This treatise engages in contemplation upon the luminous verses of the Holy Quran, especially verse 78 of Surah Al-Imran and its related verse. With a profound perspective on the concepts of death, monotheism, good and evil, and the necessity for deep understanding of divine knowledge, it provides guidance for a faithful mode of life. The present text endeavours, employing eloquent and dignified language, to elucidate the lofty Quranic meanings with connection to contemporary issues and human concerns in a clear and coherent manner. This work, structured with clarity and order, seeks to invite the reader to reflect upon existential and divine realities and to offer practical lessons for living under the light of the Holy Quran.
The Holy Quran, in verse 78 of Surah Al-Imran, transitions from specific discussions regarding the believers and hypocrites to a broader subject encompassing all humanity. This transition signifies the comprehensiveness of the Divine discourse, which, regardless of faith or hypocrisy, addresses the fundamental existential issues of mankind. Death, as an inescapable reality, and good and evil, as two aspects of human life, are focal points of this verse. This general address calls upon humanity to reflect upon their shared destiny and to accept responsibility for their deeds, as if holding a mirror before all to reveal the truth of existence.
Wherever you may be, death will overtake you, even if you should be within towers of lofty construction.
This verse emphatically and majestically underscores the certainty of death. Death is like a shadow that overtakes a person in every place and time, even if one takes refuge within fortified towers and secure shelters. The reference to towers of lofty construction is a metaphor for the futile human effort to escape death relying on power, wealth, or technology. This statement functions as a wake-up call that guides humanity from negligence towards acceptance of Divine decree. Death is not merely the end of material life but a gateway to resurrection and Divine judgment.
Death seizes mankind in varied and unexpected forms: sometimes by the sword, sometimes by flood, sometimes by earthquake, and sometimes by the harm of animals. This diversity indicates the all-encompassing and unpredictable nature of death, as if nature acts as a Divine envoy, perpetually ready to execute the command of the Creator. This reality invites humans to humility before the Divine will and discourages reliance on superficial refuges.
In the modern age, death has manifested notably through pandemic diseases, such as the Coronavirus. This illness, like a sudden storm, overtakes individuals regardless of their social standing or wealth. Reports of sudden deaths in public places, such as stores, and even among physicians attest to the truth that death recognises no boundaries. This fact invites reflection on the fragility of life and the necessity of preparedness for the hereafter journey.
Key Point: Death, as an inexorable current, summons humanity to accept Divine destiny and to prepare for the hereafter. Material refuges, no matter how firm, are powerless against the Divine will.
And if a good thing befalls them, they say: This is from God; but if evil befalls them, they say: This is from you. Say: All things are from God.
This segment of the verse critiques the hypocritical behaviour whereby good is attributed to God and evil to the Prophet. Such dualism is a sign of hypocrisy and deviation from monotheism. The Holy Quran, by emphasising that all things are from God, prevents arrogance and blame of others. Both good and evil find meaning within the Divine system, and humans must submit to Divine wisdom and strive for self-reform.
Whatever good befalls you is from God; and whatever evil befalls you is from yourself.
Verse 79 of Surah Al-Imran clarifies the origin of good and evil, highlighting human responsibility regarding their deeds. Good is like rain that pours from the sky of Divine grace, and evil is like a shadow that arises from human wrongful actions. This statement establishes a delicate balance between human effort and trust in God, inviting self-awareness and behavioural correction.
And We have sent you as a messenger to the people, and God is sufficient as a witness.
This verse explains the Prophets role as the Divine messenger and emphasises that Gods witnessing suffices. This statement, like a light, dispels any form of non-divine exaggeration and calls humanity to sincerity in action and trust in Divine supervision. The phrase God is sufficient as a witness serves as a subtle reminder of Gods constant presence and sufficiency in all matters.
Key Point: All good and evil originate from God, yet evil results from human actions. This truth invites humility and self-reformation under the banner of monotheism.
What is the matter with this people that they scarcely understand a word?
The Holy Quran, by this question, criticises those who are deficient in deep understanding of Divine speech. Comprehension is a jewel surpassing superficial knowledge; it refers to practical and profound understanding of Divine knowledge. This critique invites humans to contemplate the depth of Divine speech and to avoid superficiality. The Quranic language is like an infinite ocean requiring deep diving into Divine meanings for proper understanding.
One of the greatest deviations is estrangement from monotheism and exaggeration of entities other than God, even His righteous servants. Prophets and Imams, though exalted, are servants of God and, before Divine will, like a drop before the ocean. This reality prevents subtle polytheism and reliance on the non-Divine, guiding towards pure monotheism.
The language of the Holy Quran transcends human language; it is the language of the Almighty Truth. This speech acts like a mirror reflecting the reality of existence and requires a pure heart and profound intellect for its comprehension. One must engage in comprehension and contemplation to reach the depth of this speech and to avoid misguidance and superficiality.
Key Point: Comprehension of Divine speech protects humanity from deviation and superficiality and guides towards deep understanding and pure monotheism.
Oppression is like darkness that obscures the light of Divine justice. This sin, in any form and against any being, hinders human happiness. The Holy Quran invites humanity to avoid oppression and to observe justice in all aspects of life. This principle is like a star illuminating the path to felicity.
The faithful person must, even in the smallest matters, act benevolently. Offering a morsel of bread to the hungry, water to a child, or food to animals is like a flower blossoming in the garden of human felicity. These deeds, though small, hold great value in the Divine system and invite humans to act godlike.
Godlike behaviour signifies love and benevolence towards all creatures. The faithful human is like a gardener sowing seeds of love into the heart of the earth so that the flowers of Divine mercy may grow. This principle calls for respect towards all beings, from humans to animals, and manifests faithful living.
During crises such as the Coronavirus pandemic, the selfishness of some individuals in amassing wealth and neglecting the needy acts like a wound on the body of humanity. This behaviour indicates distance from Divine values. The true believer, in every circumstance, thinks of others and, through sacrifice and solidarity, kindles the light of hope in hearts.
Small benevolent acts, such as scattering seeds for ants or feeding animals, possess Divine worth. These deeds are like droplets that fill the river of love. The faithful human, with sincere intention, can ascend to the Divine throne through the smallest of actions.
Social oppressions, such as exorbitant costs of death during crises, signify inequality and injustice. The faithful person acts as a guardian standing against oppression and, by aiding the oppressed, promotes Divine justice. This responsibility bears doubled importance in a world rife with increasing inequalities.
Key Point: Faithful living depends on benevolence, equality, and avoidance of oppression. Small benevolent acts are like lights that illuminate the path to felicity.
This treatise, reflecting upon verses 78 and 79 of Surah Al-Imran, explored profound concepts of death, monotheism, good and evil, and the necessity of comprehension in Divine speech. Death is like a mirror revealing human fragility and inviting readiness for the hereafter. Good and evil acquire Divine meaning in the light of monotheism and call for humility and self-reform. Criticism of the lack of comprehension highlights the necessity for deep understanding of Quranic knowledge and protects from deviation and superficiality. Faithful living, characterised by benevolence, equality, and avoidance of oppression, is a path towards eternal felicity. These lessons, like a beacon, illuminate humanitys way towards God in every time and place.
