Surah Luqman (Luqman ) 31 : 27

Explanatory Note

This presentation concludes with a scene of the universe which symbolizes God’s inexhaustible riches, and unlimited knowledge. It further expresses His supreme and ever-renewing ability to create and His unrestricted will.

This scene is taken straight from people’s limited knowledge and observations, but aims to put before them the meaning of God’s ever- renewing will which is neither limited nor restrained. Their minds cannot visualize this concept without such a comparison. People record their knowledge and speeches, and sign their orders, using pens, which used to be made of reed, and ink which hardly filled an inkpot or a bottle. The comparison drawn here shows them that if all the trees on earth were made into pens, and all the seas were made into ink this would still be insufficient to describe God’s inexhaustible might. Furthermore, even if this sea of ink was given supplies with seven more seas, while scribes sat to record God’s words that speak of His knowledge and will, it would still be insufficient. All the pens, ink, trees and seas will be used up and exhausted, while God’s words will not end. It is a case where what is finite is faced with the infinite. No matter how huge the finite is, it will come to an end, while the infinite remains undiminished. God’s words will not finish, not ever, because His knowledge is unlimited and His will unrestricted.

Trees, seas, living creatures, objects, and situations all come to an end. The human heart stands in awe before God’s majesty, which is endless, unchanging: “God is indeed Almighty, Wise.”