THE FIFTEENTH CHAPTER
"REINCARNATION IN ISLAM (4)"
The Almighty said:
{And there is no creature on the earth nor a bird that flies with its wings except that they are nations like you. We have not neglected anything in the Book; then to their Lord they will be gathered.} 1
This verse has perplexed the minds of commentators due to its emphasis on the likeness between human nations and the nations of animals and birds. The expression uses a negative followed by an exception to imply exclusivity and to negate doubt. This "likeness" between the animal nations and human nations is not merely in the provision of sustenance or the survival of the species; rather, it extends to standing before the Judge on the Day of Gathering to receive the results of one's deeds—whether reward or punishment. Because of this likeness, a great group of commentators—foremost among them Imam al-Razi and al-Wahidi—concluded that animals know God—Exalted is His Might—proclaiming His Oneness and glorifying Him. They argued using the Almighty's saying: {And there is not a thing except that it exalts [Allah] by His praise, but you do not understand their exaltation. Indeed, He is ever Forbearing and Forgiving.} 2