THE RAISE AND FALL OF NATIONS

      The above verse (No. 53) implies that raise and fall of nations depend not on fate or on any predetermined courses of events, often conceived as resistless powers. The key to progress and retrogress both lays in the hands of man; and God will help those who help themselves. It depends on man whether he wants to live in misfortune or prosperity. When man, harmoniously with the rules and regualtions of nature and creation, that are legislated by the All-knowing Creator; endeavours and works to reach a higher position, he will have the help of God and His angels too. God's Grace and Mercy is bestowed freely on man according to his merits, capacity and how hard has he worked for his object.

      So when God bestows His favour and blessing upon a people for their merit, and reasonable deeds, He will not take it back unreasoned and for fancy and play. It is the man who at first changes the contents of his heart and whatever he has within him, before God may change his state and circumstances.

      Therefore whatever we obtain of good or bad is the fruit of what we plant and sow in the land of our soul, and life is indeed what we make it with our own hands:``That is because Allah will never change a favour that He has bestowed on a people unless they change their minds and what they hold in their hearts.''