of Nokounam, (Session 1202)
The Holy Quran, like a pristine and boundless spring, has presented the divine sciences to humanity through illuminating verses. Verses 83 to 88 of Surah Al-Anm, which are expounded upon in this treatise, constitute part of those verses that elucidate the station of divine guidance, wisdom, and the spiritual ranks of the Prophets and the righteous. These verses, centred on the personage of Abraham, peace be upon him, and the Prophets succeeding him, paint a profound picture of the path of monotheism and spiritual purity. The present work endeavours to articulate the lofty meanings of these verses for researchers and seekers of truth with a lucid and dignified language. Employing spiritual allegories and conceptual connections, it paves a path toward a more precise and profound understanding of these verses.
And this is Our proof which We have given to Abraham against his people. We raise in degrees whom We will; surely your Lord is Wise, Knowing.
وَتِلْكَ حُجَّتُنَا آتَيْنَاهَا إِبْرَاهِيمَ عَلَىٰ قَوْمِهِ ۚ نَرْفَعُ دَرَجَاتٍ مَنْ نَشَاءُ ۗ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ حَكِيمٌ عَلِيمٌ
Verse 83 of Surah Al-Anm, like a window to the reality of monotheism, speaks of the granting of divine proof to Abraham, peace be upon him. This proof comprises rational and divine arguments which Abraham skillfully employed against his polytheistic people. The term Hujjatuna (Our proof) denotes the divine origin of these arguments, which not only equipped Abraham with the instrument of guidance but also led him to triumph over his people. The phrase ala qawmihi clearly indicates that this proof was meant to overcome the polytheism of Abrahams people, not directed against Abraham himself. This distinction highlights Abrahams position as the executor of divine will and bearer of monotheistic arguments.
Abraham, peace be upon him, like a brilliant star in the firmament of monotheism, demonstrated his intellectual independence without direct commands such as Say (Qul), setting him apart as the Chief of the Prophets (Sheikh al-Anbiya). By reason and wisdom, he repudiated polytheism and paved the way for monotheism.
The Holy Quran continues in verse 83: We raise in degrees whom We will. This phrase serves as a key to understanding spiritual ranks, referring to the conferral of divine degrees upon those who, due to their perfection, obedience, and integrity in the path of monotheism, ascend spiritually. The elevation of ranks is not a matter of chance but is founded upon divine wisdom and knowledge. God, being Wise and Knowing, by His omnipotence and absolute knowledge, raises the ranks of His servants according to their spiritual merits. The precedence of the word Wise (Hakim) over Knowing (Alim) in this verse indicates that practical wisdom forms the foundation of the firmness of divine guidance.
Summary of Part One: Verse 83 of Surah Al-Anm, by clarifying the station of divine proof and Abrahams role in monotheistic reasoning, emphasises divine wisdom and knowledge in the granting of spiritual ranks. This verse portrays Abraham as a radiant torch against the darkness of polytheism, who, through intellectual independence and divine wisdom, opened the path of guidance.
And We granted him Isaac and Jacob; all [of them] We guided; and Noah We guided before; and among his descendants, David, Solomon, Job, Joseph, Moses, and Aaron. Thus do We reward the doers of good.
وَوَهَبْنَا لَهُ إِسْحَاقَ وَيَعْقُوبَ كُلًّا هَدَيْنَا ۚ وَنُوحًا هَدَيْنَا مِنْ قَبْلُ ۖ وَمِنْ ذُرِّيَّتِهِ دَاوُودَ وَسُلَيْمَانَ وَأَيُّوبَ وَيُوسُفَ وَمُوسَىٰ وَهَارُونَ ۚ وَكَذَٰلِكَ نَجْزِي الْمُحْسِنِينَ
Verse 84 of Surah Al-Anm speaks of the divine bestowal granted to Abraham, peace be upon him, a bestowal not in the literal sense of childbirth and lineage, but manifesting as the conferral of spiritual degrees. Isaac and Jacob are presented as precious gems in the treasury of divine guidance granted to Abraham, not necessarily as his direct offspring but as continuers of his path of monotheism. The term Wahabna denotes a divine gift founded upon knowledge, justice, and wisdom, in contrast to the uncalculated human gift, which in the text is likened metaphorically to reprehensible behaviour by some.
This bestowal is a reward for Abrahams spiritual perfection, which was granted due to his obedience and sincerity. The guidance of Isaac and Jacob, mentioned subsequently in this verse, refers to their being directed towards monotheism and the straight path. Such guidance is the fruit of divine wisdom and the selection of the worthy.
Verse 84, by mentioning the guidance of Noah before Abraham, shows that divine guidance transcends temporal and generational sequence. Noah, David, Solomon, Job, Joseph, Moses, and Aaron, although living in different eras, were all guided in the path of monotheism. The term Dhurriyyah here does not denote biological descendants but spiritual followers and continuers of the path of monotheism. These Prophets, like stars in the firmament of guidance, illuminated the path to salvation for humanity.
The phrase Thus do We reward the doers of good indicates that the reward for the righteous is guidance and spiritual ranks. This reward is the consequence of their virtuous deeds and sincerity, which God grants with wisdom and justice.
Summary of Part Two: Verse 84 of Surah Al-Anm, by elucidating divine bestowal and the guidance of the Prophets, emphasises Gods wisdom and justice in conferring spiritual ranks. This verse portrays the Prophets as torchbearers on the path of monotheism who received divine guidance through sincerity and righteousness.
And Zechariah and John and Jesus and Eliasall were of the righteous.
وَزَكَرِيَّا وَيَحْيَىٰ وَعِيسَىٰ وَإِلْيَاسَ ۖ كُلٌّ مِنَ الصَّالِحِينَ
Verse 85 of Surah Al-Anm speaks of the guidance granted to Zechariah, John, Jesus, and Elias, peace be upon them all, all of whom were among the righteous. The term As-Salihin refers to the piety and purity of these Prophets, which prepared the ground for receiving divine guidance. Righteousness and piety resemble fertile soil in which the seed of guidance grows.
And Ishmael and Elisha and Jonah and Lotall We preferred over the worlds.
وَإِسْمَاعِيلَ وَالْيَسَعَ وَيُونُسَ وَلُوطًا ۚ وَكُلًّا فَضَّلْنَا عَلَىٰ الْعَالَمِينَ
Verse 86, by mentioning the guidance of Ishmael, Elisha, Jonah, and Lot, peace be upon them all, underscores their superiority over the worlds. This superiority is the result of divine wisdom and their endurance of hardships and tribulations endured
