"There is naturally present in all men the desire to know the causes of whatever things are observed. Hence, because of wondering about things that were seen but whose causes were hidden, men first began to think philosophically; when they found the cause, they were satisfied. But the search did not stop until it reached the first cause, for "then do we think that we know perfectly, when we know the first cause." Therefore, man naturally desires, as his ultimate end, to know the first cause. But the first cause of all things is God. Therefore, the ultimate end of man is to know God."

"He created Him from dust; then He said to him, "Be," and he was."

"O mankind, fear your Lord, who created you from one soul and created from it its mate and dispersed from both of them many men and women."

"And We did certainly create man out of clay from an altered black mud. And the jinn We created before from scorching fire."

"He [Allah] created the heavens and earth in truth. High is He above what they associate with Him. He created man from a sperm-drop; then at once, he is a clear adversary. And the grazing livestock He has created for you."

"Does man not remember that We created him before, while he was nothing?"

"[Allah] Created man from a clinging substance."

"Books must follow sciences, and not sciences books."

"From harmony, from heavenly harmony, This universal frame began: From harmony, to harmony Through all the compass of the notes it ran, The diapason closing full in man."

"I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with senses, reason and intellect has intended us to forego their use."

"Though to recount almighty works What words of tongue or seraph can suffice, Or heart of man suffice to comprehend?"

"Open, ye heavens, your living doors; let in The great Creator from his work return'd Magnificent, his six days' work, a world!"

"What cause Moved the Creator in his holy rest Through all eternity so late to build In chaos, and, the work begun, how soon Absolved."

"When I consider everything that grows Holds in perfection but a little moment; That this huge stage presenteth nought but shows, Whereon the stars in secret influence comment; Then the conceit of this inconstant stay Sets you most rich in youth before my sight."