Proving the Existence of the Creator; The Evidence of Guidance
Selections from the Book The Story of The Beginning of Creation and The Creation of Adam, peace be upon him …
Written by Dr. Ali Muhammad al-Sallabi...
Episode (12)
Allah Almighty says: {Exalt the name of your Lord, the Most High, (1) Who created and proportioned (2) And who destined and [then] guided (3)} [Al-A'la: 1-3]. Allah also says: {He said, "Our Lord is He who gave each thing its form and then guided [it]."} [Taha: 50]. The guidance referred to in these verses means granting each creature the attributes and design it needs to fulfill its purpose and guiding it to what is necessary for its sustenance, food, drink, marriage, movement, and behavior.
Among the names of Allah is "The Guide'', who illuminates His servants and guides them to the path of faith in Him, acknowledgment of His divinity, and the way to build their lives, understanding its laws and principles. Allah guides birds, animals, insects, and beasts to what benefits them and sustains their lives while warning them of what could harm or destroy them. The name "The Guide" appears in the Holy Quran, where Allah says:{But sufficient is your Lord as a guide and a helper.} [Al-Furqan: 31], and {And indeed is Allah the Guide of those who have believed to a straight path.} [Al-Hajj: 54].
It is firstly: the guidance of essential innate knowledge necessary for every creature: {He said, "Our Lord is He who gave each thing its form and then guided [it]."} [Taha: 50].
Secondly, it is: the guidance of instruction and clarification with which He sent His prophets and revealed His books: {And We made from among them leaders guiding by Our command when they were patient and [when] they were certain of Our signs.} [As-Sajdah: 24].
Thirdly, it is: guiding hearts and minds to places of His pleasure through success, inspiration, and protection, as He promised: {Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds - their Lord will guide them because of their faith.} [Yunus: 9], and; {And those who strive for Us - We will surely guide them to Our ways.} [Al-'Ankabut: 69]. Allah Almighty is the One who revealed the Book; whoever abandons it loses his way in the wilderness of life, and whoever seeks guidance elsewhere is led astray by Allah.
Scholars have highlighted many ways in which Allah guides His creatures and have written valuable books on the subject. They have discussed Allah's guidance to ants, hoopoes, bees, and other numerous creatures. This is a vast topic, but a key point is found in Allah's words: {And there is no creature on [or within] the earth or bird that flies with its wings except [that they are] communities like you. We have not neglected in the Register1 a thing. Then unto their Lord they will be gathered.} [Al-An'am: 38]. These communities worship, glorify, and praise Allah. Allah Almighty says: {And there is not a thing except that it exalts [Allah] by His praise, but you do not understand their [way of] exalting.} [Al-Isra: 44]. He also says: {Do you not see that Allah is exalted by whomever is within the heavens and the earth and [by] the birds with wings spread [in flight]? Each [of them] has known his [means of] prayer and exalting [Him],} [An-Nur: 41].
Episode references:
- Ali Muhammad al-Sallabi, The Story of The Beginning of Creation and The Creation of Adam, peace be upon him, pp. 93-95.
- The Key to the Abode of Happiness and the Manifestation of the State of Knowledge and Will, Dar Al-Kotob Al-Ilmiyyah, Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr Ibn Al-Qayyim, Beirut, p. 109.
- Healing the Sick in the Matters of Fate, Destiny, Wisdom and Reasoning, Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr Ibn Al-Qayyim, Dar Al-Ma’rifah, Beirut, 1978, p. 78.
- With Allah, the Greatest Name and the Story of the Most Beautiful Names, Salman bin Fahd Al-Awda, Islam Today Foundation, Riyadh, 1st ed., 1430 AH-2009 AD, p. 280.
For further information and review of the sources for the article, see:
The Book of The Story of The Beginning of Creation and The Creation of Adam, peace be upon him on the official website of Sheikh Dr. Ali Muhammad al-Sallabi
