ACCORDING to the teaching of the Qur'an, man is the last and noblest of the works of God. All Nature is placed under him and at his disposal. 'It is He who hath created for you whatsoever is on earth. . . ' [Suratu'l-Baqara (ii) 27]. It was for him and for his needs and comfort that earth and all that it contains was created. It is for him that the winds blow, and the rain falls on the thirsty land that the ground may bring forth its fruits in their seasons. '(Is not) He (to be preferred) who created the heavens and the earth, and sendeth down rain for you from heaven, whereby we cause delicious groves to spring up?' [Suratu'n-Naml (xxvii) 61]. 'Of His signs (one is) that He sendeth the winds bearing welcome tidings (of rain), that He may cause you to taste of His mercy; and that ships may sail at His command, that ye may seek (to enrich yourselves) of His abundance (by commerce); and that ye may give thanks' [Suratu'r-Rum (xxx) 45. See Suras xv 21-2; vii 55; xxv 50; xxvii 64; xxvi 10; ii 159; xliii 8-12; xlv 11-12].