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And of everything We have created pairs: That ye may receive
instruction.[Holy Quran: Zariyat 51:49]
The
System of Joining and Coupling in Inanimate
Objects
Allah
(God) wisely and fairly willed to create pairs of everything in the
firmly-founded and extensive order of Creation. In the expansive scene of
Creation the pairing of everything is an absolute truth with no exception. Even
before man came to know this fact through his knowledge and perform scientific
research on it, the Glorious Quran had made this truth known in numerous verses,
including verse 49 of the Blessed Surah (Chapter) entitled “The Winds That
Scatter (Al-Zariyat)”. This scientific fact covers everything in Creation,
including inanimate objects, plants, animals and humankind.
This
great statement which is a scientific fact and an explicit expression regarding
everything which is in the cosmos, implies one of the miracles of the Glorious
Quran being mentioned centuries before the scientific Renaissance came about;
and in a city like Mecca or Medina with few who could read or write and lack of
books or schools. This Quranic statement (51:49) is also a strong reason proving
the originality of this scripture, its being scientific and the justification of
the Prophethood of the Last of the Prophets Muhammad (Pbuh).
The
Glorious Quran has other verses about other aspects of Creation which have
surprised and perplexed today's scientists and leave no room for doubt about its
rightfulness to anyone in any rank or position and the fact that it is the
guiding light in man's life.
This
is the Book: In it is guidance sure, without doubt. [Holy Quran: Baqara 2:2]
God's
divine favor and mercy has set in the inner nature of all couples of any type
the inclination, attraction, loving relationship and strong affinity for one
another that will lead to marriage, consummation, birth and increase in the
( 16 )
population. Thus, the magnificent order of Creation continues on and on and all
creatures, of any sex or type, will attain happiness and pleasure in life and
will benefit from their own existence and from the company of other beings.
The
relationship of generation in the world of inanimate objects, in whatever form
it takes, is manifested in the inclination for the combining of one element with
another resulting in the creation of a third one. Consider the combination of
oxygen and hydrogen, which are both flammable elements. The result of the
combination of these combustible gases is cold water that is the essential
liquid for living and cheerfulness. All of the following are wonders of Creation
and a result of the will and mercy of the Lord of the two worlds. For instance,
mutual attraction along with its numerous results or the case of positive and
negative currents in a form with countless benefits can be mentioned here. It is
this relationship between two elements and their affinity for each other, and
briefly speaking the attraction existing between inanimate objects which is the
cause of the generation and continuation of their existence; and the perpetuity
of the excellent order of Creation as well as the beautiful expanse of
existence.
Indeed,
what an amazing power and what a great will is displayed when such a
relationship of intimacy between two combustible elements can be established.
The combination of these two elements creates cold water, pleasant abundance of
springs, roaring rivers, great seas, endless oceans and fine rain. What a
wonderful power it is which results in the production of diamonds from the
combination of elements in the deep of the dark earth and in the heart of
granite and in a place where there is a pitch-black bed of rock darker than
night!
What
a mighty will exists that can form red agate from the combination of several
materials in the dark mines of Yemen and from the deep earth of Nayshabur sky
blue turquoise is produced! Also from the combination of earth with animal
fossils, thousands of useful things for man are created and obtained. What mercy
and favor exists that through the combination of earth and stone or other
materials with earth and stone such useful metals like gold, silver, copper and
iron are produced! What a strong will and great wisdom exists that grants to His
creatures so many blessings from the combination of elements with one another!
What a strong will and great wisdom that has created such close affinity between
the sun and the earth- between the collection of elements in this fiery ball and
the earth's elements! Many blessings result from the combination of the sun's
and the earth's elements. As Allah states in the Glorious Quran, no one has the
ability to count these blessings.
It
is God who created the skies and the Earth, sent down water from the sky and by
means of rain gave you fruits to eat. He put ships under your control so that
you could make them sail on the seas, and He gave you control of the rivers all
over the Earth. And gave you power over the sun and the moon which are in
constant motion and let you benefit from the day and the night. Whatever you
asked of Him, He granted to you. If you try to count God's blessings, you will
not be able to do so !
( 17 )
It
is God Who hath created the heavens and the earth and sendeth down rain from the
skies, and with it bringeth out fruits wherewith to feed you; it is He Who hath
made the ships subject to you, that they may sail through the sea by His
command; and the rivers (also) hath He made subject to you.
