Page 215 - Matter: The Other Name for Illusion

lived and come to an end in an instant in His sight. However, God allows us to
experience these tests and causes so that people should witness their own
attitudes and understand why they go to heaven or hell. Someone who knows
that God is his friend—that He is infinitely just, compassionate and loving—
will accept this creation of His.

God shows us things that have already happened in His sight. He gives
people the feeling that they are doing these actions themselves. Within that
feeling, He announces by means of the Koran that we are responsible for
everything He reveals. That responsibility is to obey all of our Lord's
commands. We can learn beyond this only if God wills. If He wishes, God can
reveal this secret and wisdom to us either in the world or in the hereafter. Or if
He wishes, never at all. As stated in a verse, 'they cannot grasp any of His

knowledge save what He wills'. (Surat al-Baqara: 255) Whatever happens,
God is our Lord and Protector. It is therefore our duty to trust in Him, who
gives us so many blessings, and to be pleased with everything He creates.

Someone walking in the country
with his friends is actually doing
so with friends in his mind, and
smelling the fresh air in his
mind. Three people looking at
flowers in the countryside form
three different images of them.
This cannot be shown as proof
that they see the originals of
those flowers that exist outside
their minds.

Replies To Objections Regarding The Reality Of Matter 213