VERSE NO. 2

      In this verse, attention is turned from the macrocosm to the microcosm, which is man as a supposed epitome of the exterior universe: ``It is He who created you from clay.''

      The building block of man was dust and clay. Then the creator ordained a period for man's strange and amazing development, and also a fixed and limited period for living here on the earth on probation, in order to put to work his merits and abilities. By the fixed term his natural end or death is meant.

      How can such miserable creature who is entirely depended on his creator - a creature made of dust and finally turned to dust - put himself in opposition and rivalry to his All-mighty Creator, or in a position to equal something or someone with him?

      Hazrat Imam Ali (AS) has said: ``This verse consists of a threefold answer for three sects:

      1- For the materialists who deny the creation, and who believe that the world is eternal and pre- existent.

      2- It also repudiates the Dualism -i .e. the doctrine that the universe is under the dominion and control of two opposite principles, such as good and evil, or light and darkness; like that of the old Persian theology.

      3- Repudiation of Paganism of Arabs and their polytheism and idolatry.

      The Arabic `AJAL' translated to, `Term' has been used here with two qualifications - certain term and uncertain term - Literally, `AJAL' means term, death, or the end of a period, or a life.

      Any creature in the universe, as well as man, has a natural life time, the length of which depends upon the structure of his body. Should he observe the natural rules and regulations, that are ordained for him, he may live his natural life time, no less and no more. That named period or natural life time is logically long enough for the purpose and aim of his creation. This is the named Term that God has ordained for him to live. The Arabic word for it in the language of Quran is: `AJALAN MOSSAMط'.

      But due to breach of natural rules and laws, and due to his mistakes, accidents, and his evil deeds, man shortens his named and predetermind length of life, and dies sooner. The named term or the fixed natural life, cannot be lengthened, but can easily be shortened.