And
He hath made subject to you the sun and the moon, both diligently pursuing their
courses; and the night and the day hath He (also) made subject to you.
And
He giveth you of all that ye ask for. But if ye count the favors of God, never
will ye be able to number them. Verily man is given up to injustice and
ingratitude.[Holy Quran: Abraham 14:32-34].
The
degree of affinity and attraction of the elements and their being negative or
positive and the loving relationship between them for generations is based on an
orderly system, special laws, efficiency and just regulations. There are no
excesses to be found in these inclinations (or attractions) and these
relationships and this sincerity never turn cold. In this beautiful, broad and
loving scene there exists no rage or fighting, no discord and opposition.
Divorce
and separation have no meaning in these amorous unions. If in this great extent
of Creation divorce, rage, opposition, separation and hatred existed, then
undoubtedly corruption would completely cover the earth making a mess and
destroying everything.
All
the elements in the world of inanimate objects have a certain size and weight.
All these inanimate bodies have appropriate distances and develop and circulate
according to their own position. Their combination with one another is based on
their match. Elements do not break out of their own pre-determined order and do
not become enemies fighting with one another. Wherever they exist in this better
system, they observe their own lawful existence limits.
It
is not permitted to the sun to catch up with the moon, nor can the night
outstrip the day: each (just) swims along in (its own) orbit (according to
Law).[Holy Quran: Ya-Sin 36:40]
There will happen no change in the weight, size, length, width, depth, color,
and properties of the celestial bodies; and their distance from one another is
always constant. For instance, the distance between the Sun and the Earth, being
approximately 150 million kilometers, never increases or decreases.
If
the distance increases, all the earthly creatures freeze; and if the distance
decreases, all the elements of the terrestrial globe will be burnt up. Nothing
can be seen except for knowledge, justice and unfathomable wisdom - which are
all based on God's will being manifested in all creatures. That is why whenever
those having conscience and being fair, who think and understand, and those who
are pure and innocent, look at the system of Creation wholeheartedly, and humbly
remember the Creator - the great organizer of this order. They sincerely say:
Our
Lord! not for naught Hast Thou created (all) this! [Holy Quran:
Al-i-Imran:3:191]
( 18 )
O'
yes, orderliness, laws, limits, rights and facts are inwardly and externally
manifested in all of the elements of Creation. And the names and attributes of
Allah are displayed in all the creatures so clearly that even the illiterate can
read and understand them.
The
strangest thing is that all these creatures with their own especial systems are
heading straight for their beloved and their goal that is God the Almighty.
That
to thy Lord is the final Goal; [Holy Quran: Najm 53:42]
The
System of Plant Symbiosis
The
system of combining or in other words; pollination and reproduction in the
vegetable and plant kingdoms is carried out in such a way that any onlooker
would get thoroughly astonished. It is impossible here to explain all the
aspects of this important matter, since it would take up too much time. In a few
sentences, a brief look at this wonderful scientific fact accompanied by its
especial conditions and surprising laws as well as its extremely accurately
arranged plans, will be presented to my dear readers.
If
one has paid especial attention to the various flowers, one may see some
delicate bars and stamens in the middle of the flowers called styles. The number
of them varies from flower to flower, there being a certain reason for this
anyway. At the top of them there is a small, yellow projection called an anther.
There exists a small bag with four cavities in which pollens are placed in the
anther.
The
fine powder called pollen consists of microscopic grains which are actually very
similar to animals' sperm. After the process of pollination is performed between
the anther and the female parts, the flower seeds are produced. The pollen
particles being very tiny have within themselves a very complex structure and
amazingly as well as elaborately-done work.
Large
amounts of protoplasm, fat, sugar, starch and nitric materials are found in
them, and in the middle there exist two nuclei one of which is smaller than the
other. The larger one is called the growing seed and the smaller one is the
reproductive seed. The functions of both will soon be explained.
The
Pistil
This
is the part located on the axis of the flower and on the top part there is a
raised section called the stigma. Its surface is covered with a sticky material
which is supposed to hold the pollen and help its growth.
On
the bottom of the pistil which is attached to the flat portion of the flower,
there is a raised section called the ovary. It holds small seeds attached to the
ovarian wall by tiny stem-like structures through which they absorb water and
the necessary materials. The ovary also has an outstanding structure.
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Reproduction
After
the seed capsules are torn open and the pollen reaches the female stigma, it
immediately starts to grow. It must be stated there are different means by which
the pollen can reach the stigma. The observation of this very fact greatly
surprises those who study Creation.
