particular moment that we understand his activity, but by learning
about his purpose and the goal he is heading for. The physical world
as it develops is accomplishing a purpose. Although the physical
world is not conscious of the purpose, nevertheless it is, in a sense,
its purpose which enhances its value and enriches it with new
attributes. The purpose is positive, constructive and operates
objectively. We may say that the world is destined to move towards
and attain the goal which God, in His wisdom, has set for it. This
holds for the outer universe. With man the case is quite different.
Possessing a free self, he can develop and attain his own end only by
free choice and personal effort. Man cannot be forced to develop;
he must develop himself. Because man grows, he is compared with a
plant in the Qur'an. The seed germinates and puts forth a young
shoot. The tiny stalk grows in bulk and height, It becomes the full-
grown tree which bears fruit. It has fulfilled its purpose by
reproducing its kind. Man takes his origin in the fertilized ovum.
After birth, he grows in size and strength, till he reaches maturity
and is ready for procreation. The analogy cannot be carried beyond
this point. Man, when he has begotten children, has not fulfilled his
purpose. His destiny is far different from that of the plant. He is not
a mere instrument for the preservation of his race. His body, no
doubt, has fulfilled its purpose when he has begotten children, but
he possesses a self and the self does not beget its like. It does not
procreate. Says the Qur'an of the Divine Self that "He neither
begets nor is He begotten" (112:3). This is also true of the human
self which, though infinitely lower than the Divine Self, has more in
common with it than with physical objects or animals. The self's
activity is creative, not procreative. It creates values and the values
enrich and expand its nature and raise it in the scale of existence.
While the evolution of nature proceeds under the direct control and
supervision of God, man is an active participant in his own
evolution. Man develops as a result of his own free choice and
deliberate voluntary efforts. The evolution of his self, therefore, is
governed by laws distinct from those that obtain for nature. He too
cannot dispense with Divine help and guidance, but these are
offered to him in a form which does not impair the integrity of his
self, nor imperil his freedom. He is left free to accept or reject
Divine Guidance. Deen comprises the principles of conduct which
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