Humans have a predictable trajectory in life. Some a bit different than some others in some minor details no doubt. But the basic process -- and the basic beginning and end -- is all the same.
We are all born weak and vulnerable, just as the Qur'an says.
And then we grow to great strength and resourcefulness and accomplishments, many of us, again just as the Qur'an states.
And then the curve inflects, and we return to a new state of feebleness and dependence as life fades and as strength drains from our limbs and muscles and bones.
We increasingly become a slave of time and tide, doing things only as we are able to do them, if do them at all.
As always -- we should not forget this, as always -- suddenly the mind and body seem to have their own calculus by which they operate. And the Law of Diminishing Returns comes increasingly into play.
That means it now takes more time and more effort and more resources to do what at one time seemed effortless and instantaneous.
The arrogance of personal self-sufficiency and omnipotence falls by the wayside as we turn to everything and everyone in sight for help and support and assistance.
The flame inside flickers for many for a while and then eventually dies.
Life returning to the life-giver!
There are minor variations to this theme in some of the details. But the fundamentals of the story have not changed over time.
Nor are they ever likely to.
The Qur'an sums up the entire human saga -- a saga for which there are no exceptions -- in the following words:
Innaa Lillahi Wa Innaa Ilaihi Raaji'oon!
"God is the origin -- of all.
Just as God also is the end -- of all."
We -- see how personalized this is -- all come from God. And indeed we all shall return to him.
No truer words were ever spoken.
And no human being, in their right mind, can possibly miss being a live and active witness to this unfolding of the invariant saga of human life on earth, episode after episode after episode.
END
