of Nokounam Session 859
Surah Al-Imran, like a radiant gem within the collection of the Holy Qur'ans verses, elucidates the exalted status of the prophets and the divine saints, unveiling with profound expression the distinguished characteristics of prophethood. This treatise, through reflection upon the verses of this Surah, examines the exclusive nature of prophethood, the chosen lineage of the prophets, and their connection to the unseen realm. The present text endeavours, with a deep insight into the content of the lectures, to present these concepts in a coherent framework and with an eloquent and solemn language, so as to serve as a bridge between Quranic knowledge and the inquisitive minds of readers, facilitating a more precise comprehension of these truths.
The verses discussed in Surah Al-Imran, like a clear spring, are devoted solely to a specific group of Gods servants, namely the prophets and the saints, and lie beyond the realm of general and public comprehension. These verses, expressed with lofty eloquence, address the unique attributes of divine mission, distancing themselves from the quotidian and rational affairs of society. Unlike matters of governance, which naturally arise in every corner of the worldfrom villages to citiesthrough selection or appointment of individuals from among the people, prophethood is a divine and exceptional phenomenon, shining like a star in the firmament of knowledge only within the existence of Gods chosen ones. This distinction, like a bright line between ordinary and divine matters, emphasises the sanctity and exclusivity of the mission of the prophets.
Prophethood, unlike governance that naturally forms in every society through the election of individuals from among the people, is confined to a specific and chosen generation. In every corner of the world, even in the most remote villages, a leader or ruler arises to organise societal affairs. However, prophethood, like a rare jewel, manifests only in certain families and with miraculous characteristics. This difference, like a strong wall, delineates the boundary between earthly and heavenly matters, attesting to the elevated status of the prophets within the divine order.
The Holy Qur'an, with clear expression, introduces the prophets as chosen from specific generations, who have been selected hereditarily for the mission. These generations, who are among the righteous, like a mighty tree, have roots grounded in divine merit and branches that reach the heavens of knowledge. The phrase ذُرِّيَّةً بَعْضُهَا مِنْ بَعْضٍ (Al-Imran: 34), like a transparent mirror, reflects this truth that the prophets arise from families such as the progeny of Ibrahim, Imran, Adam, and Nuh. This selection is neither accidental nor universal, but rather a divine election based on merit and sanctity.
The generation of the prophets, like a divine miracle, transcends natural laws. God, by His will, creates certain individuals from among humanity in an extraordinary manner and through divine supplication and decree for prophethood. This creation, like a breeze from the unseen realm, is independent of material causes and is realised solely by divine will. The quintessential example of this reality is the creation of Jesus (peace be upon him) without a father, blossoming like a unique flower in the garden of creation.
Prophethood, like a bridge between the apparent and hidden worlds, is accompanied by extraordinary, miraculous, and unseen phenomena. Prophets, through direct communication with angels and reception of divine revelation, attain a level of awareness and power that stands as an unreachable summit, surpassing the capacities of ordinary humans. This connection, like a celestial light, illuminates the path of mission and distinguishes the prophets from other people.
The verses discussed in Surah Al-Imran, like hidden treasures in the bosom of the unseen, belong to the realm of the unseen, which may be manifest, concealed, or hidden. These verses, by their divine nature, lie beyond the reach of ordinary intellect and democratic laws and can only be comprehended through revelation. This feature, like a window to the world of meaning, emphasises the distinction of these verses from the common and rational affairs of society.
The Holy Qur'an, in verse 44 of Surah Al-Imran, emphatically stresses the unseen nature of the information related to the guardianship of Lady Maryam (peace be upon her) and informs the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that he received these matters solely through divine revelation:
ذَلِکَ مِنْ أَنْبَاءِ الْغَیْبِ نُوحِیهِ إِلَیْکَ ۚ وَمَا کُنْتَ لَدَیْهِمْ إِذْ یُلْقُونَ أَقْلَامَهُمْ أَیُّهُمْ یَکْفُلُ مَرْیَمَ ۚ وَمَا کُنْتَ لَدَیْهِمْ إِذْ یَخْتَصِمُونَ
Translation: This is from the news of the unseen which We reveal to you; and you were not with them when they cast their pens as to which of them should be guardian of Maryam, nor were you with them when they disputed.
This verse, like a shining torch, underscores the role of revelation as the sole source of knowledge regarding unseen matters. The Prophet (
