It is life that makes an atom a world. And it is life that is the means of all the world being bestowed on every living being individually, and this without confusion or division except for a small minority of human beings.
The aspect of life that is the clearest proof of both the Maker and the resurrection of the dead. Consider this: the transference and spontaneous change of a number of lifeless particles from one situation and grouping to another opposing one without the intervention of any reasonable cause, is a decisive proof. Indeed, by its nature life is the purest and most sublime truth. In neither its outer (al-mulk) aspect nor its inner (al-malakūt) aspect is there any soil or blemish, for both are subtle. In fact, the lowest most insignificant animate being is also exalted. It is due to this mystery that no apparent cause intervenes between life and the hand of power, for [the latter’s] contact is not contrary to its dignity, although as has been stated previously, apparent causes are [otherwise] placed to preserve the dignity of divine power from contact with things that to the superficial view are inferior.
You have already heard about that aspect of life which forms the clearest proof of the first creation and the resurrection of the dead, so here we shall just summarize it for you: whoever studies life and follows the progressive elementary stages of the body, will see the parts dispersed through the world of atoms. Then he will observe that they have been clothed in another form in the world of the elements. Then he will encounter them in the world of animate beings in another situation. Then he will meet them in sperm, then in a blood clot, then as a lump of flesh. Then he will see that they have suddenly assumed a form in the midst of these transformations. He will observe that throughout these revolutions [they follow] regular motions according to specific laws, from which it is apparent that each particle was programmed at the first stage and as though charged with the duty of travelling to a suitable position in a living body. The person grasps with his mind that it is intentionally driven and purposively sent. Now the second life will appear to him far easier, simpler, and more possible [than the first], and he will feel convinced in his heart.
Thus, this phrase, “and He gave you life,” is a proof of the following one, “then will He cause you to die,” and both together they form a proof in the face of the denial implied by “how? (kayfa)” [in this verse, 2:28].
The Third Matter, regarding “then will He cause you to die.”
Consider this: the verse “He who created death and life”(67:2) shows that death is not annihilation and absolute non-existence; it is rather an act,