behind the age of superstition. The very moment when the Quran announced that there was no god, but the one God, the scientific way of thinking was set in motion. People began thinking about things independently

scientific revolution. The monotheistic practice of according the status of divinity to the one and only God, and denying sanctity to all else, divested all other creatures and things of any special status they

nations and tribes that you might get to know one another. The noblest of you in God’s sight is the most righteous of you. God is Wise and All, knowing. (The Quran 49:13) People appear to be quite

different from one another, but all of them have descended from one pair of parents— Adam and Eve. When God decreed that a creature such as man should come into existence, he created an archetypal couple—a male

MODESTY THE PRICE OF PARADISE Realizing God’s Lordship, man realizes his position of helplessness and servitude. Then one kneels down before God, saying: “O, God, Forgive me.” These words of humility are

MODESTY THE PRICE OF PARADISERealizing God’s Lordship, man realizes his position of helplessness and servitude. Then one kneels down before God, saying: “O, God, Forgive me.” These words of humility are

has been granted God’s trust (33:72). ‘Trust’ here refers to total freedom. Man is the only creature who has been given total freedom. It was destined for man that if, on having his freedom he did not

not misuse it, but used it according to the creation plan of God, he would be held deserving of the reward of eternal Paradise. Research shows that all the other creatures save man— physical things, vegetation

transgressor. But, so far as the result of his actions is concerned, man has no power over consequences. Here God has laid down that if man acts according to the creation plan of the Creator, he will be granted eternal

permissiveness hold that sexual relations outside the bond of marriage are simply “sins” in the eyes of God but are far from harmful as regards human relationships. Experience, however, has shown that one who

nothing; but the order of this world has been established with the trial of man in mind. According to God’s scheme, only a world which leads up to reward and punishment

GOD’S CREATION PLAN To be eligible to enter Paradise, there are two things that man needs to do while on Earth. One is to acknowledge the Truth, and the other is to lead a principled life. A philosopher

all of a sudden, just like an earthquake. Such natural catastrophes demonstrate, most awesomely, God’s capacity to destroy the earth at any moment.

Desist from IntoleranceThe Quran (30:60) relates: [S]o have patience [O Muhammad]! God’s promise is true; let not those who will not be convinced make you discouraged. Consider a new tree. Based on the