on God is such an immediate, pleasurable reward that it dispels all the pains and tribulations of poverty and indigence.
And for example, in pride and conceit is a heavy burden, for the proud man wants respect from everyone. And because he is despised due to this desire, he suffers constant torment. Yes, respect is given, it may not be sought.
And for example, in humility and the giving up of egotism is a pleasurable reward by which a person is saved from the heavy burden of trying to make himself liked.
And for example, in pessimism and always interpreting things unfavourably is an immediate punishment in this world. In accordance with the rule, “Whoever strikes is struck,” those who think unfavourably of others are also thought of unfavourably. The actions of those who misinterpret the actions of their believing brothers are also misinterpreted, and they suffer the punishment for it.
And so on, all good and bad deeds should be measured according to this yardstick. I beseech divine mercy that those who witness the Qur’anic miraculousness manifested at this time in the Risale-i Nur, experience these spiritual pleasures; they will not suffer from bad morals, God willing.
* * *
SECOND POINT
[The Second of Twenty-Two Points]
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate.
I created not jinn and mankind except that they might worship me. * No sustenance do I require of them, nor do I require that they should feed me. * For God is He Who gives [all] sustenance—Lord of Power—Steadfast [for ever].(51:56-8)
For a long time these verses worried my mind, since according to many Qur’anic commentaries their apparent meaning did not reflect the Qur’an’s elevated miraculousness. I shall now explain briefly three aspects of their extremely beautiful and exalted meanings, which proceed from the effulgence of the Qur’an.
T h e F i r s t : Sometimes Almighty God attributes to Himself certain states that could pertain to His Messenger, so as to honour and exalt him. Here too, the verses, “I created you for worship; not to give Me sustenance and feed me,” have this meaning: “My Messenger does not want a wage, recompense, or reward, or to be fed in return for his duty of messengership and conveying to you the obligations of worship;” they refer to the Noble Messenger (Upon whom be blessings and peace) being given food and