The Power of Deception

By Sufian Z. Taha

In this fictional novel, humankind is entrusted with the vicegerency by the Creator. However, this came to the dismay of Iblis, the protagonist, who later became the archenemy of mankind, seeking every opportunity to defeat and destroy the enemy humanity. The novel The Power of Deceptionreaches its climax when Iblis renders humankind submissive, passive and indifferent. Thereto, the journey to explore the roots of humanity then extends further into the distant future to uncover the inevitablethe eventual demise of humankind and departure.
Original and intriguing, this unique novel introduces the reader to new ideas concerning the concept of God, the purpose of human existence and where it is heading. Moreover, the true origin of deception, eternity, and whether demise or immortality is characteristic of human souls. As the reader immerses in this thought-provoking read, he will be exposed to a mesmerizing voyage through space-timefull of intriguing science fiction scenes, encounters with beings from other dimensions, and previously unknown accounts and deliberations within the Divine court and the news of the Divine.
Through The Power of Deception, the author invites the reader to enter a new reality. Indeed, pristine and free of the blurring effect of deception and the veils of the prevailing falsehood. Thereto, a new reality is discovered full of promise, excitement, and hope.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Apr 12, 2016
• ISBN: 9781514467305

Sufian Z. Taha

The Author had received a degree in physics from the University of Waterloo in 1983 and another in engineering from the University of Guelph in 1986. He worked as an engineer and produced many engineering designs to the satisfaction of his clients. The Author became interested in writing to promote a noble cause and had dedicated much time to this endeavor. He has published The Fall of an Empire recently. Moreover, the Author has many areas of interest include among others Philosophy, Alternative Civilization, Social Harmony, and Genuine Wealth.

Book preview

Prelude

I must admit, the novel is difficult to follow; it is mentally demanding and, therefore, requires a certain level of endurance. The reader must have the ability to see in depth and comprehend a broad range of contemporary issues affecting our lives and communities. The novel most appropriate for those who can ward off deception or see through and beyond deceit and hypocrisy, it certainly poses a real challenge for these kinds of readers. Furthermore, the novel was written with the reader in mind as he is expected to enjoy the many entertaining features and, most of all, the excitement generated once the overall picture becomes clear and exposed. Needless to say, many veils are being erected by the various manifestations of deception which subtly and continuously seek to clog our perception, thus making the sought truth ever elu sive.

We contemporary humans have succeeded in accumulating knowledge of great importance, which is essential in clarifying the many puzzling issues concerning human nature. Many of these issues are still shrouded in mystery. Nonetheless, we are still bewildered with many uncertainties and unanswered questions.

Why is it so difficult to understand our existence and purpose? Is the reality we perceive a perpetual deception? Alternatively, is it a never-ending illusion? Could it be a cloak, a concealing veil that was set and laid down by a playful, maybe cynical, higher order or a rather solemn, incomprehensible higher authority?

Let us try to see and explore the following: What is reality? What is consciousness? What is life? What is God? What is Evil? Are we free in our choices? Are we in charge of our destiny or rather predestined, and nothing can be done to alter it? All these questions have puzzled humanity since eternity. Moreover, such inquiries are often and still shrouded with uncertainty and enigma. If we are permitted to ask such profound questions, then they must be legitimate and fundamental. Therefore, such inquiries must warrant a fundamental understanding, and correct answers can only come from another domain of consciousness: There is a higher consciousness, multidimensional awareness that we humans need to seek and reach out for!

The overall reality can be imagined as being folded into concentric spheres; one contained within the other, each representing a subreality, wide and vast, thus a realm in its own right. These subrealities, however, are subject to a hierarchical order, all of which are dependent and interlocked. There are, nonetheless, many factors and dynamics that are essential to understanding and perceive such realities. Consequently, the humanly perceived reality leading to that awareness of the familiar surroundings are limited and relative, thus subject to many considerations.

