THE QURAN: 10:19 AND know that all mankind were once but one single community, and only later did they begin to hold divergent views. And had it not been for a decree - that had already gone forth from thy Sustainer, all their differences would indeed have been settled [from the outset]. In the present context, this expression alludes not merely to mankinds one-time homogeneity, but also - by implication - to the fact, repeatedly stressed in the Quran (e.g., in 7:172), that the ability to realize Gods existence, oneness and omnipotence is innate in man, and that all deviation from this basic perception is a consequence of the confusion brought about by mans progressive estrangement from his inborn instincts it would indeed have been decided between them regarding all that they were differing in:i.e., had it not been for Gods decree - which is the meaning, in this context, of the term kalimah(lit., word) - that men should differ in their intellectual approach to the problems touched upon by divine revelation, they would not have contended with one another after having received all evidence of the truth, but would all have held from the very outset, and would continue to hold, the same views ( 2:253 ). Since, however, such a uniformity would have precluded mens intellectual, moral and social development, God has left it to their reason, aided by prophetic guidance, gradually to find their way to the truth.
Posted on: Sat, 22 Mar 2014 14:32:49 +0000
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