hard shells. We use nutcrackers to open them. How can you squirrels
break them open without a nutcracker?"
"We have teeth that are sharper and stronger than the teeth of any
human being," explained the squirrel. "Our front teeth, called in-
cisors, allow us to break hard materials; in the space behind these are
our molar teeth. Thanks to these sharp teeth of ours, we can break the
shell of any nut, no matter how hard it is."
"Does that damage your teeth?" wondered Dawud.
The squirrel explained: "Here, too, you can see the perfect har-
mony that exists between everything in the supreme creative artistry of
our Lord. If our teeth break off or wear out, new ones grow back.
Allah has given this ability to all creatures like us that have to gnaw
their food."
Bilal added: "The Qur'an tells us about the beauty and perfection
of the living things Allah has created: 'And in your creation and all
the creatures He has spread about there are Signs for people with cer-
tainty.' (Surat al-Jathiyya: 4)"
Dawud agreed: "We must remember that Allah is in control of
everything at every moment. We should thank Him for every blessing
He has given us, pray that we may be His beloved servants and ask
for His forgiveness."
"Yes, you're right," said Bilal. "It's getting late, Dawud. Let's go
back now. Thanks for what you told us, little squirrel."
"Bye, bye, my little friends," said the squirrel.
37