SUPPORTING ROLE

A Law of Nature

WE learn from the Quran that when God created the first man, Adam, He commanded the angels to prostrate themselves before him. This self-prostration was not meant to be interpreted as bowing down in worship. It only signified that man would inhabit the earth and that the angels would then have to play a supporting role for him.

While Noah was building the ark, God said to him: “Build the ark under Our eyes and in accordance with Our revelation.” (11: 37). This commandment did not relate solely to the ark, but rather to all matters pertaining to man. Whenever man does anything, he does so with the support of the angels. Without this support, man can achieve nothing. Modern civilization built by man is undeniably a great feat, but there is no doubt that it was done with the support of the angels.

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There is a difference in capabilities between men, so that mutual cooperation becomes a necessity in any undertaking

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It is this principle of nature which is desirable to follow between man and man too. When man performs any great feat, it is brought to fruition by the support of a number of people.

According to the laws of nature, in this support system some play the leading role while others play a supporting role. Regarding human support, this principle has been mentioned in the Quran as follows:

We raise some of them above others in rank, so that they may take one another into service. (43: 32)

There is a difference in capabilities between men, so that mutual cooperation becomes a necessity in any undertaking. Had all human beings been bestowed with the same capabilities, cooperation would not have been an imperative. People must understand this system of nature and be willing to play their role according to their God-given capabilities.