{"id":2963,"date":"2016-01-25T13:48:50","date_gmt":"2016-01-25T13:48:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/empireuae.com\/demo\/v2\/?p=2963"},"modified":"2016-01-25T13:54:38","modified_gmt":"2016-01-25T13:54:38","slug":"a-chapter-on-mans-acceptance-of-crafts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/empireuae.com\/demo\/misbah\/inthefatemilibrary\/a-chapter-on-mans-acceptance-of-crafts\/","title":{"rendered":"A Chapter on Man\u2019s Acceptance of Crafts"},"content":{"rendered":"

Know, that the ability of children to learn various skills and crafts varies in accordance to their temperament which in turn is determined by their birth; a phenomenon we have explained in the \u2018Epistle on the Influence of the Stars on Births\u2019. However, we feel the need to discuss select aspects from it in this context.<\/p>\n

Know, that some people are predisposed to learn a craft or many crafts with the utmost of ease. There are many people who are naturally gifted and can learn a craft by simply observing craftsmen carrying out their crafts to an extent that they attain proficiency in it. Others, however, are in need of intensive teaching and continuous encouragement, and even then they may not succeed in mastering a craft, since it does not conform to his disposition and what his birth has necessitated for him. Finally, there are those who are unable to learn any craft and are bereft of any inclination towards them. One reason for this is that a new born child will not be inclined towards any craft but according to the influence of stars.<\/p>\n

If a new born is influenced by either Mars, Venus or Mercury then without doubt he will acquire a craft. The acquisition of any craft requires action, enthusiasm and skill. Mars denotes action, Venus enthusiasm and Mercury skill. However, all those who are influenced by either the Sun, Saturn, Jupiter or the Moon will not attain proficiency in a craft but will be inclined to deeds and actions innate to their star of influence. Those influenced by the Sun will not take up a craft because of their inherent self-importance and pride, like the sons of kings. Those influenced by Jupiter will not be inclined towards learning a craft for they forsake the world, and are pleased with what little material wealth they possess and since they have set their minds on seeking the hereafter, like prophets and all those who follow them. Those influenced by Saturn will not take up a craft or trade due to their lethargy and listless tendencies, and their acceptance of belittlement and disgrace to their selves in seeking their livelihood by begging and mendicancy. As for those influenced by the Moon, they will not do so due to their abasement, apathy and ignorance. The ancient Greeks were well aware of such influences and when the time came to select a craft for their young they would take these factors into consideration when making their decision.<\/p>\n

Know, that the crafts of fathers and forefathers are more suitable for their descendants than those of strangers, especially when the birth of the child is also indicative of such inclination and they demonstrate the necessary skill and prowess for it. It was for this reason that Ardahir I mandated that people should only take up the crafts of their forefathers and not seek any alternate ones, believing this to be a divine injunction in the Book of Zardosht. Know, that this was done in order to safeguard the kingdom so that those who are unfit to rule do not aspire to do so. If the number of aspirers for the kingship increases so will disputes and clashes amongst them, which in turn will create great unrest and disorder, leading to worsening conditions and the annulment of all law and order. This will all ultimately yield destruction and ruin.<\/p>\n

Chapter on the Purpose of a Kingdom<\/h3>\n

Know, that the purpose behind establishing a kingdom is to ensure that people abide by the divine faith and to prevent it from being effaced due to people failing to adhere to its tenets. Were it not for the presence of a sovereign, the majority of people would fail to submit themselves to the laws and statuettes of divine faith, nor would they discharge its obligations, follow its sunnah<\/em>, refrain from all that it has prohibited, or follow its directives and proscriptions.<\/p>\n

Know, that the ultimate objective behind the establishment and continuation of the faith is to secure the betterment of both this world and the hereafter. Whenever one fails to adhere to this faith, both worlds fall into disarray and the wisdom inherent in both is invalidated. However, divine governance and sacred providence have willed to never abandon these two realms causing them to deteriorate for it is this very governance and providence that has necessitated the two realm\u2019s presence, existence, orderliness, completion and perfection; for every form that comes into being is already in the thought and knowledge of the craftsmen.<\/p>\n

A Chapter on that a Body is incapable of Self-motion<\/h3>\n

Know, O brother, may Allah aid both you and us with His pneuma, that the material and matter that craftsmen work on, using their tool, instruments and bodies are all physical entities. Any physical entity, due to its physical state is incapable of self-motion, and all action requires motion. Thus, the source of motion for a physical entity is another essence, one which we term the soul. All souls, by virtue of their spiritual form are one essence, in the manner that physicality unites all physical bodies. Souls differ due to their varied strengths, which vary based on their deeds, knowledge and character; just as physical entities vary in their forms which are determined in accordance to their use.<\/p>\n

Know, that the soul of this universe is one, in the manner that its body is also one. A body that incorporates the skies, stars, elements and its by-products. However, since this one soul manifests various capabilities and undertakes a range of actions in various species, classes and persons it is referred to in the plural, as souls. In a similar manner the body of the universe manifests various forms in order to fulfil a range of objectives. The actions of the soul of the universe range from setting in to motion the planetary orbits and stars from the east to west, and that they come to rest in their ordained locations. It ensures that every planet and star carries out its six movements, the four elements undergo their natural processes, the products of these elements, mineral, plants and animals, are realised and that mankind is able to carry out various crafts and skills, which have been mentioned throughout this epistle.<\/p>\n

Know my brother, that the soul is a spiritual essence, one that has life as its intrinsic quality. Whenever it attaches itself to a physical entity it gives it life as well. An example of this is fire for which heat is an intrinsic quality. Whenever it comes close to a physical object it makes it hot like its self.<\/p>\n

Know, that a soul has two capabilities, one pertains to knowledge, while the other to action. With the former, it extracts knowledge from various forms and matters in which it lays and gives it a form within itself. Then with the latter, it extracts the forms that are present in its thought and imprints them upon physical matter. In this manner, each individual who seeks to learn something potentially possesses the knowledge within him, and is able to realise this potential once he has completed the learning process. In the same manner, any person who seeks to learn a craft possesses the ability within him in potential, and following the learning process it is thus realised. Ta\u00b4llum<\/em> \u2013 the ability of the soul to be able to comprehend what is known \u00ad\u2013 is nothing more than a path which leads to one\u2019s potential being realised. While, ta\u00b4leem <\/em>\u2013 the awakening of a soul possessing the potential to become knowledgeable by a soul that already is \u2013 is nothing more than the guidance towards this path. Teachers and mentors are but guides and their teachings are the guidance. Ta\u00b4lum <\/em>is the path and knowledge is what is sought and guided towards. The souls of children possess the potential to become knowledgeable, while those of teachers and mentors are so in actuality. Each soul that is potentially knowledgeable requires a soul that is actually so in order for it to realise its potential.<\/p>\n

My brother, know that every craftsman requires a teacher from whom he learns his craft or knowledge. Similarly, that teacher too was in need of a teacher and so forth until we reach the one whose knowledge is not from a fellow being. In which case his knowledge can be said to be the outcome of either of two possibilities:<\/p>\n