Living The Quran
From Issue: 622 [Read full issue]
Diverse Lands
Al-Rad (The Thunder) - Chapter 13: Verse 4 (partial)
"And on the earth there are many tracts of land neighbouring each other."
God has caused the various regions of the world to differ from one another despite their closeness. These regions differ in many respects - in their configuration, in their colour, in their component elements, in their characteristics, properties and potentialities, in the produce which they yield and in the chemical and mineral deposits which are hidden under their surface. The variation and diversity thus found abounds in wisdom and leads to countless benefits. Let us disregard for a moment the benefits inherent in this diversity in respect of other species of creation and simply consider the benefits which accrue to human beings. In this regard it will be noted that there is a very close correspondence between the diverse interests and purposes of man and the diversity which characterizes the different regions of the world. The result of all this is manifest in the growth and flourishing of human culture and civilization.
It would be bold and rash for anyone to brand all this as the outcome of mere coincidence. On the contrary, common sense suggests that all this undoubtedly represents the careful and benevolent planning of the All-Wise Creator.
Compiled From:
"Towards Understanding the Quran" - Syed Abul Ala Maududi, Vol. 4, pp. 223, 224