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The Cosmic Journey toward Perfection
By: Allamah Sayyid Muhammad Husayn at-Tabataba'i
Question
Has the cosmos always proceeded on a path toward perfection? According to the science of physics, the first atom, a hydrogen atom, was born around 10 billion years ago. Before that point, the world was a maelstrom of gas-like material. The elements of the cosmos grew progressively more complex and dense until galaxies were formed, one of which included the solar system, which Earth inhabited. Earth has itself undergone four stages: solidification, emergence of life, evolution of life-forms, and the advent of the human being.
Answer
The verses cited in answer to the previous question also hold the answer to this question. The world has had and will have, as long as it exists, a special trajectory and a certain order, directing it on its path of perfection toward its determined end.
However, the assumed figure of cosmic life cannot be accurate, for the phenomenon of time is a continuous quantity that is a concomitant of motion. Thus, every motion has its own distinct time. The conventional time we, the occupants of Earth, are familiar with, is measured by the length of day and night, for it is a unit noticeable by all people, and as such we measure according to this unit our particular events.
Priority and posteriority are categories relevant, only, when the parts of one extension of time are measured in relation to each other and as such are not applicable to events beyond that particular extension of time. Therefore, to measure the life of the world in relation to the cyclic motion of Earth is inaccurate.
Immutable Laws
Question
Does change and evolution in this world follow certain immutable principles? Or are the principles themselves also subject to change?
Answer
From the Qur’anic point of view, the order that rules the cosmos and the laws that the elements of creation follow spring from the immutable and universal Divine Norm: “…You will never find any change in God’s Norm, and you will never find any revision in God’s Norm.” Surah Fatir 35:43.
“Indeed my Lord is on a straight path.” Surah Hud 11:56.
Stages of Cosmic Perfection and the New Laws They Require
Question
Does each new stage of cosmic evolution institute new laws that did not exist previously (such as laws pertaining to chemical substances that came into existence after the appearance of compound matter or laws pertaining to life-forms that came into existence after the appearance of life)?
Answer
Of course, with every new development new laws emerge that previously had no application. This, however, does not violate the governing Divine Norm, as God Himself asserts in His Book: “For any sign that We abrogate or remove from memories, We bring another which is better than it, or similar to it…” Surah al-Baqarah 2:106.
And regarding the expansion of the world He says, “We have built the sky with might, and indeed it is We who are its expanders.” Surah al-Dhariyat 51:47.
The Agent of Perfection in the World
Question
Is conflict the agent responsible for development in the world, encompassing the tiny atom and the complex human life alike?
Answer
What can be deduced from Qur’anic verses that describe the creation of things is that the agent of development, which permeates all things from the tiny atom to the complex human being, is the natural and inherent progressive motion of each creature. Regarding human creation, for instance, the Qur’an explains: “[God…] perfected everything that He created, and commenced man’s creation from clay. Then He made his progeny from an extract of a base fluid. Then He proportioned him and breathed into him of His Spirit, and made for you the hearing, the sight, and the hearts…”(Surah al-Sajdah 32:7-9).
There are numerous verses in the Qur’an that touch on the topic of development in relation to human beings and other creatures. And in a number of verses the ultimate end of this trajectory is identified as meeting God, the Exalted: “O man! You are laboring toward you Lord laboriously, and you will encounter Him.” Surah al-Inshiqaq 84:6.
“To God belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth, and toward God is the destination.” Surah al-Nur 24:42
The Qur’an further asserts that the origin of existence is God, and it is to Him that all creatures return in perfection: “God originates the creation, then He will bring it back, then you will be brought back to Him.” Surah al-Rum 30:11
Human Societies and the Rhythm of Perfection
Question
What are the main factors responsible for the progress of human societies?
Answer
From the Islamic viewpoint, the human being is an immortal creature, not extinguished by death. His eternal felicity, which is his existential perfection, rests on faith and righteous conduct. These two constitute his true growth and spiritual advancement: “Indeed man is at a loss, except those who have faith and do righteous deeds…” Surah al-‘Asr 103:2-3
In other words, it is the acknowledgment of the true beliefs (which elevates one nearer to God) and the performance of righteous deeds (which fortifies one’s beliefs) that are the main factors of human progress: “…To Him ascends the good word, and righteous conduct elevates it…” Surah Fatir 35:10
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