Verse 56 of Surah Al-Baqarah, as part of the Qur'anic narrative pertaining to the Children of Israel, opens a window towards profound epistemological and ethical concepts. This verse, focusing on notions such as resurrection, gratitude for blessings, and the divine thunderbolt, holds a distinguished position within Qur'anic sciences. In this treatise, adopting a scientific and systematic approach, the verse is analysed and its content reformulated with an academic and exalted perspective. The objective is to provide a coherent and deep exegesis that, while preserving all details, enhances its scientific and literary richness through supplementary explanations. This analysis employs sophisticated Persian metaphors and allegories, composed in a manner suitable for erudite audiences, thereby paving the way for deeper reflections in the domain of Qur'anic ethics.
ثُمَّ بَعَثْنَاكُمْ مِنْ بَعْدِ مَوْتِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ
Then We raised you up after your death, that you might be grateful.
This verse refers to the resurrection of the Children of Israel following a divine thunderbolt that caused their temporary death, after which, by God's will, they were granted renewed life. The phrase لَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ (that you might be grateful) indicates that the purpose of this resurrection is to inspire gratitude for the divine blessing.
ثُمَّ عَفَوْنَا عَنْكُمْ مِنْ بَعْدِ ذَٰلِكَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ
Then We pardoned you after that, that you might be grateful.
Verse 52 of Surah Al-Baqarah, emphasising divine pardon, sets the foundation for gratitude and aligns with verse 56, highlighting the significance of thankfulness.
The term Bath in verse 56 signifies resurrection, awareness, and awakening granted by God to the Children of Israel. This resurrection transcends mere physical revival and points to an epistemological and ethical transformation that serves as the basis for guidance and felicity. Just as the sun illuminates the earth after a dark night, the divine resurrection directs dormant souls towards the light of awareness.
Gratitude, as the human response to divine blessings, comprises three fundamental pillars: recognition of the blessing, awareness of its blessedness, and knowledge that this blessing originates from the Benefactor, i.e., God. Like a stream flowing from a pure source, gratitude stems from awareness of the origin of the blessing. The phrase لَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ in the verse signifies the imperative of gratitude, meaning that the blessing of resurrection inclines humanity towards thankfulness, although some may neglect this duty.
The divine resurrection, as a grand blessing, guided the Children of Israel from temporary death to renewed life. This awakening, intended for guidance and felicity, entails the imperative of gratitude. Gratitude, with its triadic components, leads humans towards knowledge and righteous action, while neglect impedes full utilisation of this blessing.
The divine thunderbolt resulted in resurrection and renewed life for the Children of Israel, whereas for the tribes of d and Thamd, it culminated in destruction and eternal deprivation. This disparity stems from the moral and spiritual condition of these peoples. The Children of Israel, due to their oppression under the Pharaohs, merited divine clemency, while d and Thamd, owing to arrogance, rebellion, and obstinacy, were deprived of this grace.
The Children of Israel, under Pharaoh's oppression, were a subjugated people whose weakness was imposed rather than self-chosen. This oppression rendered them deserving of divine favour, granting them a second chance through resurrection to attain felicity. Conversely, d and Thamd, through arrogance and rebellion, deprived themselves of the blessing of resurrection. Even if resurrected, they would deny the divine Benefactor and arrogate life-giving power to themselves, akin to attributing the sunlight that illuminates the earth to themselves.
فَإِنْ أَعْرَضُوا فَقُلْ أَنْذَرْتُكُمْ صَاعِقَةً مِثْلَ صَاعِقَةِ عَادٍ وَثَمُودَ
Then if they turn away, say: I have warned you of a thunderbolt like the thunderbolt of d and Thamd.
This verse (Fussilat: 13) indicates the deliberate rejection by d and Thamd who, through hostile choice, directed themselves towards punishment.
فَاسْتَكْبَرُوا فِي الْأَرْضِ بِغَيْرِ الْحَقِّ وَقَالُوا مَنْ أَشَدُّ مِنَّا قُوَّةً
Then they behaved arrogantly in the land without right and said: Who is mightier than us in strength?
This verse (Fussilat: 15) demonstrates the unjust arrogance of d, coupled with denial of the divine signs.
فَأَرْسَلْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ رِيحًا صَرْصَرًا فِي أَيَّامٍ نَحِسَاتٍ
So We sent against them a furious wind during ill days.
This verse (Fussilat: 16) depicts the worldly and otherworldly punishment of d owing to their arrogance and denial.
فَاسْتَحَبُّوا الْعَمَىٰ عَلَى الْهُدَىٰ فَأَخَذَتْهُمْ صَاعِقَةُ الْعَذَابِ الْهُونِ
They preferred blindness over guidance, so the thunderbolt of humiliating punishment seized them.
This verse (Fussilat: 17) reveals the ethical deviation of Thamd, who favoured the pleasures of sin over guidance.
Comparing the Children of Israel with d and Thamd uncovers fundamental differences in their destinies. The oppression of the Children of Israel qualified them for resurrection and guidance, whereas the arrogance and obstinacy of d and Thamd resulted in annihilation and eternal deprivation. This distinction underscores divine justice and the pivotal role of intention and deeds in determining fate.
Humankind often neglects divine blessings such as life, health, and awareness, failing to render due gratitude. Like a traveller who rests under the shade of a tree, oblivious to the source of the shade, humans remain unaware of countless divine blessings.
The proximate angels, trustees, and managers of affairs protect humans continuously day and night against calamities and devils. This protection, akin to an invisible shield, preserves humans from malevolence. Were it not for the angels and divine saints, devils would devour humans piece by piece, especially the believers who are the primary targets of satanic temptations.
