pp. 201-211 77Muntakhab al-Asar by Lutfullah Safi Gulpaygani...

pp. 201-211 77Muntakhab al-Asar by Lutfullah Safi Gulpaygani, p. 266 perfect and complete man; rather, it suggests that it is the intention of Allah that man should attain this level on his own accord. Sometimes, Allah gives two different individuals exceptional talent but while one of them uses it aptly, the other misuses and abuses it in an undesirable manner. For example, the talent that Allah confers on Allamah Hilli (a.r.) is the same that is endowed on Hitler.

The geniality that is given to Shaikh Murtuza Ansari (a.r.) is also granted to the other criminals of history like Chengiz Khan. This is the first geniality, potential and perfection that are given to all the aforementioned individuals. But, while Shaikh Murtuza Ansari (a.r.) realizes his potential in the way of Allah and comes to be know as the great Shaikh Ansari (a.r.), Chengiz Khan uses this talent in the way of murder and killings and gains notoriety as Chengiz.

Therefore, the light of grace is conferred on both kinds of people, but one type of them does not use it in the desirable manner. The grace of guidance of the Messenger of Islam (s.a.w.a.), in his capacity as Prophet, shines on all companions but they are not the same (in aptitude). On his own volition, one amongst them turns away from truth, does not accept guidance and turns criminal. On the other hand, another benefit from this leadership becomes righteous and attains lofty levels.

Hence, it was Allah's wish that man should gain perfection on his own volition and this applies to man as an individual as well as to the human society. Mankind, on a singular basis, receives potential from divinity, but everybody does not realize the promise equally. Only a few achieve success in fulfilling the promise.

As Allah the Omniscient knew in advance that only these selected few will strive to realize their potential to the fullest and not squander it away due to their freewill, He appoints them to the status of Prophethood or Imamate.

If Allah knew, on account of His pre-knowledge, that of all these people who will realize their potential positively, only one will use it to the maximum and take it to unparalleled heights and others will not be able to match him, although they could, He will appoint this sole individual to this great position and protect him for the same. It is asked: Why did Allah preserve him? Could He not create another individual?