Our ability to explain and understand our surroundings has grown. However, it has evolved to become more sophisticated as time progresses. Many old mysteries have been conquered, thus paving the way for elegant and superb understanding whose main attributes rest on the characteristics that distinguish science and scientific approach. Consequently, our judgments have become exceedingly objective and unbiased. Such sublime methods of learning are continuously shedding light on our surroundings and on the corresponding reality we perceive.

Let us explore further the overall reality and attempt to answer the question, what is the hierarchical order of reality?

The highest level in the hierarchical order of reality is the one that is limitless but, nonetheless, obstructed by our five senses. This restricted high-order reality is by far the most prevalent. It is of vast and colossal proportions in comparison to our humanly experienced and perceived awareness [additional senses are required to extend perception for such reality].

The uppermost-level reality embodies the whole existence, a reality of vast proportions; its identity and many of its features are neither revealed nor exposed in the current human physical domain. It is pending yet until our perception and awareness ascend enough on the evolutionary ladder to meet the challenges put forward by the disclosure to such indeed bizarre and peculiar realities of the whole [infinite] existence.

The next level down in the hierarchy of reality is a second subreality whose comprehension is open to the experiences and awareness of the five human senses. Consequently, it is bound to engulf all that is accessible and comprehendible by the intellect and the awareness of the human consciousness. This, however, is the subreality that defines the human realm. Furthermore, it is the structure and the outline of the perceivable existence, available to be witnessed and observed. This reality is limited only by the level of the technological advancement: knowledge, wisdom, and the sophistication of the man-devised instruments and tools. Our awareness of this particular subreality is continually expanding as the tools required for revealing it are becoming exceedingly sophisticated and sharper.

Further down, the next hierarchical level is a third subreality that is perceivable by our five senses but limited by the current knowledge and technology. This subreality is fully exposed and unhindered by the many veils of bias, prejudice, bigotry and subjectivity that smog our perception. Needless to say, however, our societies are teeming with such veils to the point where this particular subreality is skewed and difficult to see. Therefore the reality perceived, is a pseudo-reality hence a false representation of the truth. The sought-after reality and truth are all in limbo, thus becoming exceedingly difficult to grasp or distinguish.

The fourth and last level in the hierarchy of reality is a rather confined subreality representing the realm of the perceived existence characteristic of the human masses. A perceived version of reality with all the veils of bigotry, discrimination, injustice, narrow-mindedness, preconceptions, and partiality compounded by the various projections and coercions of the authority and its long arms, as depicted by the various means of propaganda. At this bottom level, the reality is narrowed down and smothered to a point where not enough is left to entertain the thought and that of the reflection! Unfortunately, such is the case of the prevalent reality whose perception is the one that is being advocated, promoted, and above all, the people are asked to acknowledge and believe in. This is the state of affairs of our contemporary societies. All of which tend to explain why there are phenomenal activities occurring within the vaster other realities, yet the overwhelming majority of us humans do not seem to notice. Something which liable to keep the truth as ever elusive!

We ought to aspire and be able to touch the genuine reality and get closer to it rather than be controlled by ever-shrinking and narrow versions of perceived realities. Branded as illusory and false, they can only serve the interests of those who seek to deceive and their agendas. Being able to see the truth unhindered is something that ought to be of tremendous value to society. Consequently, all essential issues of concern can be directly approached, put in their proper prospective, and the context of the genuine needs of the society. Such an approach is certain to lead to positive implications and more benefits to humanity at large.

We might now ask what aspects of such subrealities might influence humanity and how they interconnect and affect the human existence and consciousness.

The overall larger reality engulfs, in addition to humankind, three fundamentally different conscious entities, all of whom are important players in the human domain. They are concealed from the view, and their subtle existence touches and influences all aspects of human lives. Each conscious entity occupies a separate domain of consciousness depending on its level of awareness and intelligence. The first domain and the highest is occupied by the most supreme entity of all, God—the absolute authority of this order whose main attributes are the omnipotent, all supreme. His conscious awareness, by definition, is infinite and unlimited.