There
are various insects that instinctively perform this important function. They are
attracted to the flowers due to their color, smell and the specially sugary
material inside them. Landing on the flower, they transfer the pollen attached
to their furred legs, this being especially essential in flowers having separate
male and female styles set on different bases.
As mentioned before, once the pollen lands on the stigma it starts to grow. The
larger nucleus being the growing one starts to grow with the pollen and moves
towards the ovary near which it is totally demolished.
However,
the smaller nucleus which is reproductive passes through a tiny tube entering
the ovary and compounds with the ovules. Reproduction takes place in that dark
secret space thus a new flower will be born.
Man,
water and air are some other means by which plants and vegetables are
reproduced. In the plant’s world, just as that of inanimate objects, certain
laws for combination and reproduction are at work through God's will. These laws
are carried out without any difficulties, arguments or divorce. Thus man and
other living creatures obtain their food.
The
System of Animal Copulation and Reproduction
The
attraction of the male animal for the female one and the mutual attraction
existing between these two living beings, expressly for getting pleasure out of
life, reproduction and survival of the species, is one of the biological
wonders. Anyone who ponders over the desire and attention paid by animals to
this vital issue; and the order and discipline governing coupling and
copulation, will be greatly surprised.
All
of the following issues are actually the manifestation of God's will and are
considered to be wonders of Creation: the couple's cooperation in building their
nest; the nest structure; guarding their secrets; choosing the site and time;
and more important than all this is copulation. Other wonders are paying
attention to the chicks' condition and providing them with food; teaching them
what they must be taught and protecting them from danger and unexpected events,
etc.
Man
is really surprised by the egg-layers' and mammals' world of secrets:
copulation, attention paid to guarding the eggs, fetuses and the newly-born
ones. The conditions and regulations governing coupling, copulation and
reproduction are appropriate and based on the divine laws. There is not a moving
creature, but He hath grasp of its fore-lock. Verily it is my Lord that is on a
straight Path. [Holy Quran: Hud 11:56]
( 20 )
No
animal tries to attract another species of animal. The male animal does not
deviate from its straight, divine path and there is no deviation found in the
sexual instincts of animals. The male sperm is intended for females of the same
species and no other species is taken into consideration.
Animals
do not attack females belonging to another male of the same species and they do
not pursue other female animals. Oviparous animals and mammals are not any
different in this regard.
Those
who ponder over the order and discipline of all affairs, especially copulation
and reproduction of birds, reptiles, herbivores and water creatures will really
get astonished. The animals' life styles and the rules that govern them are good
lessons for those people who have not taken God's guidance and live a life
lacking spirituality. Animals are similar to inanimate objects, elements, the
moon, sky, Earth and vegetation in regard to order and discipline.
Man
and Marriage
Coupling,
copulation and reproductiossn in the world of inanimate objects, plants and
animals are based on the rules of Creation and the correct order of the
instincts. This vital issue and magnificent, natural program, however, must be
carried out and be based on divine regulations; those heavenly rules pointed in
the Glorious Quran and in celestial maxims of the Prophets and Imams.3
The
basic ingredients of this fact (marriage) have been placed in man and woman in
the form of instincts, attraction, friendship, love, and kindness and are
arranged according to God's wise will.
And
among His signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves,
that ye may dwell in tranquillity with them, and He has put love and mercy
between your (hearts): verily in that are Signs for those who reflect. [Holy
Quran: Rum 30:21]
It
is He Who has created man from water: then has He established relationships of
lineage and marriage: for thy Lord Has power (over all things). [Holy Quran:
Furqan 25:54]
In
the Islamic immaculate culture, the action of choosing a spouse is recommended
and greatly admired as an excellent program. If being unmarried might lead one
to commit sins, it is absolutely obligatory to become united in marriage.
At
this point, one must wholeheartedly put into action God's decree concerning
marriage and not be afraid of the expenses involved, since worrying about future
living expenses is a Satanic thought resulting from the mental weakness and not
relying upon God’s grace.
Now
let's consider the following Quranic verse from the Chapter Nur regarding
marriage and God's guarantee to provide for living expenses:
____________
3. Divine Leaders
( 21 )
Marry
those among you who are single, or the virtuous ones among your slaves, male or
female: If they are in poverty, God will give them means out of His grace: for
God encompasseth all, and He knoweth all things. [Holy Quran: Nur 24:32]
Literally
speaking, "marry" in this verse is an order addressing all men and
women in the society. One can conclude from this verse that marriage is
necessary for those who need to get married or else their health and chastity
would be endangered. The verse may also be used to instruct parents and those
who can pay for the wedding expenses, to marry off young men and women.