Key Note: Divine assistance through angels and saints is a hidden blessing, the awareness of which deepens human gratitude.
Devils, by infiltrating the mind, faith, self, intellect, and health of humans, lead them towards destruction. This influence is like a poison that gradually consumes life unless divine aid intervenes to prevent it.
Key Note: Devils, through temptation and infiltration, direct humans towards calamities and spiritual thunderbolts unless piety and divine aid prevent it.
Human negligence towards divine blessings and the assistance of angels and saints distances them from gratitude and knowledge. Devils, by penetrating the existential dimensions of humans, lead them to torment; however, piety and awareness place humans under divine protection and shield them from both material and spiritual thunderbolts.
Piety means caring for creatures, even the smallest among them such as ants, and refraining from harming, distressing, or belittling others. This vigilance is like a gardener who meticulously protects weak saplings until they bear fruit.
Key Note: Piety, through caring for others and refraining from harm, shields humans from divine thunderbolts.
Causing harm to others may result in a thunderbolt affecting future generations or the hereafter. Just as a stone thrown into water creates waves reaching distant shores, human actions have far-reaching consequences in time and place.
Key Note: Human deeds, even minor harm, may lead to thunderbolts in the future or the hereafter.
Humans must behave with kindness, love, harmlessness, and concealment of faults towards all, including friends and foes alike. These virtues bring humans closer to divine ethics and shield them from material and spiritual thunderbolts, as though a shield of light surrounds them.
Key Note: Kindness and harmlessness bring humans closer to divine ethics and protect them from divine punishment.
And We saved those who believed and used to fear Allah.
(Surah Fussilat: 18)
This verse indicates the salvation of pious believers from thunderbolts and punishment, for their faith and piety place them under divine protection.
Piety and kindness serve as two wings enabling humans to soar towards felicity, protecting them from divine thunderbolts. Caring for others, refraining from harm, and adherence to divine ethics guide humans on the path of guidance and preserve them from worldly and hereafter punishments.
The learned, due to their greater awareness, are closer to the danger of divine thunderbolts, just as they are closer to God. This proximity imposes a heavier responsibility on them to behave with piety and dignity.
Key Note: The learned, due to their awareness, face greater risk and must act with piety and composure.
The learned must behave with composure, kindness, and magnanimity towards all, including friends, enemies, or the ill. These traits make them role models for society, as if they were torches illuminating the path for others.
Key Note: The composure and kindness of the learned transform them into moral exemplars for society.
Harshness, anger, and violence in the learned are ugly and unacceptable, incompatible with the conduct of the Prophets and Saints. Like a physician who harms the patient, such behaviour diminishes the dignity of knowledge.
Key Note: Harshness and violence are incompatible with the conduct of the Prophets and Saints and demean the dignity of the learned.
The Commander of the Faithful (peace be upon him) remained silent in the face of insults and disrespect, responding with patience and magnanimity. This conduct serves as an unparalleled model for the learned and believers to endure adversities patiently.
Key Note: The conduct of the Commander of the Faithful (peace be upon him) in patience and magnanimity is a model for confronting adversities.
Humans must test themselves against the harm of others to measure their patience and kindness. This self-refinement is like polishing a rough stone to transform it into a gem.
Key Note: Self-refinement and testing kindness bring humans closer to moral perfection.
The learned, owing to their greater awareness, bear a heavier responsibility to commit to piety and kindness. Avoiding harshness and violence, emulating the conduct of the Saints, and self-refinement in the face of adversities make them role models for society.
The Noble Qur'an is a living book revealed moment by moment to the individual, society, and ummah, valid for all times and places. Like a continuously flowing stream, the Qur'an is the dynamic guide for humanity.
Key Note: The Noble Qur'an, as a living book, provides dynamic and practical guidance for all times and individuals.
Divine thunderbolts, whether material (such as accidents and illnesses) or spiritual (hereafter punishments), occur not only for Ad, Thamud, and Bani Israel but also for any individual, family, or nation. These thunderbolts descend suddenly like lightning and thunder without warning.
Key Note: Divine thunderbolts are ongoing in all times and places, necessitating constant vigilance.
The Suspended Sudden Death (Ajl Muallaq) refers to sudden and unexpected death, a thunderbolt that descends on a human without warning. This concept is like a sword hanging over the head, emphasising the necessity of constant preparedness.
Key Note: The Suspended Sudden Death underscores the unpredictability of divine thunderbolts and the need for perpetual readiness.
The Noble Qur'an, as a dynamic book, offers guidance for all times and places. Divine thunderbolts, with their universality, call for vigilance and piety for every individual and society. Constant preparedness against the Suspended Sudden Death guides humans towards felicity.
The analysis of verse 56 of Surah Al-Baqarah opens a gateway to profound Qur'anic concepts. This verse, focusing on resurrection, gratitude, and divine thunderbolts, provides invaluable lessons in knowledge and ethics. Resurrection, as a divine blessing, lays the foundation for awareness and guidance, necessitating gratitude. The comparison of Bani Israel with Ad and Thamud reveals the role of intention and deeds in determining fate. Neglecting divine blessings and the assistance of angels distances humans from felicity, whereas piety and kindness place them under divine protection. The Noble Qur'an, as a living book, offers dynamic guidance for all times, while divine thunderbolts necessitate constant vigilance. The learned, by adhering to composure and kindness, can serve as societal exemplars and, through self-refinement, approach moral perfection. This analysis, emphasising gratitude, piety, and avoidance of arrogance, paves the way for deeper reflections in the realm of Qur'anic ethics.
Under the supervision of Sadegh Khademi
