CHAPTER THREE
Mustafa got Rihab's letter. He was about to tear it even before he'd read it. Could such a doubting suspicious girl become his life-partner? Could she be the golden girl of his dreams? What a bitter experience his sister Zainab had caused him! How could he live with someone who disbelieved in the most sacred values? Yet he did not tear the letter but said to himself, “I should continue since I've got some promising results." He opened the letter and tried to understand what kind of a girl was writing the letter. He thanked God for success in his efforts to guide her. He wrote the following letter:
In the Name of God
Dear Hasanat
Assalamu Alaikum
I got your letter and was pleased to hear that you had enjoyed reading with whatever results you gained from it. You see how valuable such books are. They are real treasures within your reach but you never knew about them. How did you get such books? As for the questions, you agree that the five senses are not everything. They are only the means for the mind to obtain the truth. Hence there are facts that need no arguments though such facts are not perceived through the senses, such as the existence and non-existence. For instance can you see the non-existent with your eyes? Have you tasted it with your tongue, or touched or smelled it? Has it a sound? Has someone else felt it? This is quite impossible. Yet you and I and any wise person believe in such a thing. How could that happen? If we say it is impossible to see the non-existent, then how could we get such information? Was it through the senses? Of course not. The senses cannot comprehend anything except what exists. Yet we believe in the non-existent because of absolute reason that makes all the difference between the animal and the human being. There is another fact in this regard. Water is a liquid, a fact that needs no argument. But it is not through the senses that we reach the fact that water is composed of two atoms of Hydrogen and one of Oxygen. Such facts have been proved by scientific process independently of sensory activity. A certain scientist says, “...Some facts are reached through the direct comprehension of the senses. But there are many facts that are not reached through the senses; we get the knowledge of such facts through inference. Such facts are discovered facts. What we should understand here is that there is no difference between the facts in these two categories. The difference is that we get the first facts directly, the others indirectly." He also says, “…The senses cannot comprehend the facts about the Universe, except to a limited degree, yet there are other facts that we know nothing about. There is a way to get such facts through cause and effect or through inference. Both are brain methods. We start with a well-known fact to end at a particular theory; something has been here all the time, but we have never been aware of it." There is also the gravity law which can never be sensed, as Newton says: 'It is something mysterious to see something with no life at all, affect another, though there is no relation between the two." So you see that through reasoning and the accumulation of facts we come to believe in the Creator and eventually we attain to the religion of our own. You may consider this letter to be long, but it is to your benefit. If you need more information, I am ready to give it.
Mustafa
Hasanat was hopeful of her sister's return to faith. She increased her care and attention of her and kept showing her tender feelings. But she noticed that Rihab could not respond easily. She often tried to speak frankly to her.
She thought her sister's uneasiness was due to their past unfriendly relationship yet the more she loved her, the more Rihab felt uneasy. She regretted her misdeed and blamed herself more than she feared the discovery of her plot. She feared she would no more get Mustafa's letters guiding her to the right path. She needed those letters more and more. She would confess the truth to him one day. She would also confess to Hasanat, the great wrong she had done to her. She would ask for her forgiveness and pardon. In fact she feared the loss of Mustafa's letters as well as her weakness to face her sister with her confession. She decided to go on writing to Mustafa, and wrote:
Dear Mustafa
You will never know how grateful I am to you. I am also ashamed of having done you so much wrong, while I benefit from your letters so much. I am sure you are a noble person who pardons the one hurting him. Your explanation is wonderful and convincing. Yet I have another question. We understand that we comprehend some facts not only through the five senses but through deductions and inference. Tell me now: How can we prove the existence of the Creator? Thanks a lot for your help.
Hasanat
Rihab finished the letter and remembered that Mustafa, in his first letter had asked for Hasanat's photo, although he had not since repeated his request. Rihab thought she must do something for her innocent sister. If she did not send the photo, then she would be doing her sister another wrong, and Hasanat was a real beauty, just like an angel.
