46. It has been asserted again and again in the Qur'an that God created the
heavens and the earth 'in truth'. This covers a wide range of meanings:
First, that the heavens and the earth have not been created just for the fun
of it. This existence is not a theatrical play. This world is not a child's
toy with which to amuse oneself as long as one wishes before crushing it to
bits and throwing it away. Creation is rather an act of great seriousness. A
great objective motivates it, and a wise purpose underlies it. Hence, after
the lapse of a certain stage it is necessary for the Creator to take full account
of the work that has been done and to use those results as the basis for the
next stage. This is stated at various places in the Qur'an in the following
manner:
Our Lord, You did not create this in vain (Surah Al 'Imran 3:191).
And We did not create the heavens and the earth and whatever lies in between
them playfully (Surah Al-Anbiya' 21:16).
And did you think that We created you out of play and that you will not be brought
back to Us? (Surah al-Mu'minun 23:115).
Second, it means that God has created this entire system of the universe on
solid foundations of truth. The whole of the universe is based on justice, wisdom
and truth. Hence, there is no scope in thesystem for falsehood to take root
and prosper. The phenomenon of the prosperity of falsehood which we observe,
is to be ascribed to the will of God, Who grants the followers of falsehood
the opportunity, if they so wish, to expend their efforts in promoting unrighteousness,
injustice and untruth. In the end, however, the earth wfll throw up all the
seeds of untruth that have been sown, and in the final reckoning every follower
of falsehood will see that the efforts he devoted to cultivating and watering
this pernicious tree have all gone to waste.
Third, it means that God has founded the universe on the basis of right, and
it is on the ground of being its Creator that He governs it. His command in
the universe is supreme since He alone has the right to govern it, the universe
being nothing but His creation. If anyone else's commands seem to be carried
out in this world, this should not cause any misunderstanding. For in reality
the will of no one prevails, and cannot prevail in the universe, for no one
has any right to enforce his will.
47. This does not mean that the present dominion is not His. The purpose of this statement is rather to stress that when the veil which keeps things covered during the present phase of existence is lifted and the Truth becomes fully manifest, it will become quite clear that all those who seemed or were considered to possess power and authority are absolutely powerless, and that the true dominion belongs to the One True God Who created the universe.
48. In what manner the Trumpet will be blown is difficult for us to grasp.What
we know through the Qur'an is that on the Day of Judgement the Trumpet will
be blown on God's command, whereupon all will die. Then after an indefinite
period of time - a period that is known to God alone - the second Trumpet will
be blown, whereupon all people of all epochs will be resurrected and will find
themselves on the Plane of the Congregation.
Thus, when the first Trumpet is blown the entire order of the universe will
be disrupted, while on the blowing of the second Trumpet a fresh order will
be established, in a new form and with a new set of laws governing it.
49. Ghayb signifies all that is hidden from, and is beyond the ken of man's knowledge. Shahadah, as opposed to ghayb, signifies that which is manifest and thus can be known to man.