of Nokounam Session 920
The concept of the realm of affliction, as one of the most fundamental Quranic concepts, opens a window toward understanding the systematic nature of creation and the interconnection between justice, mercy, and Divine will. This concept, beautifully manifested in numerous verses of the Holy Quran, presents the universe not merely as a law-governed domain but as a setting in which Divine wisdom delicately intertwines justice and mercy. Unlike the realms of truth and justice, the realm of affliction teaches us that the realities of lifefrom calamities to blessingsare inscribed under Divine will and within the framework of the best possible system of creation. This treatise, through reflection upon Quranic verses and rational analysis, explores this concept and endeavours, in eloquent and dignified language, to elucidate this system clearly and profoundly for its readers.
The realm of affliction, as the arena wherein the realities of life flow, is distinct from the realm of truth and the realm of justice. The realm of truth is a pure and flawless domain where only Divine action and His names and attributes manifest. This realm, akin to a clear mirror, reflects only the truth, free from any deficiency or falsehood. Conversely, the realm of affliction is the realm of reality in which good and evil, justice and injustice, and merits and faults coexist side by side. This distinction, like that between the sun, which is itself light, and the earth, which is sometimes engulfed in shadow and sometimes in light, signifies the complexity of the system of creation.
From the metaphysical philosophical perspective, this distinction corresponds to the difference between ideal existence (truth) and actual existence (reality). The realm of truth, on a higher level, encompasses only Divine action, whereas the realm of affliction, as the setting in which human beings and their actions play a role, includes deficiencies and errors. This differentiation plays a fundamental role in understanding the best possible system of creation, which is the most optimised system conceivable.
The best possible system of creation, as a flawless tableau of Divine wisdom, is a system beyond which no superior creation can be imagined. Within this system, Divine justice and mercy act harmoniously, presenting the realm of affliction as the stage for this coordination. Every event in this system, from calamity to goodness, unfolds within the framework of Divine will and wisdom.
وَمَآ أَصَٰبَكُم مِّن مُّصِيبَةٍ فَبِمَا كَسَبَتْ أَيْدِيكُمْ وَيَعْفُوا عَن كَثِيرٍ
Whatever calamity befalls you is because of what your hands have earned; yet He pardons much.
This verse, like a torch that dispels the darkness of ignorance, reveals that calamities are the result of human deeds, yet Divine mercy, like a pervasive rain, covers many faults. From the viewpoint of Islamic theology, this system refers to the perfection of creation; and from the perspective of moral philosophy, it addresses the balance between good and evil in the world.
Contrary to the harsh perception that absolute justice prevails, the realm of affliction is one where Divine justice and mercy operate in equilibrium. Justice, like a precise scale, weighs human actions, yet mercy, like a gentle breeze, sometimes diminishes the severity of this measurement. This balance prevents the world from descending into the abyss of absolute severity.
مَآ أَصَابَكَ مِنْ حَسَنَةٍ فَمِنَ ٱللَّهِ ۖ وَمَآ أَصَابَكَ مِن سَيِّئَةٍ فَمِن نَّفْسِكَ
Whatever good reaches you is from Allah, and whatever evil befalls you is from yourself.
This verse beautifully demonstrates that blessings originate from God, while faults stem from the human self. However, ultimately, all things return to Divine will, as it is said: Certainly, it is from Allah. This statement acts like a key unlocking the locks of knowledge, presenting the doctrine of Divine causality before our eyes.
One of the pivotal concepts in the realm of affliction is the association of calamities with Divine permission. The Holy Quran, with profound and wise wording, attributes every calamity to Divine will.
مَآ أَصَابَ مِن مُّصِيبَةٍ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِ ٱللَّهِ
No calamity befalls except by permission of Allah.
This verse, like a lantern in the dark nights, clarifies that no event, not even calamity, occurs outside the realm of Divine will. Theologically, this permission refers to Divine wisdom; exegetically, it relates to the lawfulness of the realm of affliction. Although calamities result from human deeds, they do not occur without Divine permission.
The Quran elsewhere presents calamities as the consequence of previous human actions.
فَكَيْفَ إِذَآ أَصَٰبَتْهُم مُّصِيبَةٌ بِمَا قَدَّمَتْ أَيْدِيهِم
So how [will it be] when a calamity touches them because of what their hands have put forth...
This Quranic expression, like a mirror reflecting past deeds, shows that calamities have roots in human conduct. From an ethical philosophical viewpoint, this verse points to human responsibility for actions; psychologically, it reflects the feedback of past behaviours.
Alongside justice, Divine mercy flows like a clear spring within the realm of affliction.
عَذَابِىٓ أُصِيبُ بِهِۦ مَنْ أَشَآءُ ۖ وَرَحْمَتِى وَسِعَتْ كُلَّ شَىْءٍ
My punishment afflicts whom I will, but My mercy encompasses all things.
This verse beautifully indicates that while Divine punishment is conditional upon His will, His mercy is boundless and all-encompassing. From the perspective of Islamic mysticism, this vastness refers to the predominant Divine mercy; psychologically, it relates to the tranquillity engendered by this mercy.
The best system of creation, like a fruitful garden, not only incorporates justice but also, through Divine mercy, conceals many human faults. This system, beyond which no better can be conceived, is designed such that every particle of creation holds a wise place.
Divine mercy, like a compassionate mother, sometimes prevents absolute justicelike a sharp swordfrom destroying humans due to their imperfections. This balance, theologically, refers to Gods forgiveness; philosophically, it addresses forgiveness within the cosmic system.
If absolute justice governed the realm of affliction, humanslike fragile earthen vessels full of deficiencieswould be unable to bear it and would break down. This point beautifully demonstrates that Divine mercy, serving as a shield against the severity of justice, protects humans from destruction.
From a moral philosophical standpoint, this limitation refers to human inherent deficiencies; from a theological perspective, it underscores the necessity of Divine mercy within creation.
Humans, like travellers in fog, are unaware of how God deals with justice or mercy. This ignorance points to the limitations of human knowledge and calls humans to humility before Divine unseen wisdom.
وَٱصْبِرْ عَلَىٰ مَآ أَصَابَكَ
And be patient over what befalls you.
This verse, like a torch showing the path in darkness, invites humans to patience in the face of calamities and submission to Divine wisdom. Ethically, patience refers to the refinement of the soul; psychologically, it addresses resilience amid hardship.
The realm of truth, like a lofty summit, is a domain in which only Divine action and His names and attributes manifest. This realm is pure and flawless, free from any falsehood or deficiency. The realm of reality, within which the realm of affliction flows, encompasses good and evil, justice and injustice, merits and faults.
From metaphysical philosophy, this distinction points to the difference