The second domain of consciousness is occupied by a class of entities whose capacity for conscious wisdom is enormous but still limited by comparison. Entities of this domain, however, are of benevolent nature and character, capable only of compassionate actions and deeds. Thus, entities assigned to this domain are classified as beings or entities of celestial origin and angelical nature.

The third domain of consciousness is occupied by another class of entities whose capacity for conscious awareness is also enormous, but they are neither rigid nor fixed. Entities occupying this domain, however, are capable of both malevolent and benevolent temperament and character. This domain is assigned to and occupied by extraterrestrial nonangelical entities.

The fourth and last domain of consciousness is occupied by a class of entities who are capable of conscious awareness, in particular, a unique form of acquired consciousness. In other words, evolved and progressive; subsequently, the conscious awareness of such entities leads to enormous intelligence nonetheless vulnerable. Furthermore, entities occupying this domain are also capable of both malevolent and benevolent nature and character. This domain is assigned and occupied by terrestrial human entities.

In this order, God represents the supreme conscious awareness and occupies the highest domain of consciousness as mentioned. Hence, he engulfs all subconsciousness of the other subrealities. In this arrangement, God also is sovereign and overall responsible for the introduction of such order, including the rules of conducts and laws of interactions—the physical and metaphysical. Furthermore, God’s authority in this order extends to authorize the actions and nullify the reactions concerning all other subentities who occupy the lower domains. Moreover, all entities occupying the other domains are expected and obligated to abide by the rules introduced by the all-powerful God of this order.

Entities occupying the fourth domain, namely humans, are restricted to the space-time of their domain. Accordingly, they are enclosed within the realm of the three-dimensional space-time, thus restricted from venturing out by the constraints of the absolute time and space. In other words, neither interdimensional motion nor time travel is permitted in their domain. Moreover, all entities and dwellers of the higher domains are veiled and cloaked. Consequently, they are invisible to entities and dwellers of the fourth domain, which is, as stated, the domain of the human consciousness.

Conversely, entities assigned to higher domains are permitted to interact with entities assigned to the fourth domain. Moreover, the realm of domain 4 is a readily accessible and perceivable by entities and dwellers of the higher domains; thus, no veils obscure it. Consequently, it is possible for them to enter and move around freely within its boundaries.

However, since entities of the third domain, by definition, are capable of both malevolent and benevolent nature, the potential for malicious activities exists and can be directed against entities and inhabitants of domain 4—the domain of the human awareness as stated. Accordingly, the dwellers of the fourth domain are to be alarmed as the danger from the malevolent intentions of occupants of the third domain is not just real but, in fact, potentially ominous and malicious.

Entities of the fourth domain, namely mankind, are permitted to expand their conscious awareness via a process of self-acquisition. In other words, human intelligence is progressive, which is attainable through self-teaching and learning. This renders mankind capable of enormous consciousness and hence intelligence and, in due time, just as powerful as the entities of the higher domains. However, the secret of acquiring enormous consciousness lies in the unity of the human race, which, in turn, secures the ability to benefit from the accumulated knowledge and wisdom of the new and past generations to harness the collective conscious awareness of the entire human race.

Chapter 1

Archangel Iblis Is Assigned New Powers

I n the year 30,000 BC, just before any human had seen any terrains or territories, the valleys, mountains, and oceans of planet earth were still exotic and mysterious. Archangel Iblis [Iblis is an extraterrestrial nonangelical entities, who was granted the honorary title of an Archangel due to his distinguished devotion to God] had joined his regular court at the Purple Palace in the fourth-dimensional heaven—the domain of his authority. Iblis had learned that a divine messenger from the heaven high above was due to arrive. Iblis was expected to be assigned more powers to widen his domain of influence in the lower heaven [the three-dimensional heaven, perceived as the known universe in the domain assigned to mankind]. He was to consolidate his dominion in preparation for the arrival of a new being whose progeny would propagate in perpetual successions. This latest addition was anticipated by Iblis and was expected to dwell within the sphere of the lower heaven. As far as Iblis could tell, the new being was to be a terrestrial one with earthly attributes and characteris tics.

