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SUBMISSION TO MEN
Islam draws a clear line between those who keep the covenant, the believers; and those
who betrayed it, the non-believers or kafirs, and the hypocrites. So the covenant does not imply
only taking care of animals and plants, but also to set community rules based on faith, on prayer
and on the pillars of Islam. Men should completely submit to the will of Allah Ta'alah. That is a
part of the covenant.
In exchange for their submission, men are granted the power over Nature and an eternal
soul. Men can cultivate the earth, build tools to shape the earth at will (or almost), train pets.
They are granted the intelligence to do so, and this form of intelligence is unique to humans.
So, the submission of the earth and the heavens is in man's favor. The Qur'an gives examples of
things that Allah Ta'alah submitted to the men. Can you cite some of them?
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God it is who created the heavens and the earth; and sent down from the sky water, and
brought forth therewith fruits as a provision for you; and subjected to you the ships, to
float therein upon the sea at His bidding; and subjected for you the rivers; and subjected
for you the sun and the moon, constant both; and subjected for you the night and the day;
and brought you of everything you asked Him: but if you try to number God's favors, you
cannot count them; - verily, man is very unjust and ungrateful
[Qur'an 14:37]
Other verses are: 18:42, 16:11/66, 20:54, 22:6/64/66, 31:11, 35:28, 39:22, 42:29, 43:12, 50:10,
57:21, 78:7-12,15, 79:32, 80:25, 89:25.
Allah Ta'alah mentions the blessings He has bestowed upon men. What are these blessings?
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And the earth we have stretched out and have thrown on it firm mountains, and have
caused to grow upon it of everything a measured quantity. And we have made for
your means of livelihood therein, and for those for whom you have not to provide
[15:20]
Other verses are: 15:21, 41:11.
Allah mentions the diversity in his gifts:
And what he has produced for you in the earth varying in hue,
verily, in that its a sign for a people who are mindful
[Qur'an 16.14]
Other verses are: 20:56, 35:26, 50:8.
The last group of verses shows that God has created everything but still the actions of men count.
Men have to demonstrate their intentions actively as well as their gratefulness towards Allah's
gifts.
In which surah does Allah Ta'alah warns us many times against denying His bounties?
Surah _____________________.
Allah has created the earth in balance and harmony so that men should not find too hard to live on
it.
... that no burdened soul shall bear the burden of another? And that man shall have only
that for which he strives; and that his striving shall at length be seen?
[Qur'an 53:39]
But the man is tested on the way he behaves towards this balance, so that Allah may distinguish
between the good and the bad.
Verily, we have made what is on the earth an ornament thereof,
to try them, which of them is best in works, but, verily, we are
going to make what is thereon bare soil
[Qur'an 18.6]
Knowing that, can you tell for what other purpose the earth equilibrium, the ecosystem, has been
created?
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