the only way to guidance is that of revelation
Man, like the rest of creation, naturally seeks his own well-being and
happiness as he lives out his life. Since, by his very make-up, he has
a variety of natural needs, he has no alternative but to live in society
in order to fulfill these needs; his own well-being and search for the
fulfillment of his natural character takes place in the wider framework
of society's well-being.
Thus the only acceptable pattern of existence, regulated by a comprehensive
law common to all people, is the one which guarantees both the well-being
of society and of the individual in a balanced and just fashion. It is
also clear that man, like the rest of creation, must endeavour to achieve
his well-being and undertake whatever preparation is necessary for achieving
this by allowing himself to be guided by his creator.
It is but a logical next step in our analysis to say that any guidance
from the Creator must be towards this comprehensive law, common to all
and, at the same time, in accord with the individual's well-being. Intellect
is not enough to guide man to the law since it does not always decide in
favour of cooperation with others nor in favour of the common good.
The path, the way, which fits perfectly the requirements of man is the
way taught by the Prophets and messengers of God. It is the way brought
to them by God through revelation and established as undeniably true and
valid, by the example of their own lives and their intimate knowledge and
contact with god.
in chapter ii:213, god says, "Mankind was one community and God
sent (to them) prophets as bearers of good news and as warners and revealed
to them the book with the truth that it may judge between mankind concerning
that in which they differed." Here we under- stand "one community"
to mean a society at peace, its members living without dispute or difference.
After a period of time, men differed with one another and as a result God
sent the prophets.
again he says in iv:163-165, "Indeed We have inspired you as we
have inspired Noah ... Messengers of good news and a warning in order that
mankind might have no argument against god after the messenger. "
Intellect alone does not make man accountable to God and this is why he
must be awakened to the reality of his inner condition by other means.
The first of the above-mentioned verses recognizes the way of revelation
and prophecy as the only way of removing differences between men. The second
shows revelation and prophecy to be the complete and absolute proof to
mankind of the truth of god's message.