His natural disposition and character show him the path...

His natural disposition and character show him the path which he should take in life, and point out and distinguish the duties and responsibilities which he must fulfil. “From what thing does he create him (man)? From a drop of seed.

He createth him and proportioned him, then maketh the way easy for him.”(3) Meditation upon this and upon our previous discussion will show that the result of both of these discussions is the same, that is, that correct actions and deeds (those which are in conformity with man’s true best interest)- which man must choose by means of his instinct of discerning between the real and the illusory-are the very same actions towards which the nature of man guides him, endowed as it is with its own peculiar equipment.

It is thus that the way towards which the Holy Quran invites man, which it has named “the Religion of the Truth”, which it also refers to as the natural and primordial religion, and attributes it to creation itself. “So set thy purpose (O Muhammad) for religion as a man by nature upright-the nature (framed) of Allah, in which He hath created man. There is no altering (the laws of) Allah’s creation.

That is the right religion.”(4) “By a soul and Him who perfected it, and inspired it (with conscience of) what is wrong for it and (what is) right for it.

He is indeed successful who causeth it to grow, and he is indeed a failure who stunteth it.”(5) From another point of view, since creation is the work of God and since every sort of beauty and appropriateness which is observable in it is the result of His Mercy, that which is appropriate to human nature inasmuch as it determines the actions which man must perform is called “the Will of God”.

(This is of course the Will of God inasmuch as it ordains laws, guides men in his actions, and holds him responsible for these actions; it is not the same as the Will of God inasmuch as it creates-which can never be disobeyed or violated.) Likewise, the duties and rules which result from that which is appropriate to man’s nature are called the commands and prohibitions of God. “The Lord bringeth to pass what He willeth and chooseth. They (men) have never any choice.

(6) Since the religion of Islam consists of duties and commands from God, the Creator, and since the person who follows its doctrinal and practical injunctions has submitted himself to the Will of God, in the language of the Holy Quran this religion is called “Islam” (“submission” or “surrender”). “Lo!