of Nokounam, (Session 1226)
This treatise undertakes a profound exposition and analysis of selected verses from Surah Al-Anm, focusing on the concepts of life, guidance, and the role of Divine will in the existential journey of humanity. The central discussion revolves around verses 120, 121, and 122 of Surah Al-Anm, which, through clear and dignified language, examine the relationship between creation, free will, and deviation. By reflecting upon the Quranic meanings, it elucidates the pathways leading to felicity and misguidance. Employing metaphors and spiritual allusions, this work endeavours to present profound Divine concepts in a coherent and lucid framework to its audience.
Is he who was dead and We gave him life and made for him a light by which he walks among the people the same as one whose likeness is in the darknesses, from which he cannot emerge? Thus, the deeds of the disbelievers are adorned for them.
Verse 122 of Surah Al-Anm, with profound expression, refers to the distinction between two existential states of human beings: life and death. The term مَيْتًا (dead) here denotes those who have not yet entered the realm of the world and have not partaken in material life. This death is not physical death but rather the absence of presence in the material realm. Conversely, فَأَحْيَيْنَاهُ refers to the creation of the human in this world and the granting of material life, which occurs through the seed and the act of creation. This life is a Divine gift that transitions the human being from non-existence to existence.
This verse, employing a novel metaphor, likens the human to a traveller who, endowed with Divine lightthat is intellect, consciousness, and knowledgewalks among people. This light serves as a tool of guidance, rescuing the human from the darkness of ignorance and deviation. However, there are those who remain in the darknesses, meaning either they have not yet been brought into the world or are deprived of the light of guidance.
The light in this verse alludes to the intellect, heart, eye, and ear, which are the faculties of human perception and guidance. God, by bestowing these gifts, leads humanity towards felicity. Yet, this light results in guidance only when the individual actively employs it and refrains from ingratitude. Otherwise, as the verse states, the deeds of the disbelievers are adorned for them, and they choose misguidance over guidance.
The phrase كَذَٰلِكَ زُيِّنَ لِلْكَافِرِينَ مَا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ denotes the reality that God adorns improper deeds for certain individuals. This adornment results from the humans erroneous choice stemming from their free will, yet it remains under the absolute Divine will. Through neglecting the blessings of life and light, the human inclines towards evil, which, due to Divine adornment, appears virtuous in their eyes.
This notion resembles a fire that begins with a small spark but gradually ignites fully and consumes everything. The misguided individual initially perceives sin as trivial, yet this sin, adorned by God, leads them to destruction.
Verse 122 of Surah Al-Anm, with sagacious articulation, reminds humanity that life and Divine light are gifts that bring them from the darkness of non-existence to the illumination of being. However, these gifts lead to felicity only when humans express gratitude and utilise intellect and knowledge to choose the path of guidance. Otherwise, the adornment of improper deeds steers them toward misguidance.
And forsake both the apparent sin and that which is concealed. Indeed, those who commit sin shall be recompensed for what they used to perpetrate.
Verse 120 of Surah Al-Anm explicitly commands abstention from both apparent and hidden sins, inviting individuals towards ethical self-purification. The phrase ظَاهِرَ الْإِثْمِ refers to sins manifested in behaviour and speech, such as cursing, while بَاطِنَهُ pertains to sins residing in intention and heart, such as hypocrisy and insincerity. This distinction highlights the complexity of hidden sins which, due to their concealment, are more perilous and require profound self-awareness.
Apparent sin is like a wind accompanied by sound that everyone hears; hidden sin is akin to a silent wind occurring in the hearts quietness, known only to its possessor. This simile emphasises the necessity for vigilance against concealed sins.
The phrase إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَكْسِبُونَ الْإِثْمَ denotes the conscious commission of sins. Minor sins, though seemingly insignificant, can precipitate major deviations. For example, lustful gazing, as a minor sin, may lead to addiction and misery. This process resembles a matchstick initially producing a small spark, which gradually escalates into a vast conflagration.
The recompense for sin is not solely in the Hereafter but also manifests in this world as misery, addiction, and loss of felicity. This perspective warns humanity to abstain from minor sins as they form the groundwork for profound deviations.
Verse 120 of Surah Al-Anm, emphasising the renunciation of apparent and hidden sins, summons humans to self-purification and vigilance over both conduct and intention. Minor sins, although apparently trivial, may culminate in significant deviations. This verse, with sagacity, invites humanity to heightened awareness and self-consciousness in confronting sins.
And do not eat of that upon which the name of Allah has not been mentioned, for indeed it is an act of disobedience. And indeed, the devils inspire their allies to dispute with you. And if you obey them, indeed you will be associators.
Verse 121 of Surah Al-Anm, by emphasising the invocation of Gods name during consumption, sanctifies the act of eating and connects it to the principle of Tawhid (Divine Unity). Eating meat without mentioning Gods name is deemed a transgression and disobedience leading to wastefulness and the loss of welfare. This injunction extends beyond animal slaughter to encompass all daily actions, where the recitation of Bismillah signifies faith and adherence to Divine ordinances.
The phrase وَإِنَّ الشَّيَاطِينَ لَيُوحُونَ إِلَىٰ أَوْلِيَائِهِمْ indicates the devils role in human misguidance. Devils, including jinn and humans, through whispers and illusions, incite humanity toward contention and destruction. Such whispers may occur via speech, media, or false propaganda, diverting individuals from the path of truth.
For instance, campaigns that erroneously forbid consuming fruits or meats result in misguidance, analogous to satanic whispers. These campaigns, by creating illusions and justifications, weaken faith and can lead humans towards shirk (associating partners with God).
Verse 121 of Surah Al
