The Basic Characteristics of Self.
The
self (Nafas) is given by Allah. When one
obeys the directions and program of Allah, the self develops and strengthens; in
the case of denial, it becomes weak and disintegrates. This is known as the law
of requital or (mukafat -i- amal ). The result of the actions shows itself in
this world as well as in the life after death. It shows the relationship between Allah and nafas, and points out the
importance of keeping the ideal of Allah in front in order to develop. Eemaan
in Allah automatically leads to eemaan in one’s self. If one does not believe in himself, his belief
in Allah or life after death makes no sense.
Freedom
and independence are the two basic characteristics of personality. Independence means to exist in itself
without taking any support from anywhere. Allah is the only one who possesses
this attribute in its complete sense. In
the Quranic terminology, Allah’s one attribute is Samad. He is the most complete and the most
independent personality in the universe (2:268). Moreover, He does what He
wills (11:107).
The
freedom is the second characteristic of a personality. Allah is all-powerful and wills what He
likes. He is absolutely independent in
His will and possesses limitless powers.
As a consequence of His limitless powers and authority, He can use His
powers in any way He likes; but He has Himself imposed some limits on His
absolute powers. (6:12). Allah has decided for Himself to give substance
without cost to all his creation. These
limitations are self-imposed; therefore, they don’t curtail his limitless
authority.
These
self-imposed restrictions show that Allah does not behave like a dictator or
tyrant. He manages His affairs according to His created laws. His attribute manifests itself according to
the need of the universe. The attributes
of Allah always remain the same; therefore, His laws governing the universe are
also unchanged (10:64).
The Quran says (35:43). You will never see any
change in the laws of Allah. The
behavior of God is known as Sunnat-ul-Allah. (10:64). God’s ways are immutable.
This is a declaration that the system of the universe is not working under
haphazard laws of nature; on the contrary, it is working under the laws of God
in a systematic way. There is great harmony in the system of nature; and the
Quran lays great stress on studying and observing it. It is known as a means
to gain direct knowledge of God’s workings (13:2).
In this universe, every created object must obey the laws of God. Even the
greatest entities such as the sun and moon are following the directions of God
(13:15). Unto Allah bows down whosoever is in the heaven and the earth, but humans
are an exception. They are given
personality, and freedom is a basic characteristic of a personality. Therefore,
they are not forced to follow a certain way; they have the option to reject or
accept the truth (18:29). Whosoever likes to accept the truth, may accept it,
and whosoever likes to reject it, may reject it. The one who will accept the
truth and act according to it will develop his personality; the one who rejects
the truth will have his personality remain
undeveloped. (91:9-10) One is indeed successful who causes it (nafas) to grow,
and one is indeed a failure who stunts it.
Allah’s
attributes manifest themselves according to the need of the time; moreover, the
attributes of Allah never change. Similarly, His laws are immutable. (35:43) You
will never find any change in the ways of Allah.
Follow
the directions of Allah willingly, says the Quran. The Arabic word for it is ata’at, meaning to
obey the laws of Allah willingly, like the ripe dates which are plucked without
force. The word ata’a points out that
anything which is done under duress or coercion is not conducive to the growth
of personality. Only self-imposed
restrictions and willing obedience to laws can produce the best results.
