Quran Garden

Session 326

Chapter 3

Verses 5 & 6

Indeed, there is nothing in the earth and the heavens that is hidden from God

(Chapter 3: Verse 5)

Let’s look at the example of a very well-run government.  Quite often, after legislators set laws, they slowly discover the limitations and deficiencies in these laws that necessitate changes and amendments.  Why? Because whoever initially set the laws had either an incomplete knowledge of the present, a limited vision of the future, or was self-serving. 

Allah is the Ever Watchful, ‘Al-Qayyum.’  He manages the affairs of his creation, sustains the entire universe, and sets the most suitable laws for all beings till the end of time.  Could God do that if He did not have absolute knowledge of everything? Could God manage the universe if He is not fully aware of all creations? Of course not.

Interestingly, if you take a look at how man-made laws change,you will often find that they are modified in a manner that moves them closer to God’s teachings.  Governments that allow the free use of Alcohol often come back, again and again, to restrict its use to a certain age, certain locations, and certain amounts. 

God, on the other hand, is all-knowing and free from inclinations.  He set laws that transcend time, place, and situation.  And because Islam was sent as the final religion -after which no heavenly scripture will be revealed- its laws cover all possibilities.  In other words, Islamic heavenly laws were set so changes will not be needed at a later stage.  Changing religious rulings may have been logical when messengers and prophets were sent one after another to a specific people in limited geographic areas, but when Allah concluded the heavenly revelations with Prophet Muhammad, it was necessary forIslamic legislations to incorporate all possibilities. God says:

Indeed, there is nothing in the earth and the heavens that is hidden from God

(Chapter 3: Verse 5)

Some claim that Islamic rules are not compatible with the modern world. We ask them: Do you believe that God had missed something? Do you think that you have more knowledge and expertise? We follow the teachings of our Lord because God is the Truth, He is self-sufficient, and He possesses absolute and perfect knowledge.  No one can supersede Him or interject His rule.  God is our Creator, and He is best aware of His creation.  He is the only logical source of guidance.  He says:

It is He who fashions you in the wombs however He wishes. There is no god except Him, the All-mighty, the All-wise. (Chapter 3: Verse 6)

Allah created and formed you in the womb.  Each human comes into being in a specific form: male or female, different skin and hair color, height, and much more.  God says:

Another of His signs is the creation of the heavens and earth, and the diversity of your languages and colors. There truly are signs in this for those who know. (30:22)

Just take one look around your town square; you will quickly realize that people are not the product of a factory that casts all products of a mold.  Every person is created differently with his or her distinct identity, unique face, body, voice, fingerprints, and personality.  It isproof of God’s absolute ability. And to dispel any doubt that God may only be able to create unique people, He, the All-Capable, creates identical twins.  He says:

He is the Originator of the heavens and the earth, and when He decrees something, He says only, ‘Be,’ and it is. (02:117)

Allah is not bound by physical laws, rules, or norms.  A child may be born blind or disabled.  This should draw your attention to the immense blessings you have.  When you see a person born with extra fingers struggling to do simple daily tasks, you appreciate the wisdom of the creation of five fingers. Beauty is mostly appreciated by its absence.  A person who has seven fingers would travel the world seeking the best medical treatment so he or she would have normal hands. 

Unfortunately, most of us do not realize the wisdom and beauty of God’s creation untilwe see individuals with disabilities.  Disabilities are your reminder to help others, and your wake-up call to be grateful for what you have.  Do not say: Why did God create adisabled person? He, the All-Wise, compensates by granting talents, exceptional abilities, and the support and love of others.  Each being is created with God’s ultimate wisdom; and thus, each is beautiful.

Our beloved Prophet Jesus was walking with his disciples when one of them pointed out an ugly dog and said: ‘What a repulsive-looking dog.’  Prophet Jesus answered: ‘Are you faulting the dog for its looks, or are you faulting the Creator for His work?’

This brings us back to the verses.  God says: “Indeed, there is nothing in the earth and the heavens that is hidden from God.  It is He who fashions you in the wombs however He wishes. There is no god except Him, the All-mighty, the All-wise. (3:5, 6)Allah –our Creator- has perfect knowledge and absolute wisdom.  He has absolute power, so no one can object or interject on His choice of creation.