animals; nor would generation proceed in an orderly manner, with the elements arising from one another in a balanced way so that existing things might thereby be preserved. For example, when the Sun moves farther south, the air in the north grows cold, bringing rain; the inclined element increases, while in the south the generation of the element of air increases. In summer, the reverse occurs—that is, when the Sun comes directly overhead.

These effects of the Sun, resulting from its continual nearness to and distance from each individual being relative to one and the same location, are also found in the Moon and all the stars. They all have inclined orbits and produce four seasons in their cyclical motions.

Still more essential than all these to the existence and preservation of created beings is the great daily motion that produces night and day.

In numerous verses, the Noble Book draws attention to providential care for man through the subjection of all the heavens to his service, as in His words—glory be to Him:

“He has subjected to you the night