The interpretation of verses 168 and 172 of Surah Al-Baqarah, as two central verses in explaining the existential and ethical stages of human beings from the perspective of the Holy Quran, serves as a gateway to a deep understanding of the divine system in interaction with mankind. These verses, through distinct addresses to people (ناس) and those who believe (الذین آمنوا), not only reveal fundamental differences between ordinary humans and believers, but also point to distinctions in sustenance, duties, and levels of knowledge for these two groups. This study, with a scientific and systematic approach, analyzes these two verses comparably, utilizing noble allegories and references, presenting the content in an academic format suitable for educated audiences. Just like a tree whose roots are firmly planted in the soil of divine knowledge, its branches stretch towards the sky of meaning, this interpretation seeks to depict the existential stages of man in the light of divine verses.
Verses 168 and 172 of Surah Al-Baqarah, through their distinct addresses, target two groups of people. Verse 168, addressed to "Ya Ayyuha an-Nas" (O mankind), encompasses all human beings, whereas verse 172, addressed to "Ya Ayyuha al-Ladhina Amanu" (O those who believe), is directed specifically at the believers. This distinction reflects the different existential stages of humans: "Nas" are situated in the initial material and earthly stage of life, whereas believers, by accepting faith, are elevated to a higher stage in the spiritual and celestial domain.
Key point: The distinction in addresses within these verses highlights the spiritual hierarchical system in the Holy Quran, which addresses each group based on its existential capacity. "Nas" are bound to the earth, while believers reach towards the sky of knowledge.
This address structure is rooted in the divine wisdom behind the diversity of creation and obligations. The Holy Quran, through this approach, refers to a structured system of human stages that range from ordinary humans to believers, and further to saints and mystics. Like a ladder where each step leads towards a higher summit, these verses invite humans to recognize their position in the existential hierarchy.
يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ كُلُوا مِمَّا فِي الْأَرْضِ حَلَالًا طَيِّبًا وَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا خُطُوَاتِ الشَّيْطَانِ ۚ إِنَّهُ لَكُمْ عَدُوٌّ مُبِينٌ
Translation: O mankind, eat of what is on the earth, lawful and good, and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُلُوا مِنْ طَيِّبَاتِ مَا رَزَقْنَاكُمْ وَاشْكُرُوا لِلَّهِ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ إِيَّاهُ تَعْبُدُونَ
Translation: O you who have believed, eat from the good things which We have provided for you and be grateful to Allah if it is Him that you worship.
Verse 168, by referring to mimma fi al-ard (of what is on the earth), limits sustenance to earthly and material things. While this sustenance is confined to being lawful and pure, it pertains to the material needs of ordinary humans. In contrast, verse 172, by using the phrase "tayyibat ma razaqnakum" (the good things We have provided for you), frees sustenance from earthly constraints and extends it to the divine sustenance in all realms, both material and spiritual. The sustenance of believers includes revelation, knowledge, and spiritual insight, which transcend earthly needs and ascend towards the celestial realms of meaning.
Key point: The sustenance of "Nas" is tied to the soil of the earth, whereas the sustenance of believers, like a free bird, soars in the skies of knowledge, reaching the divine purity.
This difference reflects the distinct horizons of "Nas" and believers. "Nas", due to their attachment to material matters, are bound to earthly sustenance, while believers, through faith, connect with heavenly sustenance. Like a spring that flows from the heart of a mountain to the sea, the sustenance of believers springs from the divine source and leads to higher knowledge and wisdom.