Let's
Be Lenient in Making Preparations for Marriage
It
is a natural, human and vital affair for men to be attracted to women and vice
versa, especially when the buds of the instincts bloom and the flower of lust
with its intense degree and power appears at the time when one is marriageable.
Marriage is an undeniable affair for anyone. The just desire of the youth,
whether they be young women or men, concerning the future of establishing a
married life is an obvious truth. This truth is as clear as the sun shining in
the middle of the day for anyone, especially parents who have offspring of
marriageable age.
The
most important and the best way to prevent sinning and protect the society from
falling into the whirlpool of corruption is to marry off young women and men
when they need to be married. This is undeniable except by fools and the
ignorant.
Based
on the above discussion, during the first stage of this union, parents, other
relations and anyone else concerned with the couple's marriage must be lenient
in preparing facilities for this divine affair. They must make the wedding
arrangements in the simplest way possible. At the next stage, it is necessary
for the young man and woman planning to marry to avoid having inappropriate
expectations from each other. And they should avoid creating strict conditions
for marriage so that inclinations, instincts, lust and desires may easily follow
their own natural path and the foundations of life would be laid on with
prosperity. Thus, the building of success will be erected in this world and in
the Hereafter.
According
to the Quranic verses and the traditions, undoubtedly God the Benevolent will be
lenient in this world and especially in the Hereafter regarding the deeds of
those who are lenient about their own affairs; especially the ones concerning
the marriage of their sons and daughters. On the other hand, men and women who
are too strict will cause their offspring to suffer from nervous and psychic
diseases; and become ill-tempered due to the pressure of instincts and lust.
These innocent ones may commit sins and their hopes and desires be gone with the
wind. In this world and especially in the Hereafter God will be strict and angry
with them and they will burn in the fire of God’s Wrath.
( 22 )
Being
too cautious about marriage will cause one to become too strict. The copulation
of a couple in nature takes place extremely easily. This superior system
undoubtedly could not exist now if the process of combining and copulation was
difficult in nature.
O'
you parents and offspring do not be too strict about the preparations for this
divine and humane union; in determining the nuptial gift; in determining the
marriage conditions; and in arranging the engagement party, the religious
ceremony and the wedding party. Don't be too strict about performing local
customs and do not propose plans which are beyond the financial abilities of the
two families. Let the marriage take place easily as God the Benevolent will ease
your affairs in this world and in the Hereafter.
Therefore,
put into practice the ways of the pious ones and learn some lessons from this
source of benefits and blessings. And establish your life based upon the
characteristics of the pious ones, since happiness and the good of this world
and the Hereafter are subject to following the example of the lovers of God the
Eternal.
The
Commander of the Faithful (Imam Ali) introduces the pious ones as follows::
"They
are continually subject to self-control from any involvement in corruption. They
require little and every good deed is expected from them. People feel safe and
secure in their company."[Hedayat ul-Elm, p.651]
At
any rate, those who are involved in the wedding preparations must avoid the
following: inappropriate expectations; imposing various unbearable matters on
those making preparations; following one's own carnal desires; getting entrapped
in incorrect customs; being extremely envious of what others have; and finally
being too strict in all of the wedding affairs.
From
the very beginning, the foundation of the marriage must be founded upon piety,
goodness, leniency, and only for the sake of acquiring God's satisfaction.
After
the contract of marriage, the man who had seen the woman before the union and
had approved of her, must start a new life with her and guarantee the
continuance of the divine love and mercy established between the couple. And the
woman, who had seen her husband before marriage and had accepted him, must be a
complaisant wife easy to live with and respect his rights in all areas.
The
following instances are not signs of dignity: excessively expensive nuptial
gifts; expensive ceremonies; entertaining lots of guests; following illogical
and inappropriate customs and traditions and imposing strict conditions. But the
following are dignified acts: the couple must match each other in rank; both
families should obey the Islamic ethics; both husband and wife must observe
divine and human rights; both partners must continue to be loving and kind for
the continuation of the marriage and to avoid arguments.
