by the Creator! Logically, He asks whether such people have found a “god” other than the Creator to consult.

“…Or do they assign to Allah partners who have created (anything) as He has created so that the creation seemed to them similar? Say: "Allah is the Creator of all things: He is One, the Supreme and Irresistible."”[13.16c]

Allah has also created the knowledge that human beings need and use to understand. To help people who feel they know better, Allah asks whether we should learn to attach meaning to what we are saying. As an example,

“Say (ask): "Who is the Lord and Sustainer of the heavens and the earth?" Say (reply): "It is Allah." Say (question): "Do you then take (for worship) protectors other than Him such as have no power either for good or for harm to themselves?"”

Returning to the example of the computer, it is a tool manufactured for the purpose of delivering programmed instructions. If the computer were able to understand its purpose, how would it derive satisfaction? Would satisfaction lie in delivering its programs successfully and pleasing its users? Similarly, how can human beings derive satisfaction? By studying the Qur’an, applying the “light” of knowledge given, discovering the Creator through His Attributes, reflecting and finding ways to please Him. It is by reflecting on the meaning of the words in the Qur'an and applying the "light" of knowledge to our day-to-day lives.

“Those to whom We have sent the book study it as it should be studied; they are the ones that believe therein; those who reject faith therein the loss is their own.” [2.121]

The Qur’an presents a complete code for human beings on earth. It is guidance for created human beings. For those who wish to question the Qur’an or its authenticity {1}, they are free to use any criteria to do so.

“And if you are in doubt as to what We have revealed from time to time to Our servant (Muhammad, pbuh) then produce a Surah like it contains; and call your witnesses or helpers (if there are any) besides Allah if your (doubts) are true. But if you cannot and of a surety you cannot then fear the fire whose fuel is Men and Stones which is prepared for those who reject Faith.” [2.23 – 2.24]

So, the Creator asks whether one who uses the Qur’an to stand firm with the truth and justice the same as one who has no foundation to stand on?

11.17 “So is one who (stands) upon a clear evidence from His Lord (like one who disbelieves in the evidence)? And a witness from Him follows it (the Qur’an)? To guide (believers) before this was the Scripture given to Moses, as a mercy. Those (believers in the former Revelations) believe in it (the Qur’an). But whoever (from the various) sects (of religion) rejects it, the Fire will be their promised destination. So be not then in doubt about it; for it is the Truth from your Lord: yet most among men do not believe!”Those, who say things about the Qur’an without study and references, or those who misinterpret or misrepresent the Qur’an or those who say things about Allah without knowledge would be in serious trouble with the Creator on the Day of Judgment.

11.18 “And who is more unjust than one who invents a lie about Allah? Those will be presented before their Lord (on the Day of Judgment) and the witnesses will say, “These are the ones who lied against their Lord.” Without doubt, the curse of Allah is upon the wrongdoers.”Can the Creator’s Attributes be understood by a parrot? Should Allah be pleased if intelligent human beings choose to be “blind” to Him and recommend others to be blind? As an example of a lie, should the Guidance in the Qur’an be treated as words of a magic spell?

11.19 “Who averted (others) from the way to Allah and sought to make it (seem) deviant while they, themselves, concerning the Hereafter, were disbelievers.”

11.20 “(However,) they will in nowise frustrate (His design) on earth nor have they protectors besides Allah! Their Penalty will be doubled! They lost the power to hear and they did not see!”

11.21 “They are the ones who have lost their own souls: and the (fancies) they invented have left them in the lurch!”

11.22 “Without a doubt these are the very ones who will lose most in the Hereafter!”

11.23 “But those who believe and work righteousness and humble themselves before their Lord they will be Companions of the Garden to dwell therein for aye!”

11.24 “These are two kinds (of persons) – one blind and deaf as opposed to one who can see and hear well. Are they equal when compared? Will you not then take heed (i.e., derive meaning for yourself)?”------{Notes}:{1} http://www.tellmeaboutislam.com/the-quran-a-proof-of-authenticity.html