Al-Risala (English), March-April 2001

This difference is so evident that no one can fail to notice it. One who sincerely makes a comparative study of religions of both kinds will inevitably discover it. Hence, Islam is the only choice for those who seek a religion with a credible historical base. □ Period of Respite By the heaven, and by the nightly visitant! Would that you knew what the nightly visitant is! It is the star of piercing brightness. For every soul there is a guardian watching over it. Let man reflect from what he is created. He is created from an ejaculated fluid that issues from between the loins and the ribs. Surely He has power to bring him back to life, on the day when men’s consciences are searched. Helpless shall he be, with no supporter. By the heaven with its recurring cycles, and by the earth, ever bursting with new growth; this is a conclusive utterance, no flippant jest. They scheme and scheme, and I, too, scheme and scheme. Therefore bear with the unbelievers, and let them be alone for a while. (86:1-17) The shining of the stars above serves, in symbolic language, as a reminder of the fact that an Observer is watching mankind. This Observer is recording human actions. He will create man again after death and then will judge all his actions. This period of respite on earth is only a test. The fixed time that man is allotted