Page 154 - Matter: The Other Name for Illusion

everything that happens to a person; He has commanded that we not be sorry
for the things that happen to us, and be self-satisfied by the blessings that we
receive. The difficulties that human beings experience, together with their
wealth and success, is determined by God. All these things are in the fate
predetermined by our Lord to test human beings. As it is revealed in one verse,
"... God's command is a pre-ordained decree." (Surat al-Ahzab: 38)

In another verse, God reveals that "We have created all things in due
measure." (Surat al-Qamar: 49) Not only human beings but also all things
animate and inanimate, the sun, the moon, mountains and trees have their fate
determined by God. For example, a broken antique vase was broken at the
moment determined by its fate. While it was being made, it was determined
who would use this centuries-old vase, as well as in which corner of which
house and with which other objects it would stand. The designs on the vase

and it colors were determined in advance in its fate. It was known in God's
memory on which day, which hour, which minute, by whom and how it would
be broken. The first moment the vase was made, the first moment it was placed
in the window for sale, the first moment it was placed in the corner of the
house, the moment it was broken into pieces, in short, every moment in the
centuries-long life of this vase, was present in God's sight as one single
moment. Whereas even though the person who would break the vase was not
aware that he would break it until a moment before it happened, that moment
was experienced and known in God's sight. For this reason, God tells human

beings not to be sorry for the things that may have escaped them. What have
escaped them escaped in accordance with their fate, and they cannot change it.
People must learn a lesson from what happens in their fate, see the purpose
and benefits that accrue to them from it. They must always incline themselves
toward the endless mercy, compassion and justice of our Lord, Who creates
their fate, and spares and protects His servants.
Those who lead their lives heedless of this important reality are always

anxious and fearful. For example, they are very worried about the future of
their children. They are very concerned about questions such as these: What
school will they go to? What profession will they follow? Will they have good
health? What kind of lives will they lead? However, every moment of a
person's life is determined in God's sight, from the time he is a single cell to the
time he learns to read and write, from the first answers he gives in a university
exam to what company he will work in during his life, what papers he will sign

152 MATTER: THE OTHER NAME FOR ILLUSION