Message #16 July, 2000
Striving in the Wake of Genes
[This
article is an excerpt from a future book Insha'Allah. The copyright is reserved
by the author and this Newsletter. We pray that he will finish this book soon. May
the Almighty Lord protect him and reward him for his goodness. He gives
success through His mercy to whomsoever of them that works righteousness, Ameen]
Allah
(Subhanahu wa Ta’Ala) says in Surat-ul-Lail (92: 4-10),“Your striving is surely for diverse ends. Then as for
him who gives and keeps his duty, and accepts what is good, We facilitate for
him the way to ease. And as for him who is niggardly and considers himself
self-sufficient, and rejects what is good, We facilitate for him the way to
distress.”
Ali
Bin Abi Talib, Nabiy Muhammad [Sallallahu Alayhi (Waalhi) wa salam]'s cousin and
the husband of his daughter Fatimah reported that the during a funeral in what
is now known as Jannat-ul-Baqi in Madinah, the Nabiy [Sallallahu Alayhi (Waalhi)
wa salam] approached the Sahabah and sat among them. He had a stick with him and
he thoughtfully scratched the earth with it for a while, and then said,“There
is not one amongst you for whom a seat in paradise or Hell has not been
allotted, and about whom it has not been written down whether he would be an
evil person or a blessed person”. A Sahabi asked,“Allah’s Messenger,
should we not then depend on our destiny and abandon our deeds?” Thereupon,
the Nabiy [Sallallahu Alayhi (Waalhi) wa salam] replied,“Acts of everyone will
be facilitated in that which has been created for him. So, whoever belongs to
the company of the blessed will have good works made easier for him, and whoever
belongs to the wretched ones will have evil acts made easier for him.” Then,
he recited the above-mentioned verses from Surat-ul-Lail. On another occasion
when the Nabiy [Sallallahu Alayhi (Waalhi) wa salam] was asked to explain the
use of doing good deeds, given his saying that,“The pens have lifted, and the
ink has dried”, he replied simply,“Act, for everyone is facilitated what he
intends to do”. That is, we are facilitated in the direction in which we
strive with our actions.
The
debate between determinism and freewill
has long been waged among scholars and ordinary people alike. Nabiy Muhammad
[Sallallahu Alayhi (Waalhi) wa salam] once described a debate between Adam (Alaihe
AlSalam) and Moses (Alaihe AlSalam). Moses
(Alaihe AlSalam) told Adam (Alaihe AlSalam) that if it was not for him, mankind
would not have been expelled from Paradise. Adam (Alaihe AlSalam) replied,“You
are Moses. Allah selected you, conversed with you, and wrote the Torah for you
with His own hands. Despite this, you blame me for an act that Allah had
ordained for me forty years before He created me!” The Nabiy [Sallallahu
Alayhi (Waalhi) wa salam] then remarked thoughtfully, “Thus did Adam confound
Moses, thus did Adam confound Moses.” The act of Adam (Alaihe AlSalam) being
sent from heaven to earth was part of a preconceived plan of Allah (Subhanahu wa
Ta’Ala), and it taught us the value of repentance and forgiveness, and started
our existence on earth.
We
might then ask,“Is the fate of man predestined or is he himself the architect
of it?” As it is reported in Islamic literature, man is neither the complete
master of his fate, nor is he bound to blindly follow the law of predestination.
There is a delicate balance in-between that makes us responsible for our
actions, even in the realm of ordained events. Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’Ala)’s
law of cause-and-effect is ever
prevalent in our lives.
Recent
research on the human genome and the science of genes actually sheds some light
on this subject. This knowledge from Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’Ala) helps us
understand our creation and being, and as we shall see, is remarkably
corroborated by several verses from the Qur’an and several Ahadith.
First,
some scientific facts. In each cell in our body are genes organized by 23 pairs
of chromosomes, one of each pair being received from the mother and the other
from the father. Each chromosome is comprised of DNA strands that are wrapped
around protein units, and contains hundreds to thousands of codes for building
these proteins and releasing them into our system in order to control cell
activity and brain activity. (This is very much like the chemical actions of
hormones.) However, more than 95% of the staggeringly long sequence of DNA is
non-coding. They are simply on and off
switches for regulating the activities of the genes and producing proteins.
(They merely serve as instructions for the remaining 5% that carry the codes of
our being.) The genes themselves don't independently determine when and what
types of proteins are synthesized. They often get their instructions from
elsewhere. How are these switches controlled? Sometimes they are controlled by
chemical reactions from other parts of the cell, but more critically in our
context, sometimes they are controlled by the environment to which the
individual is exposed.
We
are all born with certain genes and switches in our DNA strands turned on and
off that more or less determine our innate abilities and tendencies. However,
everything is not preordained from conception. For example, if one has the
"gene for schizophrenia" (a multiple personality disorder), then this
means that there's a 50% chance of contracting the disease, but it's not a
certainty. When a person has this gene, and
is also exposed to schizophrenia-inducing experiences, then this disease becomes
manifested. In short, detailed scientific studies have revealed that, there is genetic vulnerability, but not inevitability. We have
tendencies, but our behavior is not carved in stone, and this agrees remarkably
well with the Islamic concept of destiny.
