Are the Roles of Beings in Existence Assigned After They Disobey?

The creation in this world of disobedient beings, with ugly features and transformed forms, was due to the record of their deeds. Yet their creation in this guise does not mean that they were left to their base qualities. All such beings are charged with restraining their blameworthy traits and observing the laws laid down for them. For them, this world is a place to undergo the consequences of past deeds, make amends for their errors, fulfil the duties prescribed for them, and advance in servitude to God.

The All-Wise Creator has placed within every being, despite its inner qualities, past, record and deeds, forms of knowledge, and has assigned each a particular mission, determining both punishment and reward. Whatever its record or appearance, no being has permission or right to wrong another. And however shameful its past conduct, it has no right to repeat or commit any further act of disobedience.

In this world, base beings are like convicts in a prison, expected to do their duty using the skills they have been taught—like prisoners who are craftsmen and practise various trades within the prison. Any criminal or offender who repeats the same offence, or something like it, while in prison is sentenced to the harshest punishment. Yet through good conduct, they can redeem their dark past.

Ignorance and its forces have no right to rebel again, and if they disobey, they will be punished. Yet their existence is necessary for creatures who have entered the particular arena of servitude to God: creatures who can be influenced by them and who, through that influence—and by managing it and containing its consequences—can advance along the path of servitude.

The All-Knowing, All-Wise Creator has fashioned every being so that it may benefit other beings and its surroundings. Through the perfection of His creation, the Sustainer of the universe turns ugliness into beauty and draws mines of beauty from what is unattractive, just as He transforms refuse into flowers, nectar and honey. Despite their lowliness, these base beings have been placed by their mighty and powerful Creator on a path that multiplies beauty and brings creation to completion.

The harm and crimes that base beings inflict on other beings and their surroundings constitute acts of disobedience. They can be wholly beneficial to themselves, to other living creatures and to their environment; they can make amends for their errors and even change their own transformed appearance. Even when they cause other beings to suffer, the way an oppressed being acts and responds can serve as a means of its advancement. In another respect, the Merciful Creator makes good every deficiency.

It is not the case that evil must necessarily exist alongside good, just as the world of the angels is free of evil. Yet for beings who have entered the arena of a particular contest in servitude, the emergence of evil in the world has become a means of advancement. First, they choose to enter this arena; then, by protecting themselves against evil, they attain exalted stations.

Nor is it the case that distinctions and ranks must necessarily exist in order to preserve the order of creation. This is one particular order among many, created by the Creator of existence in His wisdom. There are other realms as well, each with its own rulings and laws.