The interpretation of Ayah 119 of Surah Al-Baqarah serves as a gateway to a profound understanding of the Islamic system of guidance and education, revealed through a direct address to the Noble Prophet (peace be upon him). This verse elucidates the status of prophethood, its veracity, and the characteristics of the bearer of glad tidings and warner, thereby manifesting the exalted position of the Prophet (peace be upon him) within the cosmos and the human guidance system. The present treatise, adopting a scientific and specialised approach, explores all dimensions of this verse in an elevated and systematic language. The aim is to offer a comprehensive analysis that not only clarifies the apparent meanings of the verse but also reveals its deep theological, philosophical, and educational layers for expert audiences. The text is rewritten while preserving all the details and concepts of the original lecture, ensuring both scholarly validity and literary appeal.
إِنَّا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ بِالْحَقِّ بَشِيرًا وَنَذِيرًا ۖ وَلَا تُسْأَلُ عَنْ أَصْحَابِ الْجَحِيمِ
Indeed, We have sent you with the truth as a bearer of glad tidings and a warner; and you are not asked concerning the companions of the blazing Fire.
This verse is a direct address to the Noble Prophet (peace be upon him), resting upon three main pillars: the veracity of prophethood, the attributes of being a bearer of glad tidings and a warner, and the exoneration of the Prophet (peace be upon him) from responsibility for guiding the inhabitants of Hellfire. Each of these pillars opens a window towards a deeper comprehension of the Islamic guidance system.
Key Point: The verse, by directly addressing the Prophet (peace be upon him), establishes his position as the Seal of the Prophets and the principal intermediary of divine guidance. This address signifies the grandeur of the station of prophethood and the pivotal role of the Prophet (peace be upon him) in the cosmic order.
The use of the singular pronoun كَ in أَرْسَلْنَاكَ emphasises the unique and final rank of the Prophet (peace be upon him). This address not only demonstrates his exalted status within the chain of prophets but also identifies him as the most complete manifestation of divine guidance. The Prophet (peace be upon him), as the Seal of the Prophets, undertakes a mission that guarantees the perfection of human guidance.
Key Point: The phrase بِالْحَقِّ underscores the complete conformity of the prophethood with the Divine Truth. This veracity safeguards the mission from any falsehood or deviation.
The term بِالْحَقِّ denotes absolute and divine truth, contrasted with falsehood. The Prophets mission, by virtue of its divine origin, possesses intrinsic soundness and is free from any distortion. This veracity functions as a luminous light that dispels the darkness of ignorance and misguidance, illuminating the path of guidance.
Key Point: The sending of the Prophet (peace be upon him) by God reflects Divine wisdom in the selection and dispatch of messengers for humanitys guidance.
The phrase إِنَّا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ affirms that the sending of the Prophet is an act of divine initiative and will. This choice, akin to selecting a precious gem from among stones, reflects the meticulous wisdom of God in choosing prophets to guide humanity.
Ayah 119 of Surah Al-Baqarah elucidates the Prophets (peace be upon him) position and the veracity of his mission, illuminating the foundations of the Islamic guidance system. The verse introduces the Prophet (peace be upon him) as a divine intermediary, sent by God towards the truth. The truthfulness of the prophethood, like a steadfast pillar, fortifies the foundations of this system.
Key Point: Glad tidings, by generating expansion and joy, attract the hearts of the believers towards guidance. This attribute portrays Islam as a religion replete with grace and mercy.
The term بَشِيرًا in the verse points to the expansiveness characteristic of the mission. Glad tidings, like a refreshing breeze in a burning desert, caress the hearts of believers with hope and joy. This attribute distances the mission from harshness and bitterness, transforming it into a pleasant and delightful experience. Expansion in glad tidings refers to the pedagogical psychology of Islam, which emphasises creating positive motivation and attracting hearts towards God.
Key Point: Being a warner, through cautioning about the repercussions of wrongful deeds, demonstrates Divine justice alongside mercy, yet such warning is devoid of severity.
The word نَذِيرًا denotes the cautionary dimension of the mission. Warning, like a sentinel alerting to danger, invites humans to reflect on the consequences of their actions. However, this warning is accompanied by kindness and mercy, avoiding harshness and severity. As a secondary attribute, warning emerges only upon deviation from the path of truth, prioritising glad tidings and mercy.
Key Point: Glad tidings and warning represent the two wings of the mission that establish the balance between mercy and justice in the Islamic educational system.
Glad tidings and warning, like two wings of a bird soaring towards heavenly guidance, perfect the Islamic educational system. Glad tidings, by creating expansion and hope, draw hearts towards God, whereas warning, through cautioning about the consequences of sin, prevents misguidance. This balance exemplifies Divine wisdom in humanitys guidance.
The attributes of being a bearer of glad tidings and a warner, as two firm pillars, uphold the Islamic educational system. Glad tidings, through expansion and grace, attract hearts to God, while warning, by cautioning about consequences, invites behavioural reform. These dual attributes manifest the equilibrium between mercy and justice within Islam.
Key Point: The Prophets (peace be upon him) mission lies in providing the path of guidance, not in delivering the individual to the ultimate destination. Final guidance depends on Divine will and human choice.
The phrase وَلَا تُسْأَلُ عَنْ أَصْحَابِ الْجَحِيمِ indicates that the Prophets duty is to present the guidance path, not to bring a person to
