of Nokounam, (Session 936)
Surah Al-Imran, akin to a radiant gem within the treasury of the Holy Quran, encompasses verses that guide humanity towards ultimate truth and eternal felicity. The concluding verses of this Surah, from verse 196 to 200, serve as a sagacious finale, encapsulating the ethical, mystical, and social themes of the chapter. These verses, expressed with profound depth and novel allegories, invite mankind to reflect on the transience of this world, the grandeur of the Hereafter, the unity of faith, and divine piety. This treatise endeavours to elucidate their meanings and messages in a clear and dignified language for seekers of truth.
The Holy Quran in verse 196 of Surah Al-Imran, with resolute expression, warns the believers against being deceived by the alluring appearance of the disbelievers. This verse acts as a transparent mirror, revealing the fleeting reality of the worldly life.
Let not the movement of those who disbelieve throughout the land deceive you.
The phrase "taqallub al-ladhina kafaru fi al-bilad" alludes to the apparent coming and going and influence of the disbelievers, which is sometimes accompanied by wealth and power. This verse invites the faithful to avoid superficiality and to contemplate the inner realities of affairs. Philosophically, this warning points to the distinction between appearance and essence; where the deceptive exterior of the world, like a mirage in a desert, distances man from the truth.
Verse 197, with a concise yet profound expression, unveils the reality of the world and portrays the ultimate fate of the disbelievers.
[It is] a brief enjoyment; then their refuge is Hell and wretched is the resting place.
"Matun qall" denotes the transient and insignificant nature of worldly pleasures. The world, in the face of the vastness of existence, is like a drop in the ocean swiftly vanishing. The phrase "thumma mawahum jahannam" forewarns of the dire end awaiting the disbelievers. "Bisa al-mihd", with emphatic tone, depicts the severity of Hells torment, although its details remain veiled. Psychologically, this ambiguity incites divine fear within the hearts of the believers, guiding them toward piety.
In contrast to the fate of the disbelievers, verse 198 portrays the reward of the pious in a delightful manner.
But those who fear their Lord for them are gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide eternally, a provision from Allah. And that which is with Allah is best for the righteous.
Piety, like a golden key, opens the gates of Paradise for the believers. "Gardens beneath which rivers flow" presents an image of a serene and bountiful paradise. The flowing water beneath the gardens prevents moisture and insects, creating a pure and pleasant environment. From an aesthetic perspective, this description illustrates the perfection of Paradise. "Khalidn fh" refers to the eternity of the believers in Paradise, philosophically marking the culmination of human felicity. "Nuzulan min ind Allah" indicates divine hospitality, resembling a generous banquet that manifests the loving relationship between servant and Lord. The phrase "wa m inda Allah khayrun lil-abrr" emphasises that the goodness with Allah, due to its celestial origin, surpasses all worldly blessings for the righteous.
Divine goodness is suitable only for the righteous, because the disbelievers, due to existential deviation, lack the capacity to receive it. This suitability aligns with divine wisdom, indicating that divine reward, like a garment, fits only the stature of the virtuous.
Verse 199, with an inclusive perspective, speaks of the existence of believers among the People of the Book.
And indeed, among the People of the Book are those who believe in Allah and what was revealed to you and what was revealed to them, humbling themselves before Allah. They do not exchange the verses of Allah for a small price. Those will have their reward with their Lord. Indeed, Allah is swift in account.
This verse, like a bridge among divine religions, speaks of the universality of divine guidance. Believing People of the Book, who have faith in God and in the revelation sent to Muslims and their own revelation, with humility and sincerity, avoid trading the verses of Allah. "Khshin lillh" indicates a profound and mystical relationship with the Lord that distances believers from pride and worldliness. "L yashtarna bi ytillhi thamanan qallan" underscores the sincerity of this group, refusing to barter divine signs for trivial worldly gains.
Believers, whether among the People of the Book or among Muslims, are like veins of fresh water in a salty searare and precious. Sociologically, this metaphor points to the scarcity of true believers. Just as veins of fresh water in an ocean, despite their small quantity, possess incomparable value, believers, though few, leave profound effects.
The phrase "Inna Allha saru al-isb" refers to the rapid calculation of deeds by God. This swiftness manifests not only in the Hereafter but also in this world. Believers enjoy inner purity, blessings, and tranquility. This worldly reward, like a refreshing breeze, soothes believers hearts amid worldly hardships.
"Inda Rabbihim" denotes a more personal and intimate relationship with the Lord, whereas "Inda Allah" signifies a broader and grander status. This distinction, like the contrast between a gentle breeze and a mighty storm, reflects varying degrees of closeness of servants to God.
Verse 200, like a divine command, calls upon believers to exercise patience, perseverance, mutual support, and piety.
O you who have believed, persevere and endure and remain stationed and fear Allah that you may succeed.
"Isbir" invites to patience in the face of hardships, whereas "bir" emphasises constancy and continuity in this patience. These two, like two wings of flight, fortify the believer on the path of truth. "Rbi", beyond mere interaction, points to a heartfelt and intrinsic unity among believers, in which their losses and gains are intertwined. This unity, like a single soul in multiple bodies, depicts the pinnacle of faiths perfection.
Mutual support is a sincere and pure connection incompatible with deceit or superficiality. This unity, like a strong thread, bonds believers to each other and negates isolation. Mutual support is characteristic of the strangers of the Ummah; a small yet united and sincere group who shine like stars in the night sky amidst the majority.
Narrations such as fleeing from one mountain to another lack credibility due to their inconsistency with social realities and absence of valid chains of transmission. In the present age, with expanded surveillance and restrictions, seeking refuge in mountains is impossible. This critique, methodologically, stresses the importance of verifying chains and content and aligns with religious rationality.
Mutual support manifests the narration "b lil-ghurab" (Blessed are the strangers). The strangers are a small but perfected group who, through unity and sincerity, possess incomparable value. This group, like rare gems, stand distinguished amidst the multitude of humanity.
The phrase "wa-ittaq Allh laallakum tuflin" regards piety as the condition for salvation. "Laallakum" alludes to the dangers and calamities of the world, which threaten the path to felicity like a fierce storm. The world is akin to a turbulent sea, full of afflictions, and salvation is contingent upon persistent effort and piety.
A small group of believers, through unity and sincerity, exert great influence. This minority, like four individuals accomplishing the work of a million, demonstrates the power of quality over quantity. Sociologically, this principle underscores the importance of unity and cohesion in faithful communities.
Believers engaged in mutual support pray for one another and watch over each others well-being. This reciprocal prayer acts like a spiritual breeze, strengthening faith bonds and signalling love and sincerity.
Verses 196 to 200 of Surah Al-Imran, like a luminous beacon, illuminate the path of salvation for believers. These verses, warning against the deception of the worlds faade, promising Paradise to the pious, affirming the existence of believers among the People of the Book, and inviting to patience, perseverance, and mutual support, provide a comprehensive framework for guidance. Mutual support, as a jewel in the crown of faith, points to heartfelt unity and sincerity among believers. This unity, alongside piety and patience, paves the way for salvation.
Surah Al-Imran, alongside Surahs Al-Baqarah and Al-Maidah, forms a masculine triptych addressing fundamental doctrinal and ethical issues, while Surah An-Nisa, focusing on women and inheritance matters, complements this triptych as a feminine counterpart. True companionship, manifested
