d, the Almighty, the All-Wise.

89 O ye the dawning-places of knowledge! Beware that ye suffer not
yourselves to become changed, for as ye change, most men will, likewise,
change. This, verily, is an injustice unto yourselves and unto others.
Unto this beareth witness every man of discernment and insight. Ye are
even as a spring. If it be changed, so will the streams that branch out
from it be changed. Fear God, and be numbered with the godly. In like
manner, if the heart of man be corrupted, his limbs will also be
corrupted. And similarly, if the root of a tree be corrupted, its
branches, and its offshoots, and its leaves, and its fruits, will be
corrupted. Thus have We set forth similitudes for your instruction, that
perchance ye may not be debarred by the things ye possess from attaining
unto that which hath been destined for you by Him Who is the All-Glorious,
the Most Bountiful.

90 It is indeed in Our power to take up a handful of dust and to adorn it
with the vesture of Our Names. This, however, would be but a sign of our
favour, and not an indication of any merit it may have inherently
possessed. Thus hath it been revealed in truth by Him Who is the Sovereign
Revealer, the All-Knowing. Consider the Black Stone,(11) which God hath
made a point whereunto all men turn in adoration. Hath this bounty been
conferred upon it by virtue of its innate excellence? Nay, by Mine own
Self! Or doth such distinction stem from its intrinsic worth? Nay, by Mine
own Being, Whose Essence even the wisest and most discerning of men have
failed to grasp!

91 Again, consider the Mosque of Aqsa and the other places which We have
made sanctuaries unto the people in every land and region. The honour and
distinction they enjoy is in no wise due to their own merit, but stemmeth
from their relation to Our Manifestations, Whom We have appointed as the
Daysprings of Our Revelation amidst mankind, if ye be of them that
understand. In this there lieth a wisdom inscrutable to all save God.
Inquire, that He may graciously make plain unto you His purpose. His
knowledge, verily, embraceth all things. Detach yourselves, O people, from
the world and all its vanities, and heed not the call of such as have
disbelieved in God and joined partners with Him. Arise above the horizon
of utterance to extol and praise your Lord, the All-Merciful. This is that
which God hath purposed for you; well is it with them who perceive it.

92 Say: O people! We have co