From the time we came to be, we have been bestowed with great strength. Our powers had superseded those of the others. Glory to thee, my Lord, Lord of the high heavens, praises to thy name, holy and blessed is he, my Lord, Iblis acknowledged his gratitude to his Master and Creator.

Iblis was ever confident; his self-esteem was continually boosted as he witnessed his angelical powers becoming greater and stronger. He did not realize, however, that this might lead to undesired outcomes.

Iblis, in addressing his court, said, I want to share with you the fact that we are stronger than ever considering the new powers delegated to us. I am quite aware of the challenges that might come along though less concerned of whatever envy and umbrage this might cause among the others, even if resentment is caused. I vow that I shall spare nothing to crush anyone whom I feel might interrupt or disturb in any way my smooth rule. I proclaim that my throne is eternal, and my crown is glorious, and certainly, it shall stay this way. Iblis did not hesitate to utilize his new powers against his foes.

The anticipated angelical messenger had arrived and immediately requested an audience with Archangel Iblis. The messenger was led to the court to deliver his message.

Heavenly peace upon you, The messenger opened majestically.

Heavenly peace upon you, divine messenger, they responded.

New powers will allow you to access the consciousness of the inhabitants of the lower heavens including these new beings anticipated to dwell on the planet earth, over which you shall have limited control. You shall exercise these new powers with the use of an obedient army of various ranks, loyal only to you. These soldiers are created and fashioned from weightless substance, abundant and plentiful in your physical domain. The proposed Army shall be called the Army of Iblis, put at your disposal to assist in achieving your new mandate. The messenger informed Iblis of his new subjects and additional powers.

At this stage, Archangel Iblis did not fully comprehend the fundamental nature of his new subjects, nor he could probe the burden of his new assigned powers. Nonetheless, he was able to gather some insight regarding the potentials and capabilities of these expected beings.

What are these anticipated earthly dwellers? Iblis asked the divine messenger.

They are conscious entities not yet in existence. They are to be fashioned from matter, heavy and crude. They will be earthly bound, with intrinsic characteristics that are fundamental to the lower heaven. Furthermore, they will be restricted to a body whose weight is significant. They are expected to manifest their existence through self-propagation, a perpetual cycle of birth and death, offspring replacing vanishing ancestors, the messenger further described.

One thing was certain to Iblis: the earthly bound characteristic of the anticipated beings reveals certain restrictions and weaknesses, thus making these beings feeble and indeed vulnerable. Therefore, they would present an easy challenge considering the valor and fearlessness bestowed upon Iblis, a mighty figure of superior angelical powers.

Iblis continued in his preoccupation with these new anticipated creatures, though expressing his thoughts and imagination in various ways. Nonetheless, he was unable to avoid becoming ever more fascinated with these peculiar beings who were being introduced to his sphere of authority. They are likely to be heavy and unwieldy, practically motionless as far as I can tell. I cannot imagine how they are permanently confined to a fixed dwelling and surrounding. Iblis pondered about the earthly confinement as compared with the vastness of the lower heaven.

Iblis was able to learn also that the new subjects would be limited to three-dimensional space; with this inhibiting deficiency, piercing into higher heavens/universes would be out of the question for them. (The ability to pierce through the fabric of space was something that Archangel Iblis was capable of and, hence, gave him a unique eminence in contrast.)

Iblis continued in his reflection. Having all these powers bestowed unto me, he mused, I shall be able to access with ease the consciousness of such beings. The souls and the bodies of these anticipated entities will always be at my mercy. I will sense and feel their exotic thoughts, desires, and motives. I must say the notion of being able to do all that is delightful and exquisite indeed! So Iblis presumed that he would be able to interact with the consciousnesses of these new entities that were about to be introduced into the domain of the lower heaven.

