elevated contest, there is surely an indication of it. But – other than shooting stars – no event appropriate to this announcement is apparent among the events of the atmosphere and heavens; there is nothing more appropriate than this. For it may be understood clearly how suitable for the repulsion of devils are these stellar events, which resemble missiles and signal rockets fired from the sturdy bastions of towering castles. There is no other known purpose, wisdom, and aim, no other purpose appropriate to these occurrences other than these. Other occurrences are not like this. Furthermore, this purpose of them has been well-known since the time of Adam, and has been witnessed by the people of reality.

Sixth Step

SIXTH STEP: Since human beings and the jinn are capable of infinite evil and exertion, they are infinitely obdurate and rebellious. It is because of this that the Holy Qur’an restrains them from rebellion and insubordination with an eloquence so miraculous, styles so elevated and clear, comparisons and stories so exalted and evident that they cause the universe to tremble. For example, observe carefully the awesome warning, fearsome threat, and severe restraining in the verses:

O you assembly of jinn and men! If you can pass beyond the regions of the heavens and the earth, pass beyond them! [But] you cannot pass beyond them, save by [God’s] authority. ∗ Then which of the favours of your Sustainer will you deny? ∗ On you will be sent a flame of fire, and smoke; no succour will you have.(55:33-35)

They have this meaning: “O men and jinn! If you are not going to obey my commands, come on, pass beyond the bounds of My realms if you are able!” With miraculous eloquence, it smashes the excessively arrogant obstinacy of man and jinn. It proclaims their impotence, and shows just how powerless and wretched they are in relation to the immense grandeur of the sovereignty of dominicality. It is as though it says with the above verse, and the verse,

And We have made them missiles to drive away the evil ones:(67:5)

“O men and jinn, proud and obstinate within your baseness, and obdurate and refractory within your weakness and poverty! How are you so bold as to oppose with your rebellion the commands of a Monarch so Glorious that the stars, moons, and suns obey His commands like soldiers under orders? Through your defiance you contest a Glorious Ruler Who has obedient soldiers so awesome that, if to suppose the impossible your devils could withstand them, they would drive them off with cannonballs the size of mountains. With your ingratitude, you revolt in the realm of a Lord of Glory Who has servants and troops so fearsome, let alone insignifi-