Knowledge is not to be taken straight from books; books are only instruments. Genuine knowledge is obtained from scholars, generation after generation, while books merely facilitate the quest for learning. (3) His words, “The first: that Allah created us,” mean that He brought us forth from non-existence—before He created us we were nothing, as in the verse: “Has there come upon man a span of time when he was nothing worth mentioning?” (surah al-Insan 1). Likewise: “Thus says your Lord, ‘That is easy for Me; I created you before, when you were nothing’ ” (surah Maryam 9). Humanity was a non-entity until Allah alone brought it into being: “Were they created out of nothing, or are they themselves the creators?” (surah al-Tur 35). His words, “and provided for us,” indicate that because we need sustenance—food, drink, clothing, homes, transport, and other benefits—He, knowing our need, subjected all that is in the heavens and the earth to serve our interests, so that we may remain alive and use these provisions to fulfil the purpose for which we were created: the worship of Allah.