Abdul Muqit Chowdhury :
The purpose of creation of this universe, particularly human being, is the most significant factor behind all worships. Fasting, being a worship, also needs to be discussed in the context of
the Will of Allah -The Creator. The Holy Quran reveals : “Behold, thy Lord said to the Angels : “I will create/A vicegerent on earth….” (Sura Baqara 2:30, The Holy Quran : Translation and Commentary by A. Yusuf Ali). We quote here the meaning of the word ‘vicegerent’ : ” …..The vicegerent is he who has the power of initiative himself, but whose independent action always reflects perfectly the Will of his Principal :…..”.
According to the Will of Allah, thus human being was created to be His vicegerent to reflect His Will.
The purpose of the creation of Jinn and human being as revealed in the Holy Quran is : “I have only created/Jinns and men, that/They may serve Me”. (Sura Zariat 51:56, Do)
The comment is : “…….God is the source and centre of all powers and all goodness, and our progress depends upon our putting ourselves into accord with His Will. This is His service. It is not of any benefit to Him : see the next two verses : it is for our own benefit.”
The next two verses are : “No sustenance do I require/Of them, nor do I/Require that they should/ Feed Me.” (Sura Zariat 51: 57, Do)
“For God is He Who/Gives (all) Sustenance, – / Lord of Power, – / Steadfast (for ever).” (Sura Zariat 51:58, Do)
Allah is not dependant on human being and does not require anything from him/her. The thought of dependance is completely absurd.
Now, another verse negating thought of creation as ‘(idle) sport.’ The verse also stresses on the great purpose of creation : “Not for (idle) sport did We/Create the human and the earth/And all that is between !” (Sura Ambiya 21:16, Do) The comment on this verse is : “………He does not jest nor play with His creatures.”
The verses 60, 61 of Sura Ya-Sin are also being quoted here. These verses command to get rid of Satan and to worship Allah : “Did I not enjoin/On you, O ye children/ Of Adam, that ye /Should not worship Satan ;/For that he was to you/An enemy avowed ? -” (Sura Ya-Sin 36:60, Do) “And that ye should/Worship Me (for that) this /Was the straight Way?” (Sura Ya-Sin 36: 61, Do)
The comment in connection with the verse 61 runs : “Thirdly, besides the negative warning, a positive Way was shown to them -the Straight Way, the Way of those who receive God’s Grace and attain to Bliss, the Rope which would save them from shipwreck, the Shield which would save them from assault, the key to the door of proximity to God.”
The purpose of creation of this universe, particularly human being, is the most significant factor behind all worships. Fasting, being a worship, also needs to be discussed in the context of
the Will of Allah -The Creator. The Holy Quran reveals : “Behold, thy Lord said to the Angels : “I will create/A vicegerent on earth….” (Sura Baqara 2:30, The Holy Quran : Translation and Commentary by A. Yusuf Ali). We quote here the meaning of the word ‘vicegerent’ : ” …..The vicegerent is he who has the power of initiative himself, but whose independent action always reflects perfectly the Will of his Principal :…..”.
According to the Will of Allah, thus human being was created to be His vicegerent to reflect His Will.
The purpose of the creation of Jinn and human being as revealed in the Holy Quran is : “I have only created/Jinns and men, that/They may serve Me”. (Sura Zariat 51:56, Do)
The comment is : “…….God is the source and centre of all powers and all goodness, and our progress depends upon our putting ourselves into accord with His Will. This is His service. It is not of any benefit to Him : see the next two verses : it is for our own benefit.”
The next two verses are : “No sustenance do I require/Of them, nor do I/Require that they should/ Feed Me.” (Sura Zariat 51: 57, Do)
“For God is He Who/Gives (all) Sustenance, – / Lord of Power, – / Steadfast (for ever).” (Sura Zariat 51:58, Do)
Allah is not dependant on human being and does not require anything from him/her. The thought of dependance is completely absurd.
Now, another verse negating thought of creation as ‘(idle) sport.’ The verse also stresses on the great purpose of creation : “Not for (idle) sport did We/Create the human and the earth/And all that is between !” (Sura Ambiya 21:16, Do) The comment on this verse is : “………He does not jest nor play with His creatures.”
The verses 60, 61 of Sura Ya-Sin are also being quoted here. These verses command to get rid of Satan and to worship Allah : “Did I not enjoin/On you, O ye children/ Of Adam, that ye /Should not worship Satan ;/For that he was to you/An enemy avowed ? -” (Sura Ya-Sin 36:60, Do) “And that ye should/Worship Me (for that) this /Was the straight Way?” (Sura Ya-Sin 36: 61, Do)
The comment in connection with the verse 61 runs : “Thirdly, besides the negative warning, a positive Way was shown to them -the Straight Way, the Way of those who receive God’s Grace and attain to Bliss, the Rope which would save them from shipwreck, the Shield which would save them from assault, the key to the door of proximity to God.”
