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10 Apr THE NECESSITY OF A DIVINE PROOF

All our beliefs are based on intellect and Shariah (divine laws). It is the decision of the intellect and Shariah that for maintaining order in the universe and for its smooth functioning, there must exist a ‘perfect individual’, a ‘divine representative’, and a ‘proficient and dynamic mind’, whose existence precedes the existence of this universe. He should be the ruler and the leader of this universe. His existence should be superior and distinct from the existence of all other mortals. He must have precedence and supremacy over all other creatures. If this individual does not exist then the existence of the entire universe would be in jeopardy. All these are the pronouncements of the intellect. Whatever bounties this universe is receiving, be it knowledge, life, strength or benevolence, are solely due to the presence of this revered personality. An example will make this point clear. The rays of the sun illuminate the entire world. It lightens the lands, houses, mountains, oceans etc. In fact the entire natural environment is lit up due to the sun. The rays of the sun are spread all over the place. Now some of the things are nearer to the sun while others are far. Yet whatever light is found on those distant objects is nothing but sunlight. Is it possible that the rays of the sun will illuminate those objects that are very far away while the near ones remain in darkness? Can one imagine that the sunlight will first fall on a point that is far from it, while those proximate to it will be engulfed in gloom? Certainly not. The intellect does not affirm this and every wise person will concur that this is impossible. They will also agree that if the sun lightens all things then obviously the objects nearer to it will light up first and only then will the distant objects become resplendent. It will brighten the nearby objects first and then gradually, the distant objects will be lit up in phases. Also, the objects that are closer to the center will be brighter than the objects farther away. The nearby objects will bear the characteristics of the illuminating source. They will be a collection of the attributes of the primary cause of light. The only difference is that the light emanating from the nearby objects is not their own but due to that central and pivotal source of light. Similarly, the ‘sun’ which illuminates the world, that divine and heavenly radiance, it is the light of life, knowledge, supremacy, divinity and majesty. He is the fountainhead of all perfection and is the cause of light for all creatures. The essence of each of these creatures is illuminated with his presence. Whatever perfection is found in the creatures is a blessing of this ‘divine light’. When the divine light manifested itself then that ‘essence’ whose status is very lofty and exalted and whose station is very proximate to Allah was the first one to be lit up by that (divine) light. The light of divinity manifested with its entire splendor and brilliance in this essence. Had this ‘essence’ not been there, divine bounties would not have reached to the other creatures. Thus, the bounties that we receive are exclusively due to the existence of this entity. Various levels of creatures Due to his status, man is superior to animals, which in turn are superior to