How could she inform Mustafa of her beauty? Had she thought of this from the beginning, Rihab would have perhaps, sent her own photo, since she had hated her sister. But thinking of that now would mean another crime against Hasanat. Now, she must get her sister's photo and send it to him at all costs. She would ask her sister for a photo of herself. She went to her sister's room. Hasanat was happy to see her and welcomed her heartily. She said, "Can you do me a favor, Hasanat?"
Hasanat happily answered, "With pleasure Rihab dear. I am ready for you to ask anything. What do you want?" Rihab blushed shyly and she said, "I want one of your most beautiful photos."
Hasanat was surprised at the demand. She did not want to disappoint her sister, and said, "You can have my album and choose the one you like.” She handed her an album from the shelf. Rihab took it in confusion. She turned the pages looking for a clear beautiful picture. She took one, thanked her sister and hastily left the room. She put the photo in the envelope and left the house to post the letter.
The passing of the days and weeks, only served to increase Hasanat's feelings of loss, with regards to her fiancé. However, she still looked calm and in control of her feelings, appearing to be confident in her future. Whenever she saw her sister reading religious books she felt happy, and one day, saw her perform her daily prayers!
She rushed towards her and kissed her warmly, "How happy I am, and how proud I am of you! Oh, how I love you dear Rihab, and how lovely you look in your prayer robe! You look like a nymph. You are really very beautiful! " she said. Rihab could not reply to her sister's feelings. With every word her sister uttered she felt uneasy. As soon as her sister left her, she threw herself on the prayer rug and burst into tears. She murmured, "Oh God! How cruel am being towards this angelic person."
A few days later, Rihab received the following letter:
In the Name of God
Dear Hasanat
Assalamu Alaikum
I pray to God to guide you in this world and the next. It is good that you have asked me to give you proofs of the existence of the Creator. Science has discovered the second law for heat energy that is called the power law. This law proves that the universe is not eternal and that heat is transferred from hotter bodies to cooler ones until both have the same temperature. Energy resources within the Universe are continuously producing heat, yet their temperature is never the same. This indicates that energy resources are not eternal, and are therefore limited. Had it been eternal, with the continuous heat transference of billions of years, the temperature would have stabilized long ago. Some biologists say, "Science has unintentionally proved that everything has a beginning and that nothing can be self-generating. There is the ‘primary cause’ or the Lord Creator."
Another scientist says, "Scientists believe that the transference of heat will continue until all energy sources are exhausted. It has not reached its final level. Had it happened, we would not have survived until now. There has to be a beginning and an end to this non-eternal universe." There are other scientific proofs to lead us to a belief in the Creator. We can come to know Him through knowledge of the Universe. It would take many pages if I were to refer to all of the evidence that proves His existence. Anyway, I will mention other scientific discoveries that indicate that the Universe has a particular age. Astronomy has proved that the universe is systematically growing larger and that the planets and other celestial bodies are getting further away from each other. These parts that are now moving away from each other were in the beginning, only one mass. Then heat and motion took part, hence the Universe must have an age. It is in a state of continuous movement until one day when it will come to its end. Whatever has an end must also have a beginning. I hope you are not annoyed with my long letter. I do advise you to read the book: ‘God and Science’ and the book: ‘From disbelief to belief’
My good wishes for your success,
Mustafa
Rihab read the letter then went to her sister's room to get the suggested books. She started reading immediately trying to comprehend their contents. She got one week's leave from the office in order to devote all her time to her reading. On completing the books, she felt a strong belief in God. Yet she still had a few questions that needed answers.
She wrote:
Dear Mustafa
I am never annoyed by what you write. You have removed the veil that covered my eyes and caused my blindness, and misguidance. I still need you to write to me about these things. I have read the books that you recommended, and I now feel at ease. However, could you please relate some more facts to me? I have to admit that I am newly born, and, just as an infant needs milk, I need information. I hope you won't get tired of my questions.
Hasanat
Mustafa was busy with his final exams when he got Rihab's letter, yet he still replied to her.
