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 Quran 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 Quran
like parrots would, Allah says in the Quran:
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 Quran, 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 Quran presents a complete code for human beings on earth. It is guidance for created
human beings. For those who wish to question the Quran 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 Quran 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 Quran)? To
guide (believers) before this was the Scripture given to Moses, as a mercy. Those
(believers in the former Revelations) believe in it (the Quran). 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 Quran without study and references, or those who
misinterpret or misrepresent the Quran 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 Creators 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 Quran 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