the lectures of Nokounam, may his sanctity remain (Session 1171)
The Holy Qur'an, a book of guidance and light, illuminates the path of felicity for humankind with its clear and evident verses. Verse 39 of Surah Al-An'am, with profound and thought-provoking expression, elucidates the condition of those who deny the divine verses and the spiritual consequences of such denial. This treatise, utilising scholarly lectures, explores the concepts embedded in this verse and its connection with the preceding verse. The objective is to present a comprehensive perspective on the reality of guidance, misguidance, and the role of divine and human factors in the destiny of mankind. These reflections, articulated in a fluent style and structured format, endeavour to radiate the light of Quranic knowledge within the readers heart, so that the sun of truth may triumph over the darkness of ignorance.
And there is no creature on earth nor a bird that flies with its two wings except that they are communities like you. We have not neglected in the Book a thing; then unto their Lord they will be gathered. (Qur'an 6:38)
This verse refers to the perfection of the system of creation. Every living being and bird is part of communities which, like humans, are created within an organised and purposeful system. God has neglected no detail in the book of existence, and all creatures ultimately return to Him to be held accountable before His justice. This return signifies the infinite wisdom of God, who has created no being aimlessly and guides all towards the return to the origin of existence.
And those who deny Our verses are deaf and mute in the darkness. Whomever Allah wills, He leads astray; and whomever He wills, He sets upon a straight path. (Qur'an 6:39)
This verse vividly portrays the state of those who deny the divine verses. Despite possessing eyes and ears, they are deprived of the perception of truth. The phrase deaf and mute is a metaphor for the absence of spiritual insight that plunges the heart into the darkness of ignorance and misguidance. This darkness is not due to the absence of light but due to mans refusal to accept it. The divine verses are so clear and self-evident that their denial stems solely from stubbornness or ignorance, akin to one who closes their eyes to the sun and chooses darkness.
The deniers, despite having faculties of perception, refuse to hear or see the truth. This deafness and blindness are spiritual rather than physical. They resemble travellers lost in a dark desert who do not see the guiding light, not because it is absent, but because their hearts have become accustomed to darkness. This obstinacy is a barrier that prevents man from accepting the clear divine verses.
The verses of the Holy Qur'an are like lamps in a dark night that illuminate the path of guidance. These verses, whether in the book of creation (nature) or the legislative book (Qur'an), are so manifest and evident that any impartial person is compelled to acknowledge them. Denying these verses is like denying the sun on a bright day. Anyone, regardless of belief or background, who reflects upon these verses testifies to their truth, as though a clear mirror is placed before reality.
In a thought-provoking example, an astronomer of Iranian descent is referenced, who, despite authoring dozens of books in astronomy and exploring the heavens, denies God because he finds no trace of Him in the skies. This scientist, despite eyes, ears, and knowledge, is engulfed in the darkness of misguidance because scientific arrogance has deprived him of perceiving the light of truth. He is like one lost among the stars, unable to find the way to the origin of existence.
This astronomer exemplifies deaf and mute in the darkness. Despite possessing faculties of perception and knowledge, he denies the truth, not because it is absent but because arrogance has darkened his heart. This obstinacy is like a wind extinguishing the lamp of reason, leaving man bewildered in the dark night of ignorance.
The verse, referring to Whomever Allah wills, He leads astray; and whomever He wills, He sets upon a straight path, indicates the balance between divine will and human choice. God, by His wisdom, prepares the conditions for guidance or misguidance, yet man determines his course through his own volition. This balance is like a scale, with one side being divine will and the other human choice.
The concept of conditions refers to the contexts and potentials that shape human destiny. These conditions originate from both divine and human channels such as father, mother, sperm, lawful or unlawful sustenance, environment, and society. God provides these conditions through these channels rather than sending them directly from the heavens. Like a seed planted in specific soil, these conditions offer the basis for human growth or decline.
Father, mother, sperm, sustenance, and environment all contribute to shaping these conditions. Man is like a tree rooted in the soil of heredity with branches in the atmosphere of the environment. Mountainous, plain, or maritime regions nurture humans distinctively. These factors are like streams flowing towards a person's destiny, guiding them towards good or evil.
Occasionally, after centuries, a genius sperm emerges akin to gold a mountains heart. This genius is the outcome of special conditions arising from the coordination of divine factors (sperm, sustenance) and human factors (father, mother, environment). Like a rare jewel, the genius shines among the general populace and exemplifies divine wisdom in creation.
Ingratitude for these foundational blessings, such as having good parents or a valuable heritage, leads man to misguidance and misery. Such ingratitude is like pouring water on the fire of guidance, extinguishing and darkening the heart. Man, through ungratefulness, deprives himself of the light of truth and sinks into the darkness of ignorance.
Conditions are like a pot on fire, subject to change and transformation. If the heat increases, it boils; if it diminishes, it cools. Man, through his choices, can improve or deteriorate these conditions. Like a painter who draws upon the canvas of his destiny, man can alter the course of his life.
Sometimes, a child born of unworthy parents turns towards virtue, and sometimes, a child of good parents falls into misguidance. This mutability resembles a river whose course changes with stones and obstacles. Though conditions play a role, human free will is the ultimate determinant of ones destiny.
The human heart is so delicate that with a speck of good or evil, it can ignite or be extinguished like a fire fanned or smothered by a breeze. These changes, like countless atoms, accumulate in the heart and transform the course of life. Man, through a moment of heedlessness or awakening, may step towards light or darkness.
Prayer, supplication, and spiritual acts are like clear water softening and flowing through the heart. These deeds free man from the darkness of ignorance and lead him towards the light of guidance. Like a gardener tending flowers, man cultivates his heart towards goodness through spiritual acts.
Environment, prayers, or curses of others are like a breeze blowing upon mans heart. These factors can alter a persons conditions. Like a tree bending with the wind, man is also affected by his surroundings and the words of others. No one exists in isolation; the world around continually influences his destiny.
The notion that man has reached the end of the road and his destiny is fixed is a great error. Man is like a traveller who at every step may proceed towards a new destination or a dark deviation. This dynamism calls for continuous vigilance over the heart and deeds.
The prayer O Allah, make the end of my affair good is like a lamp at the end of the path, the highest supplication. A good end is the result of mans gradual deeds which, at the moment of death, are presented before him like an open book. This prayer guides man towards striving for a favourable conclusion.
Conditions are like a foundation that God, by His wisdom, has expanded and man, by his free will, walks upon. This balance resembles a subtle dance between divine will and human choice. Within the framework of divine will, man is free; yet Gods hand, like an infinite sky, encompasses all things.