In the Name of God
Dear Hasanat
Assalamu Alaikum
I was very happy to receive your last letter that dearly showed that you have successfully crossed the stage from disbelief, to Faith and certainty. I congratulate you on your new birth, which, I hope, will be a happy birthday for you every year. You should not think that I am fed up with your letters and questions. On the contrary I am happy that God the Great has chosen me to help you on this crucial issue of faith and religion. I am happy to help you discover the truth that had been hidden from you by deviated ideologies. You have already listened to the voice of faith that has taken you from darkness to light. I am happy and ready to write to you, though, the books you have read can furnish you with all the answers to your questions. You still want more evidence about the Creator. Such evidence is related to our bodies. Have you ever thought of the complicated system of telecommunication? Have you ever thought how the voice is carried from one place to another, far away? Of course it is a wonderful system that calls for praise for its designers. Yet why doesn't man think of a yet more complicated device? It is our own nervous system. Our nerves carry, all the time, millions of pieces of information and instructions from side to side without the least stop, day and night. The nervous system carries out its duty of controlling the heart and other organs. Every system has a central control, and the communication systems center is man's brain. There are millions of nerve cells with wires that extend throughout the body. These are called the nerve tissues (neurons) and they receive and respond to various stimuli and respond accordingly, thus giving instructions to various parts of the body. Through this system we hear, see, taste and think and do our work. Have you ever thought of the brain? Have you ever thought about how it remembers names, numbers, images, and events of the past and countless other incidents? Can we say where such information is hidden, when me brain is so small? Has nature (which cannot itself comprehend) arranged this brain system and made it the central control in human bodies? Can any wise person really believe such a claim? Don't you know that there are countless machines and devices, which are all invented in imitation of what God the Almighty has already created? Can't you see that the camera functions in a similar manner to the eye that also has an outer network and a screen where images are reflected? The film that is sensation to light, in the camera box is similar to the retina where various images are found. Yet, can anyone claim that a camera makes itself. Is there anyone who would dare to say that the delicately functioning eye was established without designer, just by chance? Have you heard that in one of the world universities, they have invented a tool with which to measure the ultra-sound waves of the voices vibration in order to get more information, about floods and earthquakes before they occur? Do you know that some kind of sea-fish have been studied and imitated to this end? They imitated those fish (that are aware of such occurrences) in order to build their apparatus. These are only a few examples. You can find more if you read the books: ‘God in Heaven’ and ‘Medicine and Faith’ and ‘The Behavior of Creatures’.
Mustafa
Soon after Rihab got Mustafa's letter, she borrowed the books he'd recommended, from her sister. Her faith increased and yet she had some other questions that she intended to ask him; then she would confess the truth to him before the end of the year when he would be back at home. She wrote:
Dear Mustafa
Assalamu Alaikum
You must be busy with your finals, hence I apologize for asking more questions of you, but they are quite important to me. It is a matter of life that has been renewed in me by you. Therefore I have the right to ask you as a sustainer. We agree that God has created every thing. Then who has created Him ?
Hasanat
Rihab posted the letter and returned home. She asked about her sister and their mother said that Hasanat had spent the day in her room. Rihab knew that Hasanat was worried by her finance's apparently strange behavior. She felt sad for her and went to her room. She found the door locked so she knocked gently on it. Hasanat opened it and although she smiled, traces of tears could still be seen in her eyes. Rihab knew why she had been crying and was about to tell her the truth there and then but hadn't got the nerve to do it. She still felt in need of Mustafa's letters. She entered the room and sat near to Hasanat, “You look sad dear sister, yet you should be the happiest person in the world." Hasanat was silent, but happy to see her sister concerned for her. She threw her hand on her shoulder as if throwing a burden of pain upon her. Rihab tried hard to control her feelings, and said, "Dear sister, there is nothing that deserves your concern. All that is good is waiting for you."
Hasanat gave a deep sign and then said, "How can you say that. Can't you see how I have been engaged to a man for seven months yet not once have I heard even one word from him. This makes me wonder if I was forced upon him when he didn't want me. Within a few weeks, he will be back. What will happen on his return? I don't complain, but I can't stop thinking about my future with a man who doesn't want me."
