of Nekounam, (Session 1299)
This writing, centred on the exegesis of verse 59 of Surah Al-A'raf, examines the monotheistic invitation of Prophet Noah (peace be upon him) and his ethical and behavioural characteristics in confronting his people. The present discourse, mystical and Quranic lectures, endeavours to elucidate divine messages and the moral paradigms of the Prophets for the guidance of contemporary humanity through a profound contemplation of the Holy Quranic verses. The core of this interpretation emphasises monotheism, divine justice, and prophetic forbearance in the face of denial and accusation, presented in a fluent language and a coherent structure.
Before dispatching the Prophets, the Exalted God prepared the cosmos with a wise order. From the creation of the heavens and the earth to the sun and the moon, the wind and the rain, as well as plants and soils, both pure and impure, all were rendered to serve the readiness of humankind to receive the divine mission. This order is like the warp and weft that weaves the world as a precious fabric, wherein man contemplates his own perfection. When this readiness was fulfilled, God sent Noah (peace be upon him) to his people to convey the message of monotheism.
Prophet Noah (peace be upon him), as one of the Resolute Messengers, approached his people with a clear and unadulterated message of monotheism. The Holy Quran in verse 59 of Surah Al-A'raf states:
لَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا نُوحًا إِلَىٰ قَوْمِهِ فَقَالَ يَا قَوْمِ اعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ مَا لَكُمْ مِنْ إِلَٰهٍ غَيْرُهُ إِنِّي أَخَافُ عَلَيْكُمْ عَذَابَ يَوْمٍ عَظِيمٍ
Indeed, We sent Noah to his people, and he said: O my people, worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him. Indeed, I fear for you the punishment of a tremendous Day.
This invitation, like a light amidst the darkness of ignorance, calls the people to worship the One God. Noah (peace be upon him) explicitly and simply negated any form of polytheism and idol worship, emphasising that no deity but the singular God is worthy of worship.
This section demonstrated that the mission of Noah (peace be upon him) was established upon the divine order in creation. His call to monotheism was not merely a divine message but a necessity for the liberation of humanity from the shackles of ignorance and polytheism. This call acts as a key that unlocks the hearts and guides man towards truth.
In continuation of his invitation, Noah (peace be upon him) warned his people about the punishment of a great day (Yawm 'Azim). This warning was not a threat but a manifestation of compassion and concern. He said: Indeed, I fear for you the punishment of a tremendous Day. According to the commentator, this punishment refers not only to the general Day of Resurrection but also encompasses specific reckonings and apocalypses particular to each people and generation, commensurate with their deeds.
The commentator presents a novel perspective, viewing resurrection not as a single event in a distant future but as a series of reckonings for each community and era. He elucidates this concept with a beautiful metaphor: just as a baker bakes dough in the oven to produce bread, every people in their own time complete their deeds and receive the consequences in the form of reward or punishment. This perspective transforms resurrection from an abstract and remote event into an immediate and tangible reality that every individual and society confronts during their lifetime.
The commentator rejects the belief in a singular resurrection where billions gather, regarding it as the product of ignorance and misunderstanding. He stresses that such beliefs lead humans to passivity and abdication of responsibility during their lifetimes. Instead of awaiting an illusory day, man should continually reflect on his actions and prepare himself for divine justice. This viewpoint summons humanity to exertion and deeds in the present rather than passive anticipation of an uncertain future.
Using another metaphor, the commentator likens divine justice to a worker who receives his wage on the very day he labours: Do not let his sweat dry; he worked, give him his wage. This metaphor underscores the prompt execution of divine justice. Believers, disbelievers, and the oppressed alike receive the recompense of their deeds within their own temporal context without delay. This concept renders resurrection a dynamic and ongoing reality within every nations life.
This section illustrated that the concept of Yawm 'Azim transcends an eschatological event and refers instead to divine justice exercised at all times. Noah (peace be upon him), through his warning, invited his people to contemplate their deeds and return to monotheism. This outlook dispels the dust of superstition from minds and calls humans to responsibility before the Creator.
Noahs people, in response to his call, accused him of evident misguidance. The Holy Quran in verse 60 of Surah Al-A'raf states:
قَالَ الْمَلَأُ مِنْ قَوْمِهِ إِنَّا لَنَرَاكَ فِي ضَلَالٍ مُبِينٍ
The eminent ones of his people said, Indeed, we see you in clear error.
This accusation, voiced by the elites and nobles (al-mala) of the people, reflected arrogance and denial of truth among them. The commentator considers this reaction as a sign of ignorance and self-conceit, which, instead of reflecting upon the call to monotheism, resorted to insult and rejection. This behaviour is like darkness that cannot perceive the light of truth and chooses denial rather than acceptance.
Noah (peace be upon him) responded with unparalleled forbearance. The Quran in verses 61 and 62 of Surah Al-A'raf says:
قَالَ يَا قَوْمِ لَيْسَ بِي ضَلَالَةٌ وَلَٰكِنِّي رَسُولٌ مِنْ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ أَبْلِغُكُمْ رِسَالَاتِ رَبِّي وَأَنْصَحُ لَكُمْ وَأَعْلَمُ مِنَ اللَّهِ مَا لَا تَعْلَمُونَ
He said, O my people, there is no error in me, but I am a messenger from the Lord of the worlds. I convey to you the messages of my Lord and advise you sincerely, and I know from God what you do not know.
This response, like a gentle breeze, nullified the wrath and insults of the people. Noah (peace be upon him) not only denied the charge of misguidance but reaffirmed his position as Gods messenger, emphasising his mission and benevolence. Instead of retaliation, he invited his people to reflect upon the divine message with wisdom and gentleness. The commentator regards this behaviour as an exemplar of prophetic forbearance and etiquette, answering insults and denial with firmness combined with gentleness.
The commentator, referencing history, criticises abuses committed under the guise of religious knowledge. He holds that some groups and individuals, rather than following the forbearance of the Prophets, resorted to violence and coercion. Such behaviours contradict the essence of religion and have led to scepticism and deviation from the path of truth. He likens these deviations to mould that tarnishes the purity and authenticity of religion.
This section demonstrated that Noahs forbearance and etiquette towards the accusations of his people provide a unique model of moral conduct. Through wisdom and gentleness, he conveyed the truth while eschewing violence and insult. This conduct, like a luminous torch, illuminates the way for seekers of truth.
Drawing on the Prophetic tradition I was sent only to perfect noble character, the commentator emphasises that the principal aim of the Prophets is the consummation of moral virtues. Noahs behaviour, characterised by forbearance and gentleness in the face of accusations, represents a distinguished example of this noble ethic. With wise discourse, he not only refuted the charge of misguidance but, by introducing himself as Gods messenger, underscored his benevolence and sincerity