( 23 )
The
life of a couple, such as that of the Commander of the Faithful4. and
Fatimah (Pbuh), is the best model for each Muslim man and woman. Fatimah was the
source of peace for her husband making a peaceful home environment, and Ali (Pbuh)
was an excellent model and teacher for the children and a sympathetic assistant
in the house and family affairs. He would not hesitate to help in simple matters
around the house such as: cleaning; preparing the bread dough and helping to
take care of the children. He would not let his wife have a hard time in doing
household duties and would not make her do everything around the house.
It
is obligatory for a husband and wife to respect each other's rights and be each
other's helper in all aspects of life. They should not think that oppression is
limited to Pharaohs, the King Nimrood and other oppressors throughout history.
Any unjust act that harms others is oppression and God does not like oppression
and the oppressor. He dislikes any violation of other's rights no matter how
insignificant.
God
willing, all issues regarding the Islamic Family Structure will be discussed
little by little in the following chapters. Here some important traditions
concerning the value and significance of marriage and its benefits have been
cited from authentic sources. It is hoped that you will realize the strength of
divine issues and that no other culture has Islam's wise and fine plans.
Traditions
on the Value and Importance of Marriage
1
-The Prophet (Pbuh) said:
God’s
Mercy and attention will be bestowed upon man in four situations: when it rains;
when a child kindly looks at his/her father; when the door of the Ka'aba (House
of God) is opened and when a marriage contract is drawn up and two join each
other in a new life.[Marriage in Islam, p.17]
2
-The Prophet (Pbuh) said:
You
must marry and marry off your single sons and daughters. The sign of a Muslim's
prosperity is to pay the expenses for a woman to get married. And nothing is
better approved by God than a Muslim home enriched by marriage. [Marriage in
Islam, p.7]
3
-The Prophet (Pbuh) said:
Marry
off your single men until God will make them good-tempered and increase their
daily bread as well as generosity. [Marriage in Islam, p.8]
4
-The Holy Prophet of God (Pbuh) said:
Marriage
is my practice and whoever turns away from it does not belong to my nation.
[Bihar al-Anwar, v.103, p.222.]
5
-The Prophet (Pbuh) said:
____________
4 Imam Ali
( 24 )
Whoever
gets married has actually attained half of his/her religion and for the other
half he/she should be pious. [Bihar al-Anwar, v.103, p.219.]
6
-Imam Sadiq (Pbuh) said:
A
man came to my father, the Imam Baqir. My father asked him if he was married,
but the man said no. Then my father told him that he would not like to own the
world with everything in it and live one night without his wife. Then my father
continued by saying that two units (rakaats) of prayer of a married man is
better than a single man's night of worship and day of fasting. Then my father
gave the man seven Durhams and told him to buy the necessities for marriage with
this money since the Prophet (Pbuh) has said: Choose a spouse and this will
cause an increase in your daily bread. [Vasa'il al-Shiia, v.14, p.7]
7
-The Prophet (Pbuh) said:
O'
young ones; Whoever of you has the means to get married, then marry so that you
seldom look at other women and remain sinless. [Marriage in Islam, p.14]
8
-The Prophet (Pbuh) said:
No
contract in Islam is more approved by God than marriage. [Bihar al-Anwar, v.103,
p.222]
9
-The Prophet (Pbuh) said:
Whoever
gets married has obtained half of prosperity. [Mustadrak al-Vasa'il,
Introductory Chapters, Ch.1]
10
-The Prophet (Pbuh) said:
Whoever
marries at an early age will cause Satan to scream and say that the one who
married saved two-thirds of his religion from my access. God's servant must
remain virtuous to maintain the other third. [Bihar al-Anwar, v.103, p.221]
In
fact, marriage is highly valued in Islam and it benefits man and woman greatly.
Hopefully, families will ease this humane, divine and important issue and
abstain from making conditions difficult to meet and be more lenient. And it is
hoped they will perform these ceremonies according to their own social status
being satisfied with what is available. Thus the youth’s desires would be
naturally met and their instincts, being God-given blessings not turn into sin.
What
are the roots of nervous and psychic diseases, inattentiveness to educational
matters, being lazy in practicing prayer, rape, prostitution, lust and of
lustful deviations? This question must be asked from parents who are too strict
and entrapped in wrong traditions and habits being extremely envious of what
others have. And also this question must be asked from those youngsters who are
not pious and those who have the financial ability to provide for the youths'
marriage but do not spend their wealth in the way of God. Whatever logical and
acceptable answer they may have in this world, they shall have the same answer
in God's just court in the Hereafter.