Think
of the DNA switches turned on and off as when the "Ruh is blown into the
body in the womb". The person's tendencies are "written", and
certain characteristics and talents are inherited from parents and ancestors
based on how the genes are configured. However, “random” mutations can
change such configurations, and also, the environment can influence physical,
physiological, and behavioral tendencies. Scientists agree that genetic
conditioning does not imply that heredity is the dice of destiny. In
principle, the development of a trait can be manipulated by changes in the
environment. The composition of what is inherited and how that is manipulated by
the individual depending on personal efforts and the environment is known as the
“nature-nurture” problem. In the ongoing debate on cloning humans,
for example, scientists acknowledge that if they were to identically duplicate
the genes of a genius in Physics, say, this does not automatically imply that
the individual would be a genius in physics, or for that matter, be a genius at
all. The overall development of this individual would be influenced by his or
her upbringing and the environment. Of course, this does not mean that a person
with no innate abilities in the general sciences can be made to lead this field
- that is, there's a delicate balance between nature and nurturing.
In
light of this discussion, given the inherited genes and the physical environment
that Allah (Subhanu wa Ta'Ala) has ordained for an individual, this poses the
trial or test that this individual faces in life. The spiritual
development of the individual is governed by the consciousness with which
the person is inclined toward doing good, regardless of the actual outcomes that
evolve. When a person strives for doing good, the DNA switches rearrange
themselves to release proteins that control the brain to facilitate that action.
By this, we understand what is meant by the Qur'anic verse in Sura Ale-Imraan,"Man
shall have nothing but that what he strives for" (3:39);
and in Sura Al-Anfal as well as in Sura Al-R’ad,"Allah does not change
the Naymat (favor (8:53)) or
condition (13:11) of a people until
they change their own condition". By our striving and inclinations, we
control the DNA activity that influences our behavior.
The
genes and the environment determine the difficulty of the task faced by any
individual, and influence the deserved reward or punishment. As a strong example
of environmental influence, the Nabiy [Sallallahu Alayhi (Waalhi) wa salam] once
said to his sahabah that if they left even a tenth of what he has taught them,
they would be punished for it, but of later generations who would not have his
physical being in their midst, he said that if they adopted even a tenth of what
he has advised, they would be successful.
There
is a hadith about a habitual drunk who died in the dirt where he lay most of his
life, and the Nabiy [Sallallahu Alayhi (Waalhi) wa salam] asked that he be
washed, and then he himself led the funeral prayer for him. The Sahaba
questioned this and the Nabiy [Sallallahu Alayhi (Waalhi) wa salam] replied that
while he was drunk all his life, this person had the constant fear of Allah (Subhanahu
wa Ta’Ala) in his heart and would cower with fear when he passed any mosque.
It is this inner consciousness that was his, and for which he was evaluated.
Likewise, several ahadith speak of the adultery of the eyes, ears, tongue,
hands, and feet - whereby a man intends to commit adultery, and the heart yearns and desires, while
he may or may not put that into actual action. This should be a moral for those
who pass judgment (good or bad) against others. No one knows what is in the
hearts of other people, and no one has the right to judge what Allah (Subhanahu
wa Ta’Ala) would decide about the hereafter of anyone, and no one knows the
final outcome of anyone, including of oneself, except that which Allah (Subhanahu
wa Ta’Ala) Himself reveals. We should purify our own hearts and intentions,
and incline ourselves toward good, and enjoin good and forbid evil, and leave
the evaluation process to the Evaluator, Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’Ala). We must
always keep in the forefront the saying of the Nabiy [Sallallahu Alayhi (Waalhi)
wa salam],“Actions are but by intention.”
Sometimes,
there are certain actions that we perform that affect our genetic structure
temporarily. For example, a person working very hard can temporarily alter the
DNA activity that produces chemicals that influence the immune system, and
thereby become more susceptible to sickness. However, there are other more
serious and sustained actions and habits that can make permanent attitudinal
changes in our system that affects not only the genetic sequence that governs
our own behavior, but that is passed on to future generations. This makes it a
trial then for our descendants to overcome. In this light, ponder on the hadith
of the Nabiy [Sallallahu Alayhi (Waalhi) wa salam] when he said,“If it
wasn’t for Eve, women would not be disobedient/unfaithful to their
husbands.” Ponder also on the creation of Isa (Alaihe AlSalam), whom Allah (Subhanahu
wa Ta’Ala) says in the Qur’an that He created him with His own hands as He
did Adam (Alaihe AlSalam). Isa (Alaihe AlSalam) was one of the most illustrious
of Nabiys whose life from childhood to when he was taken from earth was made an
example for the people of that time. Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’Ala) miraculously
configured his system in the womb of Mariam (Alaihe AlSalam) to set this
example, and as we know, Isa (Alaihe AlSalam) never married to pass on these
genes to future generations. In a hadith, Nabiy Muhammad [Sallallahu Alayhi (Waalhi)
wa salam] remarked,“Every person to whom his mother gives birth, Satan touches
him in the womb, except for the case of Mary and her son Isa.”
