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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Trends of History in Qur'an Norms of History in the Qur'an Three Basic Points: Three basic points can be derived from the passages of the Qur'an to prove the existence of the norms of history. The Qur'an has emphasized these points or facts and presented the laws of history through them. I. The first fact is that the norms of history are universal. They are firm and unfailing, not accidental or haphazard.

So long as the world goes on in its normal manner and no basic change is observed in it, the generality and the universality of the laws of history confirms the scientific characteristic of these norms, for the most important feature of any scientific laws is their being universal and unexceptionable. That is why the following Qur'anic verses lay stress on the universality of the divine laws: You will never find a change in the way of Allah.

(Surah al-Ahzab, 33: 62) You will not find a change in our method. (Surah Bani Isra'il, 17: 77) These texts specifically tell us of the universality and continuity of the divine laws, accord them a scientific aspect, and denounce those who are tempted to think that they could be an exception to the laws of history. The Qur'an says: Do you think that you will enter paradise while yet there has not come to you the like of that which came to those who passed away before you?

Affliction and adversity befell them and they were badly shaken, till the messenger of Allah and those who believed along with him said: `When comes Allah's help?' Now surely Allah's help is nigh. (Surah al-Baqarah, 2:214) This verse refutes those who wished that their position would be exceptional and the laws of history would not be applicable to them. That is why the Qur'an lays stress on the fact that the laws of history are universal and their universality has a scientific characteristic.

Hence man should be prepared to face the historical events intelligently within the framework of these laws. II. The second fact on which the Qur'an lays stress is the divinity of these laws and norms. Historical norms are divine in the sense that they have been appointed by Allah. The Qur'an has described them as Allah's words also. In other words every law of history is Allah's words. It is a divine rule.

In order to promote man's dependence on Allah the Qur'an lays stress on the divinity and the sacred character of the historical norms. Man can enjoy the fruits of nature only with Allah's help.