Page 20 - Communication and Argument in the Qur'an

18 COMMUNICATION AND ARGUMENT IN THE QUR’AN

They must come to realize that this system is actually a
gross deception.
After this point, the approach to each group is the
same. Their ability to think independently and to trust their
own judgments and intellects must be regained. Perhaps
this is the first time they have been invited to “think,” as
thinking is understood in the Qur’an. They will be forced to
think about the origin of the fruits they have eaten for
years, the water they have drunk, and the air they have
breathed. They will be urged to consider where their bod-
ies, eyes, ears, and hearts came from and who created
them. The Qur’an teaches people how to think and often
stresses what to think about:
Have you thought about the sperm that you ejaculate?
Is it you who creates it, or are We the Creator? We
have decreed death for you and We will not be fore-
stalled in replacing you with others [who are] the same
as you and re-forming you in a way you know nothing
about. You have known the first formation, so will you
not pay heed? Have you thought about what you culti-
vate? Is it you who makes it germinate, or are We the
Germinator? If We willed, We could have made it bro-
ken stubble. You would then be left devoid of crops,
distraught: “We are ruined, in fact we are destitute!”
Have you thought about the water that you drink? Is it
you who sent it down from the clouds, or are We the
Sender? If We willed, We could have made it bitter. So
will you not give thanks? Have you thought about the
fire that you light? Is it you who makes the trees that