This treatise, through reflection upon verse 54 of Srah l Imrn, elucidates the position of prophetic education, the significance of Salm as a symbol of peace and etiquette, the boundless mercy of God, and the conditions for repentance and reformation. The content, drawing upon the discourses of a distinguished scholar, is composed in a coherent and eloquent manner to present Qurnic concepts with profound spirituality and structured clarity to its readers. This work, adopting a comprehensive view of verses and traditions, seeks to portray divine guidance in individual and social life, akin to a beacon illuminating the path of peace and mercy amidst the darkness of ignorance.
And when those who believe in Our signs come to you, say: Peace be upon you. Your Lord has prescribed mercy upon Himself, that whoever among you commits evil out of ignorance and then repents thereafter and reforms, indeed, He is Forgiving and Merciful.
The Prophetic Model of Education
The Glorious Qurn introduces the Prophet as a law-abiding exemplar, whom God has cultivated through divine order and who, upon violation of laws, is duly admonished. This education not only signifies the exalted status of the Prophet but also emphasises the importance of adherence to divine injunctions. It is as if God refines the Prophet like a jewel in the hands of His wisdom, rendering him a flawless model for humanity.
Correlation with Other Verses
This concept resonates with a verse from Srah al-qqah which states: And if he had fabricated about Us some [false] sayings (Qur'an 69:44). This verse warns the Prophet against any distortion of the revelation and indicates Gods meticulous supervision over his conduct.
Divine Command to Greet with Salm
The Glorious Qurn commands the Prophet to greet the believers who have faith in the divine signs: Say: Peace be upon you. This directive emphasises the Prophets initiative in extending the greeting, as if Salm is the key that opens the doors of affection and peace within society. This act introduces the Prophet as an ethical paradigm who fosters an atmosphere of friendship and respect through proactive salutation.
Merit of Salm and Critique of Improper Culture
Within Islamic culture, greeting with Salm holds immense reward. According to a prominent scholar, the one who initiates the Salm receives ninety-five times the reward of the responder. This encourages the Prophets precedence in offering Salm. However, some erroneous social customs inhibit those of higher rank or age from initiating the greeting, expecting others to greet them instead. Such behaviour reflects arrogance and a deficiency in upbringing, as pride becomes a barrier to acquiring virtue.
Link to Traditions
This notion aligns with a noble hadith which states: Salm before speech. This hadith regards Salm as the prelude to social interaction and underscores its importance in fostering a peaceful environment.
Salm to the Believer Community
The divine command in the verse is expressed in the plural form (those who believe), indicating the necessity of greeting all believers, not merely specific individuals. This highlights the universality of affection and unity within the faithful society, as if Salm is the thread binding the hearts of the believers together.
Salm in the Prophetic Conduct
Within the Prophets conduct, instances of greeting the assembly of believers, especially in the mosque, are recorded. This practice not only holds spiritual merit but also promotes an atmosphere of etiquette and respect within the community. Even if some do not respond, the act of greeting signifies the Prophets elevated ethics.
The Boundless Mercy of God
The Glorious Qurn in this verse states: Your Lord has prescribed mercy upon Himself. This phrase portrays divine mercy as an infinite ocean encompassing all beings, including sinners. Through this mercy, God has facilitated the path for servants return to Him.
Correlation with Other Verses
This concept accords with a verse from Srah al-Arf: And My mercy encompasses all things (Qur'an 7:156). This verse highlights the all-encompassing nature of divine mercy, affirming that no servant lies beyond its domain.
The Prophet as Salm, God as Mercy
The verse presents the Prophet as the embodiment of peace and God as the manifestation of mercy. The Prophets greeting invites peace and friendship, while divine mercy promises forgiveness and recompense. These two attributes act as wings enabling humans to soar towards felicity.
Indicative and Declarative Nature of the Verse
The command of Salm in the verse is an imperative, referring to a practical action, whereas the statement regarding divine mercy is declarative, describing Gods attribute. This synthesis concurrently offers practical training and doctrinal belief, as if the Glorious Qurn both delineates the path of action and establishes foundational convictions.
Conditions for Repentance in the Verse
The verse stipulates three conditions for the forgiveness of sin: the sin must be committed out of ignorance (out of ignorance), repentance must follow (then he repents thereafter), and practical reformation must be effected (and reforms). These conditions function as bridges transferring the servant from the darkness of sin to the illumination of divine mercy.
Ignorance in Sin
The sin alluded to in the verse is one of unawareness. Deliberate and conscious sins are excluded from this mercy. This distinction emphasises the significance of ignorance in sinning, as if ignorance is the key opening mercys gates for the repentant. This notion aligns with a noble hadith: Mistakes and forgetfulness have been lifted from my nation.
Reformation as an External Act
Reformation in the verse signifies an external and social act rather than mere verbal supplication. This reform may include beneficence towards oneself or others, such as assisting the needy or making restitution. Reformation, thus, is likened to water washing away the stain of sin from the hearts tablet.
The Difficulty of Repentance
Repentance is akin to a surgical procedure necessitating abandonment of sin, heartfelt remorse, and practical reformation. Though arduous, this process is liberating, as if it releases the servant from sins bondage and guides them towards divine light.
Al-Ghafr and Ar-Ram, Two Facets of Mercy
Upon repentance and reformation, God not only forgives sin (Al-Ghafr) but also compensates for the servants deficiencies (Ar-Ram). The attribute Ar-Ram transcends mere forgiveness by granting divine subsidy to restore spiritual balance. This concept aligns with a verse from Srah al-Anm: Whoever brings a good deed will have ten times the like thereof (Qur'an 6:160).
