The Majestic Quran

35. Fatir The Originator of the Universe This is an early Makkan chapter, revealed possibly in the third or fourth year of the Prophet’s mission r . The central theme is God’s numerous gifts: the wonders of His creation in nature is a display of his Kindness: “People, remember the gifts God gave you. Is there any other creator beside God who provides for you from the Earth and the sky?” (3). Imam Ghazali observes: Human beings are in urgent need of understanding this universal law of creation, since many of them are under the illusion that what nature provides bears no relation to God Almighty whatsoever. Some have dared to eliminate God from life, giving the wildest explanations of the nature and purpose of existence. 1 But intelligent and thoughtful people can’t fail to see the created world as the handiwork of God. For them, God is everywhere: “Among his servants, only the knowledgeable fear God. God is the Almighty, the Forgiver” (28). The Makkan people were stubborn in their denial of the Prophet r , so he is reassured: “If they think you are a liar, so what ? Those before them treated their messengers as liars when they came to them with clear signs, with writings and the enlightening Book” (25). He is told to be patient and resilient, since God gives respite and time for people to think. The stubborn disbelievers are given a warning; whilst He is the Kindest, He is an Avenger who takes exact retribution. “Were God to punish people for the wrong they