of Nekounam , Session 990
The Holy Qurn, akin to an unfathomable ocean, encompasses profound knowledge and endless lessons for the guidance of humanity. Verses 85 to 87 of Surah An-Nis, with concise yet deeply meaningful expression, invite humankind to reflect on social, ethical, and doctrinal responsibilities. These verses speak of commendable and blameworthy intercession, emphasise the importance of social etiquette, and by referencing the reality of divine unity and the Day of Resurrection, present a novel depiction of the moment when Divine Will alone dominates existence. In this treatise, a deep examination of these verses has been undertaken, with meanings and concepts elucidated in a clear and dignified language. The material is arranged in orderly sections to guide the reader on a spiritual and intellectual journey into the depths of these verses.
Conceptual Analysis: Share (Nab) and Burden (Kafl)
This noble verse exquisitely delineates the distinction between commendable and blameworthy intercession. The term nab in the context of commendable intercession refers to a reward that, like a sweet fruit, is proportionate to the good effort undertaken by the person. This reward is a share of the labour exerted for righteousness, akin to bricks laid in the construction of a good edifice, granting the individual a portion of the buildings firmness. In contrast, kafl in blameworthy intercession denotes a debt and responsibility that burdens a persons shoulders like a heavy load. Kafl, derived from the root meaning guarantee or suretyship, implies acceptance of liability; it is as if one, by engaging in evil, becomes a guarantor of anothers sin and must bear part of its punishment.
This differentiation calls the individual to ponder the consequences of their actions. Commendable intercession is like sowing a seed in fertile soil whose fruit returns to the gardener; conversely, blameworthy intercession resembles signing a contract that ensnares one in an unwanted debt.
Intercession: Mediation of Good or Evil
In this verse, intercession signifies mediation or assistance in matters of good or evil. This concept extends beyond the conventional understanding of intercession on the Day of Resurrection to encompass any participation in the affairs of others. A person, by any aid rendered towards good or evil, shares in the outcome of that deed. This responsibility acts as a mirror reflecting the individuals actions back to them, urging meticulousness in choices.
The Keeper (Al-Muqt): The Almighty Divine Guardian
The phrase And Allah is, over all things, a Keeper presents God as a vigilant and powerful guardian. The term Muqt, derived from the root Maqt, denotes severe supervision and power, and is counted among the beautiful names of God. This attribute is like a light that leaves no corner dark, signifying Gods complete dominion over human deeds. Divine supervision is not a sign of weakness but one of strength and authority, inviting humans to uphold piety in the presence of this watchful guardian.
Summary of Section One
Verse 85 of Surah An-Nis, with wise articulation, urges the individual towards conscious choice of good deeds and avoidance of participation in evil. The distinction between nab and kafl represents the scales of Divine justice, showcasing reward and responsibility. The attribute Muqt summons the believer to awareness of Divine supervision and precision in conduct. This verse, like a shining torch, illuminates the path to felicity by choosing good and shunning evil.
The Importance of Social Interactions
Verse 86 of Surah An-Nis, by emphasising responding to greetings, points to the significance of social etiquette in communal life. This injunction is like a breeze that causes flowers to sway, underscoring the necessity of mutual respect and strengthening human bonds. Social courtesies, such as greetings, constitute a rational and innate principle rooted in all cultures and civilisations. Such behaviour signals the intrinsic human need for connection and interaction, as if two living beings, even in their simplest encounter, unite with tokens of affection and respect.
Responding Better or Equally
The verse encourages the individual to respond with a greeting superior to the one received for example, adding wa ramatullh (and the mercy of God) to as-salmu alaykum or at minimum, respond equally. This counsel, like a flower that blossoms with a stronger fragrance, highlights the virtue of generosity in conduct and speech. A better response is a sign of dignity and higher morality, inviting one to elevate the quality of social relations. However, if a person is unable to respond better, due to incapacity such as illness, an equal response suffices. This flexibility, akin to Divine mercy, illustrates the Qurns consideration of human conditions.
Divine Accountability over Interactions
The phrase Indeed, Allah is ever, over all things, an Accountant emphasises Gods exact supervision over every interaction, even the minutest. God observes and records every behaviour and utterance like a meticulous accountant. This vigilance calls for sincerity in conduct and avoidance of hypocrisy. Artificial and insincere greetings, devoid of pure intention, are condemned, for God, the faultless Accountant, perceives even the innermost intentions.
Summary of Section Two
Verse 86 of Surah An-Nis, like a clear mirror, reflects the importance of social etiquette and ethical conduct. The command to respond better or equally to greetings invites generosity in speech and behaviour and consideration for others. Divine oversight of all interactions underscores the necessity of sincerity and avoidance of ostentation. In a world where relations sometimes become cold and lifeless, this verse summons humans to warmth and affection in social exchanges.
Tawd (Divine Unity) and the Divine Names
Verse 87 of Surah An-Nis, with emphasis on Tawd, presents God as the One and Only, unparalleled. The phrase Allahthere is no deity except Him is like a raised flag, underscoring the uniqueness of the Divine Essence. The name Allah is comprehensive and apparent, encompassing all Divine attributes, whereas Huwa (He) is the inner name referring to Gods transcendent and hidden essence. The mention of Huwa Allah is a profound and weighty invocation, which demands caution and spiritual readiness due to its deep mystical impact. This invocation serves as a key to the inner reality of existence and must be uttered with awareness and care, as careless use may lead one into spiritual difficulties.
Gathering towards Resurrection
The expression He will surely gather you on the Day of Resurrection refers to the assembly of all humanity towards that day. The preposition to (il) rather than in (f) signifies movement towards Resurrection, not mere spatial congregation at a place. Resurrection is the moment when time and space fade before Divine Will; it is not a mere container for deeds. On that day, no one moves from their place, and human will ceases. Each person remains fixed in their existential capacity, and only Divine Will prevails.
Common imaginations of Resurrection sometimes incline toward a chaotic crowd or disputes among humans. This verse refutes such conceptions. Resurrection is like a machine switched off, all parts locked in place. This day is the most solitary moment of existence because no one but God acts, and all submit to His will.
Fleeing on the Day of Resurrection
Another Qurnic verse states: The Day a person will flee from his brother. This fleeing is not physical relocation but existential isolation and severance of human ties. On Resurrection, a person is confined within their own existential state, facing only Divine reckoning. This fleeing symbolizes the spirits detachment from worldly attachments, marking complete focus on Divine justice.
Divine Sovereignty and Certainty of Resurrection
The phrase And Allah will judge between the servants highlights Gods absolute sovereignty on Resurrection. All humans submit to this governance, and no human dispute remains. The phrase about which there is no doubt aff