In
closing, with respect to attitudinal changes in our lives, there is another
piece of research that corroborates interestingly with Islam. In many
organizations, employees are induced to build team spirit and mutual trust by
participating in special sessions that are designed to instill these attitudes.
Management Scientists studying this aspect in detail have concluded that in
order to make permanent and lasting changes in people’s attitudes, an average
of 32 such sessions are necessary. In the life of Muslims, the month of Ramadan
offers this type of an environment in which we engage in sessions collectively
and individually in order to transform our lives to become conformant with the
commands of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’Ala), and to instill within ourselves
permanent principles and values of Islamic attitudes and behavior. Curiously,
with the typical 29 days of a month of Ramadan, if one adds the recommended
fasting of the six days of Shawwal, then this gives 29 to 35 days of such
intense sessions (if done properly), or an average of 32 days, which as
scientists are beginning to discover, is the duration required by a human being
to make permanent attitudinal changes.
It
is reported that Allah’s Messenger [Sallallahu Alayhi (Waalhi) wa salam]
said,“A strong believer is better and is more lovable to Allah than a weak
believer.” (And this strength in Iman
(faith) comes from within us, with our striving and inclination toward
righteousness.) The hadith continues,“There is good in everyone, but cherish
that which gives you benefit in the Hereafter, and seek help from Allah, and do
not lose heart. If anything in the form of trouble comes to you, don’t say: If
I had not done that, it would not have happened so and so, but say: Allah did
that what He had ordained to do. Your “if”
opens the gate for the Satan”. As Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’Ala) instructs us
in the Qur’an (57:23),“Grieve not for what has escaped you, nor exult in that
which He has given you.”
May
Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’Ala) guide our attitudes, behavior, thoughts, words,
and actions to be pleasing to Him, Ameen.
Would
you please let us know if you want to be part of a list-serve to receive this
via e-mail? Also if you have a message such as this to share with us, please
send it to us. Insha’Allah, we may be able to insert such messages in the KCIK
web page (www.kufa.org), so that more people who visit this website can
benefit from it. With the help of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala) we might succeed
in spreading His Words. We are in need for a copy-machine for standard and large
size copier, with capabilities for making double-sided copies. Our existing
copier that was also donated has broken Insha'Allah, a (Mohsin) or (Mohsineen)
will come forward and donate, making every effort to help us in this regard. O'
Lord, record our good deeds and leave us delighted with what is written of
goodness concerning us, Ameen. The Glorious Qur'an says,“And Allah gave them
the reward in this world and the excellent reward of the hereafter. Verily Allah
loveth those who do good (to others). Whoever intercedeth with a good
intercession shall have a share therefrom.” 3:147 & 4:85.
Masha’Allah,
Netsite Inc. donated the cost for our website (www.kufa.org) and for the e-mail accounts. Our thanks to the
family from New York who own this company. Insha’Allah, this website will
improve our activities, particularly
our Dawah program, as well as help to reduce the time for our e-mailing and
facilitate our monthly messages and related correspondences. May Allah (Subhanahu
Wa Ta’Ala) reward them, and increase His gifts to them with His blessings,
Ameen.
As
we mentioned before, there is a land close to the expressway in Roanoke. The
size of it is one acre with two
buildings. The price is $375,000.00. Also, there are three tracts of land in
Roanoke 4, 3, and 35 acres, two of them at Interstate spur, and the third one at
the Interstate. The price is approximately $125,000.00, $95,000.00, and
$50,000.00/acre, respectively. All of these properties are visible from the
Interstate. Insha'Allah, our brothers and sisters will donate to establish our
Center at one of these sites. “It is they who are truly guided.” May Allah (Subhanahu
Wa Ta’Ala) bless our planning efforts with a successful outcome, Ameen. Nabiy
Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Waalihi Wasalam) said,“He who builds a mosque for
the sake of Allah, Allah will build a house for him in paradise."
For
the Momineen and Mominaat who donated toward the purchase of land for the
Center, and/or support the Center, may Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala) gift them
houses in Heaven, Ameen. Insha’Allah, those who donated toward a place for
Center, we will publish their donations in the future.
Special
thanks to our brothers and sisters who donated toward the purchase of a land for
the Center and for those who support KCIK.
May Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala) reserve a space for them in Heaven, Ameen. May
Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala) grant us the best reward for any efforts and our
intentions to perform good deeds, Ameen. Thank you brothers and sisters, and may
Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala) reward all of you. Please remember us in your
Dua’as regularly. Jazakum Allah Khair
(May Allah Reward You With Goodness).
Wa Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah Wa Barakatuh