Rihab could hardly bear to listen to Hasanat's words. She thought she should do something for the sake of her innocent sister and said cheerfully, "No, Hasanat, you are wrong to think like that. Your fiancé is the most honorable and noble of men. He is just right for you." Hasanat said, "I know that, but it seems he is not satisfied with his choice." Rihab said, "I am sure he is satisfied, and that things are nothing like you think." Surprised Hasanat said, "How can you be so sure..?"
Rihab was at a loss as to how to answer. She said firmly, "I know and am quite sure of what I say." Hasanat insisted, "How do you know?" Rihab was about to break down and confess. What could she say? How did she know? What a dirty trick she had played! Yet she controlled her feelings and said, "You have to believe me when I say I know that I am quite sure of this. Within a few days or a week, I will explain all to you. Now you must feel confident of your future husband. You should look at life with hope and high expectations, please dear sister!" She kissed her warmly and continued, "Promise me that you'll be your old happy self? Be sure of what I say .."
Hasanat smiled gently and said, "I believe you dear sister. I can't explain it but I feel much better already." Both sisters left the room and joined their mother in the living room. Rihab continued to spend most of her time with her sister except when she left for her job. She amused her and talked about the future. She helped her with her sewing and knitting, and continued to read religious books, satisfied with what she read.
Mustafa's next letter read:
In the Name of God
Dear Hasanat
I am sorry to be late in replying to your letter. I have been busy with my finals. Concerning your questions I will give you a brief answer and recommend that you read a book called ‘The doctrine of Fai1h’ This will give you details. Supposing we see water boils, we ask: Why has it boiled? The answer is: because it is placed on fire. Then we may ask: Why should fire cause heat? Some one may reply: because it is hot. Can we explain why fire is hot? It is not a reasonable question since there is no fire that is not hot. Then don't we, the believers or the materialists, come to know that this Universe was made for some purpose? Everything has an end. Explanations also have an end. But the difference is that the materialists claim that nature and matter or time has created life. While the believers think and believe that God has created it. Here we see two theories for the creation of the world. The two sides confess that there is a specific reason that cannot be explained. So can the Power, which created this complicated world (which is also in harmony with the needs of man) be an unintelligent, power, which cannot see, feel or comprehend, as the matter itself is? Of course not. The life system is in need of a wise designer. The wisdom behind the creation is itself clear evidence of the existence of a Wise Creator. Knowledge and wisdom can only be bestowed by a knowledgeable and wise Creator. Blessed is He the Best Creator.
Mustafa
As soon as Rihab finished reading the letter, she went to Hasanat and borrowed the recommended books. Reading strengthened her faith and she made up her mind to confess the truth to Mustafa. A new idea had struck her mind. Since she believed in God, she should believe in His Book. How could she make sure that the Qur'an was actually the word of God? She decided to write and ask about this before she made her confession as Hasanat felt and seemed much better since she'd listened to Rihab's words of comfort. Rihab wrote:
In the Name of God
Dear Mustafa
You have guided me well to the right path. You have filled my heart with the light of faith, and I feel I am imposing myself on you. You will soon know why! I would like you to answer my last question. I hope you will pardon me for all the trouble I caused you. My question is: How can I be sure that the Qur'an is the word of God?
Hasanat
Rihab got his reply very quickly. She had already started reading the Qur'an with her sister. On that day, Hasanat told Rihab that she had got a letter from her friend Zainab, Mustafa's sister who was coming back soon. Rihab looked happy and said, "Mustafa will also come soon, God willing."
