the art of building like that of the architect Sinan, and must be both subject to, and dominant over, the rest of the stones. That is, they must have the power to say: “Come, we shall stand shoulder to shoulder in order not to fall and collapse.”

In the same way, if the particles in creatures, which are thousands of times more skilfully fashioned, wonderful, and full of wisdom than the dome of Aya Sophia, are not dependent on the command of the master builder of the universe, to each of them must the ascribed as many attributes of perfection as those of the universe’s Maker.

Glory be to God! Since the unbelievers do not accept a Necessarily Existent One, they are compelled according to their beliefs to accept as many false gods as there are particles. Thus, no matter how illustrious a philosopher or scholar an unbeliever may be, he is in profound ignorance to the utmost degree.

Third Point

THIRD POINT

This Point indicates the sixth example of the mighty instances of wisdom in the motion of particles, which was promised at the end of the First Point.

As was stated in the footnote to the answer to the Second Question in the Twenty-Eighth Word, a further instance of wisdom of the thousands found in the transformations of particles and their motion in the bodies of animate beings, is to illuminate the particles and to make them alive and meaningful so as to be fitting for the construction of the world of the hereafter. It is as if the bodies of animals and humans, and even plants, are like guesthouses, barracks, and schools for those who enter in order to take lessons and be trained; inanimate particles enter them and are illuminated. Simply, the particles receive training and instruction and acquire a fineness. By fulfilling different duties, they become worthy to be particles in the world of permanence and the realm of the hereafter, which is alive with all of its elements.

QUESTION: How is it known that there is this wisdom in the motion of particles?

ANSWER: Firstly: It is known through the wisdom of the Maker, which is proved by all the wise benefits and purposes and the order in creatures. For a wisdom that attaches universal wisdom to the most particular thing would not leave the motion of particles without wisdom and purpose, for they demonstrate the greatest activity in the flood of the universe and are the means for embroideries full of wisdom. Also, a wisdom and sovereignty which does not leave the smallest creature without a wage, recom-