the Lectures of Nokounam, (Session 934)
The Holy Qur'an, akin to a profound and boundless ocean, encompasses knowledge wherein each verse shines like a brilliant gem, guiding humanity towards truth and perfection. Verses 190 to 194 of Surah Al-Imran, by inviting contemplation on the system of creation and continuous connection with the Lord, open a path towards knowledge and eternal felicity. These verses, like a clear mirror, reflect the grandeur of creation and Divine wisdom, calling those endowed with intellect and insight towards remembrance, reflection, and repentance. In this treatise, through a scientific and interpretative approach, these verses are examined so that their sublime meanings are elucidated in a coherent and lucid form for erudite audiences.
إِنَّ فِي خَلْقِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَاخْتِلَافِ اللَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ لَآيَاتٍ لِأُولِي الْأَلْبَابِ
Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and in the alternation of night and day are signs for those of understanding.
This verse, like a blazing torch, invites mankind to contemplate the majesty of creation. The heavens and the earth, resembling an open book, narrate the order and wisdom of the Divine. The alternation of night and day, like a harmonious dance within the cosmic system, manifests the providence of the Lord, directing the wise towards knowledge. The term Ulu al-Albab denotes those who, with discerning vision, comprehend these signs and proceed from the superficial appearance of phenomena to the depth of their meaning.
The verses under discussion, with universal language, invite all human beings to contemplate the system of existence. This invitation transcends geographical and doctrinal boundaries, as a pervasive breeze caresses the intellect and heart of humankind. The heavens and the earth, as immense mirrors of creation, and the alternation of night and day, like the heartbeat of the cosmos, constitute signs that lead every rational and insightful human being towards the Lord.
The alternation of night and day, deriving from the system of the heavens and the earth, manifests as a tangible sign displaying the order and balance governing existence. From a scientific viewpoint, it refers to the Earth's rotation and its position in the solar system; from a philosophical perspective, it is a sign of Divine wisdom and providence inviting humanity to reflect on the purposeful creation.
الَّذِينَ يَذْكُرُونَ اللَّهَ قِيَامًا وَقُعُودًا وَعَلَىٰ جُنُوبِهِمْ وَيَتَفَكَّرُونَ فِي خَلْقِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ رَبَّنَا مَا خَلَقْتَ هَٰذَا بَاطِلًا سُبْحَانَكَ فَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
Those who remember Allah while standing, sitting, and lying on their sides and reflect upon the creation of the heavens and the earth: Our Lord, You have not created this in vain; glory be to You! Protect us from the torment of the Fire.
This verse, like a divine melody, elucidates the characteristics of the Ulu al-Albab. They are those who, in every circumstancefrom standing and sitting to recliningengage in the remembrance of their Lord and, by reflecting on the creation of the heavens and the earth, grasp the purposeful nature of the cosmos. These individuals, akin to travellers on the path to perfection, soar towards their Lord through remembrance and contemplation and seek refuge from the punishment of fire.
The remembrance of Allah in all conditions is like a pure stream cleansing the believers heart from the rust of neglect. This continual connection signifies presence of heart and a profound bond with the Lord. The Ulu al-Albab, with this remembrance, are like stars in the sky of knowledge, continuously linked to Divine light.
Contemplation of the heavens and the earths creation is a key that unlocks the doors of knowledge. This reflection, transcending empirical science, leads to Divine insight which distances mankind from futility and meaninglessness. The Ulu al-Albab, through this contemplation, comprehend the wisdom and purposeful design of the universe, perceiving it as a mirror of the Lords power and wisdom.
The phrase Our Lord, You have not created this in vain stands as a resounding proclamation against nihilism. It affirms that the cosmos is endowed with order and goal, calling humanity to accountability before the Creator. The Ulu al-Albab, embracing this conviction, regard life as a field for trial and perfection.
رَبَّنَا إِنَّكَ مَنْ تُدْخِلِ النَّارَ فَقَدْ أَخْزَيْتَهُ ۖ وَمَا لِلظَّالِمِينَ مِنْ أَنْصَارٍ
Our Lord, indeed whoever You admit to the FireYou have disgraced him, and for the wrongdoers there are no helpers.
This verse serves as an awakening admonition, portraying true humiliation as entering the Fire of Hell. This disgrace does not manifest in this world but in the Hereafter, where the wrongdoers find no aid. Divine justice, like a precise scale, withholds mercy from the oppressors and subjects them to relentless torment.
The phrase and for the wrongdoers there are no helpers is like a red line emphasizing the indisputable Divine justice. In the Hereafter, no intermediary can rescue the oppressors from punishment, unlike the worldly life where repentance and compensation are possible. This truth invites humanity to avoid oppression and injustice.
Except for the Hellfire, every state is one of salvation because true disgrace lies solely in the torment of the Hereafter. This perspective, like a luminous torch, guides humanity towards earning Divine pleasure and steering clear of punishment.
رَبَّنَا إِنَّنَا سَمِعْنَا مُنَادِيًا يُنَادِي لِلْإِيمَانِ أَنْ آمِنُوا بِرَبِّكُمْ فَآمَنَّا ۚ رَبَّنَا فَاغْفِرْ لَنَا ذُنُوبَنَا وَكَفِّرْ عَنَّا سَيِّئَاتِنَا وَتَوَفَّنَا مَعَ الْأَبْرَارِ
Our Lord, indeed we have heard a caller calling to faith, saying, Believe in your Lord, and we have believed. Our Lord, forgive us our sins, remove from us our misdeeds, and cause us to die with the righteous.
This verse, like a melody of hope, depicts the response of the Ulu al-Albab to the call of faith. Those who have heard the call to faith and answered it humbly beseech their Lord for the forgiveness of their sins and for a good end among the righteous.
The caller to faith, as a Divine herald, may be the Prophets, the faithful, or even the inner voice of reason and innate disposition. This invitation serves as a golden key, opening the doors of faith for mankind and guiding them towards their Lord.
The distinction between dhanb (minor faults) and sayyit (major wrongdoings) represents a precise balance, indicating the meticulousness of the Ulu al-Albab in seeking forgiveness. They repent even their minor shortcomings, reflecting humility and God-fearing reverence.
The supplication and cause us to die with the righteous reflects the pure aspiration of the believers to be accompanied by the virtuous in the Hereafter. This petition reveals the ultimate goal of the Ulu al-Albab, which is eternal felicity and proximity to the Lord.
رَبَّنَا وَآتِنَا
