Derived from the scholarly lectures of Nekounam (may his sanctity be revered) Session 1267
Surah Al-A'raf, one of the Meccan chapters of the Holy Qur'an, centred on the creation of man, the prostration of the angels, and the disobedience of Iblis, opens a gateway towards contemplation on Divine Wisdom and the status of humanity within the cosmic order. This treatise, relying on profound and erudite lectures, examines verses 13 to 17 of this Surah with a critical and deep perspective, exploring concepts related to the arrogance of Iblis, his reprieve until the Day of Resurrection, and his claim of leading humans astray from the Straight Path. The present text endeavours, in eloquent and solemn language, to present these discussions with coherent structure and rich content, inviting the reader to a deeper reflection on the Qur'anic verses.
قَالَ فَاهْبِطْ مِنْهَا فَمَا يَكُونُ لَكَ أَنْ تَتَكَبَّرَ فِيهَا فَاخْرُجْ إِنَّكَ مِنَ الصَّاغِرِينَ (Al-A'raf: 13)
He said: Descend from it, for it is not for you to be arrogant therein; so depart, indeed you are of the abject.
This verse refers to the expulsion of Iblis from his exalted position due to arrogance. Arrogance, rooted in self-superiority, casts Iblis from a lofty rank to the depths of abasement. The Divine tone in this verse commands with clarity and decisiveness the departure of Iblis from his station, branding him of the abject. This reprimand is not only a sign of Divine wrath but also a warning to all beings that arrogance is the path leading to downfall.
A philosophical question arises here: Is the harsh expression Depart! compatible with Divine Wisdom? Some religious scholars consider this tone indicative of the severity of punishment and emphasis on Iblis's abasement. Yet, it also invites contemplation on whether such language aligns with the majesty of God. This perspective calls for a re-examination of the Qur'anic language and its impact on our understanding of Divine justice and wisdom.
قَالَ أَنْظِرْنِي إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ يُبْعَثُونَ (Al-A'raf: 14)
He said: Grant me respite until the Day they are resurrected.
Following his expulsion, Iblis requests from God a reprieve until the "Day they are resurrected". This petition evokes profound questions concerning the concept of the Resurrection and its essence. According to the Qur'anic viewpoint, Resurrection is the day on which mankind will be raised for the reckoning of their deeds. Yet, the text of the lectures adopts a contemplative tone, portraying this concept as obscure and unknown to mankind. Even Iblis, a being of the unseen realm, might hold a deeper comprehension of this day, whereas humans, limited by their knowledge, remain incapable of fully grasping it.
This ambiguity acts as a veil drawn over the truth of Resurrection, calling humans to humility in the face of their ignorance. Some religious scholars regard Resurrection as the day of accounting, but the lecture text, employing philosophical irony, labels such ideas as human illusions and underscores mankinds incapacity to apprehend this notion.
قَالَ إِنَّكَ مِنَ الْمُنْظَرِينَ (Al-A'raf: 15)
He said: Indeed, you are of those given respite.
The term Muntharn in this verse is interpreted as those granted respite or under supervision. However, the lecture challenges this interpretation critically, posing a profound question: If Iblis is under supervision, why has God not intervened in his actions from leading humans astray to causing great historical events? This question acts as a prompt for readers to reconsider the concept of Divine oversight and Ibliss freedom of action.
The lecture employs an analogy of a magnetic tether to refute the idea that Muntharn implies strict surveillance limiting Ibliss deeds. Rather, Iblis has been granted practically complete freedom to tempt humanity. This freedom is part of Divine wisdom, placing man in the crucible of free will. Like a gardener who plants a seed in soil and leaves it to the elements to grow, God has likewise released Iblis to allow human beings, through their own choices, to select the path of guidance or misguidance.
قَالَ فَبِمَا أَغْوَيْتَنِي لَأَقْعُدَنَّ لَهُمْ صِرَاطَكَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ (Al-A'raf: 16)
He said: Because You have put me astray, I will surely sit in wait for them on Your straight path.
Ibliss claim to mislead humans on the Straight Path is among the most paradoxical concepts in these verses. The Straight Path, from the Qur'anic perspective, is the way of guidance and salvation. How could Iblis sit upon this path and cause misguidance? The lecture uses the analogy of driving in reverse on a straight road to challenge this claim, arguing that misguidance logically cannot occur on the Straight Path itself. If one remains on the Straight Path, one moves towards guidance; misguidance occurs only by deviation from it.
This segment, with philosophical irony, interprets Ibliss claim as a manifestation of his arrogance and ostentation. Iblis resembles an actor boasting on a grand stage, yet his success is only against those already inclined to misguidance. This perspective invites reflection on the meaning of the Straight Path and the necessity of adherence to it.
ثُمَّ لَآتِيَنَّهُمْ مِنْ بَيْنِ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمِنْ خَلْفِهِمْ وَعَنْ أَيْمَانِهِمْ وَعَنْ شَمَائِلِهِمْ ۖ وَلَا تَجِدُ أَكْثَرَهُمْ شَاكِرِينَ (Al-A'raf: 17)
Then I will come to them from before them and behind them and on their right and on their left, and You will not find most of them grateful.
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