The divine messenger had been excused and was seen ascending quickly to take his course, signaling the end of his mission.

Meanwhile, Archangel Iblis turned his attention to his court and announced his dominion over the earth and all of its dwellers. Pleased courtiers congratulated him for his new powers and applauded in joy!

The court was then dismissed.

Chapter 2

Visiting the Grand Temple

T he year was 29,900 BC. Human population was nil as humankind was not yet in existence. Iblis had heard rumors while at the Grand Temple, a place significant to angels of the lower heaven; it was a majestic and imposing house of worship, frequently visited by the dwellers of the lower heaven and those whom God had chosen and praised as noble and decorous. The place was awesome, always teeming with angelic figures and dignitaries; they had come from the far reaches of the lower he aven.

The first time I had seen it, I was overwhelmed with compassion and majesty, Iblis recalled his affection as he contemplated the moments of the experience.

The rumors, however, spoke of long-anticipated news, presumably telling of an important event that was about to take place. During the last gathering at the Exalted Assembly of Angels, many angelical attendees talked about the anticipated event with great fascination.

The Exalted Assembly of Angels was the place where God dwelt. It was located high in a heaven beyond the reachable and beyond the imaginable, exclusive only to a few!

The exalted angels and Iblis were permitted to enter this exclusive realm only on certain occasions, usually whenever God planned grand events. God then called the Assembly of the Exalted Angels to convene and subsequently informed them of his intentions regarding their respective role in the Grand Design [the unbound existence]; they, on their part, were expected to obey and comply.

Quite a lot of time had passed, Iblis mused, since we attended the last gathering at the Grand Temple. Every time we gather, we cannot resist discussing and expressing views regarding this upcoming event. It is certain, however, that we have no idea of the current and the future plans of God, nor do we know the effects and the implications this might have on the Grand Design. Iblis continued in his pondering. This may affect the minuscule and the insignificant as well as the grand and the vast, yet we cannot tell! We all are just a manifestation of his magnificent work. Can we, the exalted angels, be certain that the anticipated grand event has nothing to do with us? Alternatively, could it unfold glad tidings or could it be otherwise? A cause to be alarmed of? Reflecting on how God conducted His affairs, he concluded, God’s work has been always mysterious, and still it is!

To lessen his apprehension over this matter, he had to leave his lower fourth-dimensional heaven and pierce his way into the next dimensional heaven. Therein, he met three high-ranking archangels whom he believed may have some indications of what this anticipated news might hold.

Since Iblis was a bestowed entity, he was capable of going beyond the limit of the fourth-dimensional heaven. He could tear the fabric of space and pierce his way through into the fifth-dimensional heaven [the next dimensional universe].

Heavenly peace upon you, glorious angels, guardians of the fifth heaven, Iblis said while approaching the three archangels who lined up to welcome him.

Heavenly greetings upon you, oh, Great One, the three archangels replied.

The echo of these rumors is spreading fast; presumably, they relate to a new significant addition that might have to do with us! Iblis began, raising the curiosity of his receiving party.

God Almighty probably desires to form a new higher-dimension universe whose inhabitants are conscious planets and stars. Certainly, capable angels are required for such a grand endeavor, for functionality—to maintain and keep it viable and orderly, suggested Tabriel, who was the highest ranking among the three.

Oh, Great One, I think the anticipated news might reveal a plan for a whole new entity, a creation characterized by limited consciousness. Although confined and stationery, it could live on the ground, inhabit and propagate. A being with such physical features would be unique and one of a kind, a curious addition indeed! offered Zichael, the second in rank of the three.

But, Great One, I say no. My view swings to some sort of a new concept, a multidimensional entity capable of interdimensional motion. This new entity, I presume, can move with relative ease in and out of the confinement of the lower heaven. Needless to say, this does not come close to what I am capable of. I can move from one point to the next or pierce my way into any dimension I want still in a split second, boasted Siphael, the last and least ranking of the three.

