of Nokounam, may his sanctity be preserved (Session 1292)
The Holy Quran is a book that, like a pristine spring, pours forth truth upon thirsty souls, and its verses, like a clear mirror, reveal to humankind the pathways to salvation and error. Verses 44 to 48 of Surah Al-A'raf, with profound and wise expression, depict a scene of the Day of Resurrection wherein humans appear in three distinct groups: the believers, the oppressors, and an intermediate group who remain in uncertainty. This writing endeavours, through a deep examination of these verses, to explore their latent meanings with a clear and dignified language and, by utilising reflections of religious scholars, to present a lucid image of Gods boundless mercy and flawless justice. This analysis, preserving all details and points found in the original lectures, is organised so as to spread branches of knowledge before the reader like a mighty tree.
The Holy Quran, akin to a divine light, is free from any contradiction or inconsistency. This celestial book, with its coherent structure and wise expression, presents truth to mankind without any deficiency or flaw. Nevertheless, a profound understanding of it necessitates contemplation, knowledge, and precision that transcends superficial reading. The verses discussed in this treatise, namely verses 44 to 48 of Surah Al-A'raf, are a clear example of such coherence and semantic depth which, although seemingly simple in appearance, conceal layers of wisdom and cognition within.
Verses 44 to 48 of Surah Al-A'raf categorise humanity on the Day of Resurrection into two principal groups: the believers, who are the people of truth and salvation, and the oppressors, who, due to their injustice and disbelief in the Hereafter, are afflicted with Gods curse. This classification is depicted as a clear line dividing light and darkness within the verses.
And the inhabitants of Paradise will call out to the inhabitants of the Fire, We have indeed found what our Lord promised us to be true; have you found what your Lord promised to be true? They will say, Yes. Then an announcer will announce among them, The curse of God is on the wrongdoers.
This verse portrays a dialogue between the denizens of Paradise and Hellfire, wherein the believers affirm the fulfilment of Gods promises, and the oppressors acknowledge this grim reality. The proclamation of Gods curse upon the oppressors, resonating as the echo of divine justice, further clarifies the boundary between these two groups.
Between the inhabitants of Paradise and Hellfire exists a veil which, like a spiritual curtain, separates them from each other. Though this veil indicates separation, it does not preclude communication or observation, as subsequent verses narrate mutual calling between the two groups.
And between them is a veil.
This veil, like a barrier between light and darkness, distinguishes the otherworldly abodes of these two groups while permitting verbal interaction, as though God intends the truth to be manifest to both parties.
The verses under consideration introduce a third group, who are neither among the denizens of Paradise nor of Hellfire. This group, called the People of Al-A'raf, are in a state of indecision, as if standing midway between Paradise and Hellfire.
And on the Heights (Al-A'raf) are men who recognise each [person] by their mark...
The People of Al-A'raf, referred to in this verse as men (rijal), signify not merely males but human beings generally, inclusive of both genders. This expression, considering the historical and social context of the Quranic revelation wherein women were less frequently mentioned publicly, is employed accordingly. This group, having a balance of good and evil deeds, awaits the final divine judgement.
The People of Al-A'raf recognise the inhabitants of Paradise and Hellfire by their marks (bismhum), meaning by outward signs. This recognition is not a form of mystical or esoteric knowledge but is based on observable states and external characteristics, such as the serenity of the believers and the anxiety of the oppressors.
This interpretation, contrary to certain views that attribute this knowledge to Imams or saints, emphasises the simplicity and psychological nature of such observation. The People of Al-A'raf, as impartial witnesses, discern with keen insight the states of both groups, distinguishing who is at peace in Paradise and who suffers in Hellfire.
Some interpretations, by associating the People of Al-A'raf with Imams or saints, deviate from the literal meaning of the verse. These perspectives, sometimes grounded in unreliable narrations, do not harmonise with the context of the verses. Religious scholars emphasise that such interpretations stray from a proper understanding of the Quran and lead to unnecessary complications.
This critique, like a clear mirror, reveals that the Quran must be understood free from preconceptions incompatible with the textual context. The People of Al-A'raf are ordinary human beings caught between good and evil, not metaphysically elevated personages.
The People of Al-A'raf, whilst yet to enter Paradise, harbour hope of admission and simultaneously fear being placed beside the oppressors.
And they will call out to the inhabitants of Paradise, Peace be upon you! They have not yet entered it, but they long for it. And when their eyes are turned towards the inhabitants of the Fire, they say, Our Lord, do not place us with the wrongdoing people.
These verses poignantly depict the condition of the People of Al-A'raf, who, between hope and fear, fix their gaze on divine mercy. They greet the people of Paradise, yearning to join them, and beseech God to distance them from the oppressors.
The People of Al-A'raf, addressing the inhabitants of Hellfire, remind them that their amassed wealth and arrogance were of no benefit.
And the people of Al-A'raf will call out to the inhabitants of the Fire, Indeed, your accumulation and your arrogance have not availed you.
This call acts as an awakening bell, reminding the oppressors that their material possessions and pride were but a deceptive mirage, worthless before divine judgement. From their intermediate vantage, the People of Al-A'raf communicate this truth to the denizens of Hellfire.
The zenith of divine mercy appears in the final verse of this set, where God addresses the People of Al-A'raf, declaring that contrary to the oppressors claims, they are recipients of His mercy and will be admitted into Paradise.
Are these the ones about whom you swore that God would never show mercy to them? Enter Paradise; no fear shall be upon you, nor shall you grieve.
This divine proclamation, like a refreshing breeze, dispels the fear and sorrow from the People of Al-A'raf, guiding them towards Paradise. The oppressors, who assumed this group would be condemned to Hell due to their sins, confront the reality that Gods mercy surpasses their imagination.
The People of Al-A'raf, characterised as the weak, are those who, in this world, have often suffered under the oppression of the tyrants. Neither fully believers nor oppressors, due to incapacity and ignorance, they have committed sins, yet God, in His compassion, forgives them.
This group is like birds wandering between sky and earthneither soaring with the full faith of believers nor sinking into the depths of oppression with the oppressors. Yet God, Lord of the Worlds, embraces them within His merciful fold.
In Islamic jurisprudence, serious penalties are assigned for certain sins such as the deliberate omission of fasting, but for the weak, a simple repentance suffices. It is as if God, like a compassionate father, treats His incapable servants with ease and mercy.
This flexibility, akin to a spring bubbling from a rock, demonstrates Gods infinite mercy, forgiving even sins through a simple act of repentance, provided the individual is not oppressively sinful.
