the uniform way in which He deals with the world in its physical and
moral aspects. Sunnah implies order, uniformity and consistency. It
is the expression of God's rationally directed Will.
This has been the course followed by God with regard to those
who passed away before. The bidding of God is a decree, measured
according to a definite pattern called Divine Laws (33:39). This law,
or "habit of God" knows no change. It will operate in the future as it
has operated in the past:
This is the course (habit) of Allah with regard to those who passed
away before; and never shalt thou find a change in the course (law) of
Allah (33:62).
This ''habit of God'' is also specifically related to the consequences
of going against His laws:
And they swore by Allah, their most binding oath, that if a warner
came to them, they would be more tractable than any of the nations,
yet when a warner came unto them, he aroused in them naught save
repugnance (shown in their) behaving arrogantly in the land and
plotting mischief; and the plotting of mischiefs encloseth but the
people who make it. Do they then expect a treatment other than the
one meted out to those of old. But thou wilt not find any change in the
course of God nor shalt thou find any variation in the course of God
(35:42-43).
And nothing in the universe is out of His reach or out of His
knowledge:
Allah is not such that aught in the heavens or in the earth escapeth
Him. Lo! He is the Wise, the Mighty (35:44).
III. The Qur'anic View of HistoryBecause of his rational nature, man always seeks to discern the
meaning of things. He has been least successful in his attempt to
discern the meaning of history. What does history mean? Is it
merely "a tale told by an idiot, signifying nothing?" Or, can we
discern, however dimly it may be, some plan, design, pattern or
rhythm in the long succession of events recorded therein? This
question has exercised the minds of some of the greatest thinkers.
They have had tantalising glimpses of the meaning of history but no
more. We shall briefly refer to the views of two most influential
thinkers of the nineteenth century - Hegel and Marx. Evolution is
Rise and Fall of Nations 266