I am afraid I must disagree with your assessments. I am of the notion that the anticipated news might have to do with the planet earth, Iblis said with a disapproving gesture.

Earth! You are way off; Earth cannot be that important for such a celebrated event. Earth is a fragile planet, inhabited by little beings classified under animals and beasts, hopelessly lost in the struggle between the species. They can neither name an ant nor define it. Moreover, they belong to the grouping of those restricted in consciousness. Thus, their awareness and intelligence are curbed by definition. Needless to say, they are utterly helpless to protect against celestial or terrestrial calamities, should they hit! declared Siphael as he harshly gazed at Iblis.

While they were still debating the issue at hand, a voice suddenly came thundering from high above.

Oh, noble dignitaries, heavenly peace upon you all. Glory to God Almighty. Exalted angels, you are requested to convene at once! All at the appointed place and time. The voice from high above abruptly ended; however, the call was heard loud and clear by a multitude of domains throughout the vastness of the Grand Design.

Immediately, formations of angels of various ranks and forms began to descend. In splendid patterns they moved; they overwhelmed the horizon in majestic displays and configurations, performing and singing in a grand procession of glory. They continued to descend wave after wave!

Iblis and his party were overwhelmed by the awe of the moment; they quickly abandoned their discussion and set forth to leave the fifth-dimensional heaven and ascend as directed.

Chapter 3

Introducing the Vicegerent

I blis proceeded with the three archangels immediately, escorted to the Exalted Assembly of Angels at God’s court as indicated, located at the highest-dimensional heaven wherein beauty, purity, and grandeur are experienced at their ultimate—unimaginable and inconceivable, truly maje stic!

Behold! Assembly of the exalted, I shall create a vicegerent on the planet earth, God proclaimed.

Oh, a vicegerent! What is a vicegerent? whispered the angels among themselves in bafflement.

It is my divine wish to introduce the spirit of life into the unconscious and the lifeless. A new entity shall emerge to act as my deputy on earth. I wish to bring in a representative, a superior ruler, who shall rule with immunity and enjoy my trust in the domain of the lower heaven, God replied to the puzzled angels in an unusual expression of divine humbleness.

Siphael was still unclear about the identity and role of this new addition and how it could fit in relation to the multitude of the angelical forms already in existence. He, therefore, sought a more specific explanation. Siphael then turned to Archangel Tabriel. The answer remains veiled and implicit! he admitted, expressing a lack of discernment of the matter while facing his fellow angels.

The new addition is probably a mighty and supreme entity but, nonetheless, angelical, Tabriel countered while gazing at Siphael.

Iblis, at this stage, seemed skeptical about expressing his view, but after careful thought, he responded, This is our domain. We have done our best to be obedient and maintain the peace. How then are we supposed to make sense of this new addition? The lower heaven is important to us. The introduction of a new and, as it appears, a supreme being still vague and ambiguous . . . yet to dwell among us . . . is certainly a cause for concern. Iblis argued, The purpose of this new entity is the introduction of another kind of intelligence and consciousness, although both qualities are desirable, but we do not know for sure how it can relate to us or how it would affect us. This is still a mystery!

While it is an honor to be branded as God’s representative, it is still a dreadful task, an immense responsibility indeed! We, the exalted angels, are obviously unfit for such an undertaking! Aren’t we? Siphael reacted resentfully as he gestured at Tabriel.

Tabriel, being an archangel of greater wisdom, could foresee the possible implication of God’s plan. He then concluded that the new anticipated entity is something rather fundamentally different than anything they have ever encountered!

"The new entity is a unique creation for a unique purpose. Therefore, we angels may witness the making of a human being, plainly a human race. The implication of a vicegerent as envisioned by God really spans the collective existence of mankind rather than an individual human. The outcomes of such an existence would have a landmark effect on the natural environment. In due time, the fruition and culmination of such existence is expected to be splendid and remarkable, indeed, the real objective and the goal of