Rihab went to her room and read Mustafa's letter:
In the Name of God
Dear Hasanat
I would like to tell you that I am not annoyed by your letters. They have helped me to accomplish my religious duty. Now concerning your question; Suppose you see a small girl living in a society, which opens no door for her, whereby she might gain knowledge. She neither reads nor writes and has seen no fashion magazines. Then you see this same girl claiming that she herself has designed the latest fashion. Would anyone believe her? Of course not. They consider her too young and ignorant of any fashion principles. She can neither read nor has she ever been to the big Fashion Houses. How could she design such outfits? Thus, there must have been some one clever enough to have designed it for her. Everyone will know that the little girl was not the designer. In regard to Gods mission to mankind, we know that a truthful man was born and bred in the Arab Peninsula, in the desert, that lacked the least scientific information and art or literature. He could neither read nor write. He never left his birthplace except, once or twice when he was a boy and accompanied the merchant’s caravans the same as the others did. He never attended schools for studying either ancient or current civilizations. Yet he suddenly produced a miraculous Book of logic and eloquence. Despite the eloquence of the Arab language, they were stunned at its high level. One of their men (who was against the Qur'anic verse) said on hearing it, "By God, I have listened to words, which are neither of man nor of spirits (Jinns). They are sweet with flavor, fruitful and fresh. Superior to all, and which destroy whatever is below it."
The Qur'an is a miracle on various levels. It has mentioned the events of previous religions, such as are clear in other religions, and their books, even though the Prophet had never read those books and he was illiterate. This is made clear in the following Qur'anic verses: "And you were not on the Western side when We revealed to Musa (Moses) the commandment, and you were not among the witness;" "But We raised up generations, then life became prolonged to them; and you were not dwelling among the people of Madyan, reciting to them Our communications, but We were the Senders."
"And you were not on the side of the mountain when We called, but a mercy from your Lord that you may warn a people to whom no warner came before you, that they may be mindful." (Surah Al-Qasas: 44-46).
What is quite clear is that past incidents were not copied if anyone might make such a claim. The Qur'an mentions the events in their true form free from distortion or alteration.
The Qur'an relates those incidents positively, not for the sake of merely mentioning them. The Qur'an prophesied events that were improbable then but which later came true, as with its reference to the defeated Roman army by the Persians. This caused the Muslims 'great sadness' since the Roman's were people of the Book, whilst the Persians were (at that time) pagans. The Qur'anic verse says: "The Romans are vanquished, In a near land, and after being vanquished, shall overcome within a few years." (Surah Ar- Rum: 2-3).
You see a few years, (according to Arab Terminology) cannot exceed ten years. And what the Qur'an foretold came true nine years later. Doesn't such information make you sure that the message of Islam is Divine? As for the scientific miracles contained in the Qur'an, you should consider the following blessed verse:
"And We send the winds fertilizing, then send down water from the cloud " (Surah Hijir: 22).
Scientific progress has only recently discovered that the winds play a major role in fertilizing the plants. An English Orientalist, a Professor of Arabic language in Oxford University refers to this fact and says, “…the camel's people knew centuries ago that the winds fecund the plants, prior to this scientific discovery in Europe." Science has also proved that the earth is getting smaller day-by-day and that it is shrinking ever since it was splitted from the sun and got colder. Its surface is cracking, volcanoes, earthquakes and gravity and air pressure causes it to get smaller. This is a recent scientific discovery, but the Qur'an referred to it fourteen centuries ago. The Qur’anic verse says:
"Do they not see that We are bringing destruction upon the land by curtailing it of its sides? And Allah pronounces a doom, there is no repeller of His decree, and He is swift to take account." (Surah Ra’d: 41).
"When the sun is covered," (Surah Al Takwir: 1)
Only recently has science made die discovery that the sun is burning, like a candle, and is fading away. One day its heat will be exhausted, because of die continuous explosions within it. Hence die sun will vanish, die same as the other stars and planets. I don't want to bother you by making my letter longer, to make you sure of this subject, I recommend that you read ‘The Qur’anic Phenomenon’ by the Algerian writer, Malik Ibn Nabi.
Wishing you every good,
Mustafa
Rihab read the letter several times. She placed her head on the table and cried bitterly. With each tear she recalled the horrible image of her crime, and her difficult situation. She viewed her new situation for the first time. She felt that she was not the same person who had taken the first step in this plot. She was a new person even though she still had the same appearance. She was filled with remorse and sobbed and sobbed. She was not aware of her sister Hasanat who had heard her weeping and had hurried to her room. Hasanat was worried that something had caused her to want to retreat from the path of Islam. She entered the room and took her sister in her arms. She kissed her gently and asked why she was crying.
