Verse 66 of Surah Al-Baqarah, akin to a radiant torch along the path of guidance, elucidates the role of reflection and admonition in the spiritual progression of the believers and the pious. This verse, while referencing a historical punishment of a group from Bani Isra'il, offers profound lessons for behavioural reform and moral elevation. The central focus of this exegesis is to explore the concepts of nikl (reflection) and mawiah (admonition), and to delineate the duties of the faithful in deriving lessons from divine occurrences. Adopting a scientific and systematic approach, this treatise examines the responsibilities within academic fields regarding religious research and propagation, as well as the necessity of awareness and expertise in spiritual guidance. The composition utilises refined metaphors and dignified language, designed for an erudite audience within academic milieus, thereby ensuring both scholarly richness and literary appeal.
فَجَعَلْنَاهَا نَكَالًا لِمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهَا وَمَا خَلْفَهَا وَمَوْعِظَةً لِلْمُتَّقِينَ ٦٦
Translation: "Then We made it an example (lesson) for what was before it and what was after it, and an admonition for the righteous."
This verse refers to the punishment of a group among the Children of Israel who, due to their disobedience, became a lesson for others and an admonition for the pious. Nikl, denoting a general reflection or example, and mawiah, signifying specific counsel for the pious, constitute the two fundamental pillars of divine guidance manifested in this verse.
Admonition, like a soul-refreshing breeze, directs receptive hearts towards salvation. Verse 66 of Surah Al-Baqarah, emphasising mawiah lil-muttaqn, explicates the duties of believers in learning lessons from historical events. This duty pertains not only to personal behavioural reform but also to the collective ethical elevation. Admonition, in this verse, serves as a tool for awakening conscience and strengthening the faith of the pious, so that in the light of past reflections, they may traverse the path of righteousness.
Although nikl and mawiah appear overlapping superficially, their functions differ. Nikl is a general lesson for all, whether believer or non-believer, whereas mawiah is specific counsel for the pious whose hearts are prepared to accept guidance. This relationship resembles a general and particular scope; sometimes nikl encompasses mawiah, and sometimes mawiah transcends nikl.
Admonition may manifest verbally or through conduct, either explicitly or implicitly. An event, such as the punishment of Bani Isra'il, might serve both as nikl and mawiah, or only one of these. For instance, the verse Indeed, remembrance benefits the believers (Adh-Dhariyat 51:55) demonstrates that divine remembrance alone, without nikl, can be an admonition strengthening the faith of believers.
Admonition, as a multifaceted instrument, transcends speech and manifests in behaviour and action. This part of the verse invites believers to contemplate historical events and utilise them for spiritual advancement. The distinction between nikl and mawiah provides a clear framework for societal guidance, wherein general reflection and specific counsel perform complementary roles.
Admonition, like a clear stream, is not confined to a particular class. Any individual possessing requisite competence can partake in guiding others. This principle accentuates the collective responsibility in religious guidance and indicates that admonition is not solely the duty of scholars but the obligation of every believer who has acquired knowledge and sincerity.
Admonition devoid of research and awareness resembles a rootless edifice destined to collapse. The verse And if not for a group among every community, who would have delayed studying religion... (At-Tawbah 9:122) underscores the necessity of religious comprehension for guidance and admonition. Tafaqquh, a noble and weighty task, is introduced as the firm foundation for religious propagation.
In the religious duties of enjoining good and forbidding evil, knowledge is a primary condition, though practical commitment to good deeds is not always obligatory. For example, an individual might be personally deficient in practice but, with awareness, still invite others towards goodness. This rule reflects flexibility in religious duties but simultaneously emphasises the necessity of knowledge and expertise.
Religious science, which should be the focal point of scholarly activity, has at times deviated towards non-essential matters. This deviation, like dust on the mirror of knowledge, obstructs the brilliance of truth. Temporary suspension of scientific activities under critical conditions, such as war, is justifiable; however, permanent cessation leads to deviation from the fundamental mission of religious scholarship.
Admonition, as a universal responsibility, requires the support of research and awareness. The verse on tafaqquh highlights the responsibility of religious sciences in generating profound knowledge and responding to societal needs. Deviation from this mission necessitates a reassessment of academic and propagative priorities.
The verse And when a community among them said, Why do you admonish a people whom Allah is about to destroy or punish with a severe punishment? (Al-Arf 7:164) responds to the doubt regarding the usefulness of admonition towards a misguided people. The preachers reply, Apologies to your Lord, signifies the fulfilment of divine duty irrespective of apparent outcome. This response, like a torch in darkness, emphasises the primacy of performing Gods command.
The preachers, relying on perhaps they will be mindful, avoid despair and maintain hope for the salvation of all, including the most misguided. This hope, like a window to divine mercy, leaves open the possibility of transformation and return until the last moment of life. Even individuals such as Shimr or urr, so long as they breathe, remain within the scope of guidance.
Some prominent companions of Imam Askari (peace be upon him), due to arrogance and self-superiority, deviated from the path of truth. This example serves as a mirror reflecting the danger of pride and the necessity of humility before divine will. One must be humble even towards the simplest divine duties.
A narrator recounts an anecdote from Feyzieh, where an elderly man humbly advised students not to wash the water basin in the pool. This story, simple yet profound, emphasises the value of sincere service and humility in fulfilling divine duties.
The philosophy of admonition lies in performing the divine duty and preserving hope in guidance. Quranic verses, by responding to doubts, pave the way for inviting towards truth. Humility and hopefulness constitute the two wings of admonition that make guidance attainable.
The verse Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good admonition, and argue with them in a way that is best... (An-Nahl 16:125) divides society into three groups: logical and knowledgeable individuals, sincere and
