the lectures of Nokounam (May Allah sanctify his secret) Session 932
Surah Al-Imran, one of the longest chapters of the Holy Quran, contains divine knowledge akin to a profound ocean, inviting mankind to reflect upon the nature of creation and their responsibilities. Verses 186 and 187 of this Surah, like two shining jewels, speak of divine trials, patience, piety, and the covenant of the People of the Book. These two verses invite humanity on a spiritual journey, where divine testswhether in wealth or lifeopen the path to self-purification and eternal felicity. This discourse endeavours to elucidate the meanings and concealed layers of these verses in a clear and dignified language for seekers of truth. Like a tree rooted in the soil of divine revelation, this interpretation strives to extend the branches of knowledge towards the heavens of exaltation.
The Holy Quran in verse 186 of Surah Al-Imran calls mankind to a field of divine tests that, like a furnace, refine the essence of their being:
"You will certainly be tested in your possessions and in yourselves. And you will certainly hear from those who were given the Scripture before you and from the polytheists much harm. But if you are patient and fear Allah, indeed, that is of the matters requiring determination." (3:186)
This verse mirrors the existential truth of mankind, which is measured through divine trials spanning from wealth to life itself. The trial is not exclusive to believers but is a universal and timeless law encompassing all humanspast and present. These tests are like seeds sown in the soil of human existence, which, through patience and piety, transform into a fruitful tree of eternal bliss.
The verse mentions "in your possessions" prior to "and in yourselves," indicating the precedence of wealth over life. Wealth, as the lifeblood of material existence, is often regarded by humans as more precious than life itself since it is the means to secure comfort and meet lifes necessities. Although the soul is the essence of being, it is consumable and dependent on wealth. Like a river that does not flow without its source, the soul is entrapped in the hardships of existence without the support of wealth. This precedence is rooted in human psychology, which regards wealth as a shield for survival and comfort.
The phrase "and you will certainly hear from those who were given the Scripture before you and from the polytheists much harm" refers to verbal and practical afflictions from the People of the Book (Jews and Christians) and the polytheists (including disbelievers). These afflictions act like fierce winds along the path of faith, challenging the believers. The history of early Islam testifies that believers faced harsh trials from preceding religions and polytheists. Such harms are a component of divine trial testing steadfastness and faith.
Divine tests encompass not only humans but all creatures according to their respective stations. Animals, each in their own place, are also subject to the arena of trial. This universality, like a cosmic law, demonstrates that creation is a stage for trial and self-purification. Humans, whether in poverty or wealth, war or peace, male or female, face divine tests.
The verse emphasises patience and piety as two wings enabling the flight towards felicity: "But if you are patient and fear Allah, indeed, that is of the matters requiring determination." Patience is perseverance in the face of hardship, while piety is abstinence from sin and detachment from worldly attachments. These two act like steadfast pillars, keeping the human on the path of divine resolve and determination.
Life is like a field of struggle, a combination of belief and contest. The jihad of the self, superior to all other jihads, compels humans to resist their carnal desires. Patience and piety are two spiritual weapons in this struggle. Like a swimmer resisting roaring waves, the believer remains steadfast before divine trials through patience and piety.
Possession and deprivation each pose particular challenges. Wealth brings the concern of its preservation, while poverty carries the grief of scarcity. Like two sides of a scale, both subject man to trial. Managing these challenges requires patience, piety, and divine purpose that guides humans from material confusion towards spiritual elevation.
The term "you will certainly hear" refers to recorded afflictions from past generations. Hearing these trials serves as a lesson, inviting believers to reflect on the continuity of spiritual challenges. History, as an open book, narrates the hardships endured by the People of the Book and polytheists, all of whom were in the arena of trial.
Inspired by ancient pedagogical traditions, the qualities of animalsespecially the lionserve as models for believers. The lion, with its nobility, strength, and avoidance of attacking the weak, represents prophetic virtues in the wilderness. The believer must be like the lion: strong, noble, and detached, to remain steadfast against divine trials.
Verse 186 of Surah Al-Imran, like a bright lantern, illuminates the path to felicity amid divine trials. Trial in wealth and life is a cosmic law inviting self-purification. Patience and piety, like two precious gems, strengthen the human on this path. Historical afflictions and material challenges are integral parts of this test that, through divine purpose, lead to spiritual elevation.
The Holy Quran in verse 187 of Surah Al-Imran speaks of the divine covenant with the People of the Book:
"And [recall] when Allah took the covenant of those who were given the Scripture, [saying], You must make it clear to the people and not conceal it. But they threw it away behind their backs and exchanged it for a small price. So wretched is that which they purchased." (3:187)
This verse, like a divine document, speaks of a sacred commitment imposed upon the People of the Book. The covenant is a bond stronger than faith, obligating scholars and religious scientists to explain revelation and refrain from concealing it.
The phrase "You must make it clear to the people and not conceal it" emphasises religious transparency. Religion, like a radiant sun, must be presented openly and plainly for all. Concealing revelation is akin to hiding this light in darkness, leading to superstition and religious deviations.
Concealing revelation, rather than eliminating superstition, becomes a cause of religious deviation. An example of this deviation is ceremonies that instead of spiritual elevation, turn into meaningless superstitious displays such as theatrical mourning with shovels. Such distortions, like weeds, deprive the garden of religion of its beauty.
The phrase "they threw it away behind their backs" refers to the disregard of the People of the Book for the divine covenant. This neglect, like turning ones back on divine light, consigns the trust of revelation to oblivion and leads to religious degeneration.
The phrase "and exchanged it for a small price" points to the commercialisation of revelation. This trade, regardless of being worth a mountain of gold, is insignificant compared to the grandeur of divine verses. Religious commerce is like selling a priceless jewel for a trifling amount the worst betrayal of divine trust.
The people are divided, like two branches of a tree, into two categories: the Mujtahidsheirs of the prophets and bearers of the covenantand the followers, the general populace who follow the scholars. The Mujtahids are responsible for explaining revelation, and concealment reduces them to the level of a lowly "Nassnas" (a contemptible human-like creature).
The Quran elsewhere states: Indeed, mankind is in loss. Those who conceal the covenant are exemplars of this loss since they exchange the divine trust for the transient world. This betrayal distances them from true faith and plunges them into ruin.
Trading in religious sciencessuch as divination, astrology, and magicis worse than any corrupt commerce. This act is like selling honour and divine trust at auction, leading to ruinous consequences. Scholars must, like a pure spring, offer knowledge selflessly to the people.
Divine secrets, as a spiritual treasure, possess unparalleled value. Prophets and saints benefited from these sciences but never used them as a means for commerce. Such knowledge must serve the cause of good and spiritual elevation, not profit-making.
Religious commerce is compared to human trafficking and
