(13:17).
The inviolable and unchangeable criterion is that:
Only that remains which is beneficial for the whole of mankind; everything
else passes away like scum.
This is the eternal immutable principle which throws light on the
rise and fall of nations. As long as a nation is contributing
something useful to mankind and adding to the store of goodness
in the world, it prospers and flourishes. The moment it fails to do so,
it starts on the downward course and finally ceases to play an
effective role in world affairs. Whether it disappears or lingers on for
decades or even centuries is immaterial. The cosmic purpose has no
use for it and works itself out through other nations. It is, therefore,
clear that the nation which has identified its good with the good of
mankind as a whole is following the right path. That nation is
progressive which is creating something of value to mankind,
something that enriches the life of all men. That nation will survive
which strives to assure for all men a life of happiness, peace and
prosperity. Armed might, control over the forces of nature and
wealth will not avail a nation if its policies are detrimental to the
interest of mankind. It is bound to pass away, for,
Only that remains which is beneficial for mankind as a whole (13:17).
V. Cosmic Process.This discussion emerged out of the question: why the Qur'anic
Social Order which assures a peaceful, prosperous and glorious life
to mankind has not been established anywhere in the world, not
even in any Muslim state, although the Divine Guidance has been
with us for fourteen centuries. The answer so far provided is that
cosmic process is slow, very slow when measured by serial or
historic time. The point requires further elucidation. Evolutionary
changes take place in the outer universe automatically, according to
Divine plan, and by stages, each involving thousands and thousands
of years to accomplish. This is cosmic process. In the case of man,
however, this process works in a somewhat different way. Man (and
here we mean man not travelling in the light of Divine guidance)
when pressed by circumstances to modify any existing state of
affairs, adopts a course which he thinks the best, works on it
strenuously day in and day out, but finds at the end that the course
Rise and Fall of Nations 280