of Nokounam (May Allah Sanctify His Soul) Session 1233
The Holy Quran, like a radiant lamp, guides humanity on the path to understanding truth and justice. The noble verses of Srah al-Anm, especially verses 128 to 130, with profound expression, address the relationship between humans and jinn, the system of recompense for deeds, and the divine wisdom in delegating oppressors to one another. This treatise, relying on the aforementioned verses and reflecting on their meanings, examines the concept of the delegation of oppressors, relativity in punishment, and the role of divine justice in this world and the Hereafter. Its aim is to elucidate these concepts in a deep and methodical manner for researchers and seekers of knowledge.
Verses 128 to 130 of Srah al-Anm, as an interconnected set, constitute the first occasion in the Holy Quran where humans and jinn are jointly addressed, depicting a reciprocal relationship between these two groups. These verses, expressed as a bridge between two existential realms, indicate a deep and complex connection wherein each group can influence or be influenced by the other.
Verse 128 of Srah al-Anm, by referring to the mutual enjoyment between humans and jinn, opens a window to understanding the relationship of these two beings:
"And the Day He will gather them all together, [He will say], 'O company of jinn, you have [misled] many of mankind.' And their allies among mankind will say, 'Our Lord, we enjoyed some of us through others, and we have [now] reached our term which You appointed for us.'"
This verse, using a metaphor akin to the interplay of light and shadow, alludes to the reciprocal benefit between humans and jinn. Such benefit may manifest as temptation and misguidance or through spiritual and psychological interactions between the two groups. The word allies here denotes close associates, indicating a profound connection that does not necessarily imply friendship or support.
Verse 129 of Srah al-Anm, which forms the core of this treatise, introduces a pivotal concept:
"And thus We cause some of the wrongdoers to beget [or to turn to] others because of what they used to earn."
The word Nawall in this verse means delegation, not support or guardianship. This delegation is like a chain linking oppressors to one another, signifying that the wrongdoers, owing to their actions, become entrapped by one another. This concept is connected with another verse in Srah al-Anm:
"And no bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another."
This verse emphasises the independence of each individuals responsibility, whereas verse 129 indicates that oppressors, within a network of interactions, become ensnared in the consequences of each others deeds.
Verse 129 broadly includes oppressors from both humans and jinn. This inclusivity acts as a mirror reflecting the mutual effects these two groups have upon one another. The oppression of humans against jinn, or vice versa, in a cycle of recompense, returns to themselves. The narration that states, O God, occupy the oppressors with each other and keep us safe among them, corroborates this concept.
Recompense for deeds, like a shadow following a person, sometimes manifests in ones lifetime, sometimes in subsequent generations, and sometimes through interactions between humans and jinn. This relativity indicates divine wisdom in the order of existence whereby no oppression goes unanswered, although the time and manner of response remain enveloped in divine mystery.
For example, a narrative recounts an individual in a position of power who perpetrated oppression. He, who considered himself superior to others, eventually witnessed his children living in poverty and hardship. This narrative serves as a metaphor for the turning of the wheel of time, demonstrating that oppression, although perhaps not immediately evident, ultimately reveals its consequences.
Although recompense in this world occurs relatively, the final reckoning on the Day of Resurrection, like an exact scale, perfects divine justice. The Holy Quran states:
"That Day, Allah will repay them [their due] in full, and they will know that Allah is the Manifest Truth."
This verse promises that divine justice leaves no injustice unanswered, and each person receives reward or punishment in accordance with their deeds.
An esteemed religious scholar recounts the story of an individual in power who manipulated affairs to his own benefit. When he boasted of his vast influence, he was met with a response that acted as a mirror, placing the future of his children before his eyes: Just as you cast your shadow over others today, one day your children will be caught in the clutches of others. This story is a stark reminder that oppression, even if hidden at present, ultimately manifests its repercussions.
Another narrative tells of a son whose father had oppressed others during his days of power. The son, who himself experienced hardship and destitution, attributed his condition to his fathers actions. This story, like a branch bending under the weight of heavy fruit, illustrates the impact of parental deeds on subsequent generations.
Within the divine system, the faithful are distinct from the oppressors. Although all inhabit an interconnected world, the faithful, due to their faith and piety, are safeguarded from the severity of the punishments that befall the oppressors. The narration stating, O God, occupy the oppressors with each other and keep us safe among them, confirms this separation.
The supplication, O God, occupy the oppressors with each other and keep us safe among them, functions as a shield protecting the faithful from the harms of oppression. This supplication, recorded in the narrations, is recommended as a means of avoiding the afflictions caused by oppression.
Trust in God and avoidance of oppression serve as keys unlocking the doors of liberation from the cycle of delegating oppressors. The Holy Quran states:
"And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him a way out."
This verse promises that piety and trust deliver a person from entanglement in the snares of oppressors.
Verses 128 to 130 of Srah al-Anm, with profound and methodical articulation, elucidate the system of recompense for deeds and the delegation of oppressors to one another. These verses, by portraying the relationship between humans and jinn, reveal their mutual influence. The concept of Nawall in verse 129 acts as a chain linking oppressors to the consequences of their deeds. The relativity in recompense, real-life narratives, and the separation of the faithful from oppressors all reflect divine wisdom in managing the universe. Supplication and trust in God, as strategies to avoid oppression, guide humanity towards health and felicity.
Supervised by Sadegh Khademi
