The goal towards which the world and every individual thing
existing in it, is moving appears to be perfection. Perfection means
self-realisation, that is the actualisation of all the potentialities
inherent in a particular being. Defined in this way, it is clear that
perfection is not to be taken in an absolute sense, but as relative to
the capacity of each individual thing or person. There is thus a direct
ratio between the degree of capacity and the degree of attainable
perfection. Development is the process through which a thing
realises itself and gains the perfection of which it is capable.
In almost every religion, theologians have long been puzzled
over the nature of creation. They conceived of it in different ways.
The concept of creation through evolution appears to be in full
accord with the facts which science has brought to light. It also fits
into the view which has been set forth in the Qur’an. The universe is
not the scene of haphazard changes. They are evolutionary changes
which lead to the emergence of new and higher qualities and new
higher types of being. Every natural thing, as it comes into being,
enters on a career of development. Every created being has a
definite place in the overall pattern of creation and in that sense is
good. But it is not intended to remain the same throughout its span
of life. It is endowed with a number of potentialities and
instinctively tends to realize them, becoming more perfect in the
process. It is through Divine Guidance, termed Rububiyyah in the
Qur’an, that things develop and finally attain the form of which they
are capable. This view is expressed simply and tersely in the
following verse:
Who created and perfected, Who measured and directed (87:2-3).
This verse draws attention to four typical Divine activities in
relation to the universe – khalq (creating), taswiyya (perfecting), taqdeer
(measuring) and huda (guiding). A natural thing is endowed with
certain potentialities and, guided by its Rabb, passes from stage to
stage until it has reached full development. The guidance and
fostering care of God are essential for its development. Divine
guidance is at work everywhere in the universe. The form in which it
is imparted to its recipient is termed Wahi in the Qur'an. Wahi is
usually translated as Revelation, but Wahi is more generalised and
has a wider scope than the English term. It will repay us to look
more closely at the nature and function of Wahi.
Islam: A Challenge to Religion 91