of Nokounam, (Session 1303)
The Holy Quran, as the Book of Guidance and Light, portrays profound dialogues between the Prophets and their peoples in its verses to direct humanity towards contemplation of truth and knowledge. Verses 69 to 72 of Surah Al-Arf narrate the encounter of Prophet Hud (peace be upon him) with the people of d, a people who clung to the traditions of their forefathers in defiance of the call to monotheism and demanded evidence from their Prophet. These verses are not merely a historical account but a mirror reflecting humanitys perennial challenges before the truth: prejudice, denial, and absence of rational argumentation. In this treatise, relying on mystical and Quranic lectures, these verses are examined with profound insight and in an eloquent, exemplary language. The objective is to open a gateway to a more precise understanding of the concepts of monotheism, logic, and human responsibility towards the Divine call. This work, structured systematically and with semantic coherence, endeavours to present the spirit of the verses in a clear and dignified form to the reader.
Verses 69 to 72 of Surah Al-Arf recount a segment of the story of Prophet Hud (peace be upon him) and the people of d. The people of d, chosen as successors on Earth after the people of Noah, were mighty and endowed with Divine blessings. Nevertheless, their attachment to the traditions of their ancestors and idolatry prevented them from accepting Huds call to monotheism. These verses depict a logical yet challenging dialogue between Hud and his people, wherein both parties seek justification, but ultimately reach an impasse.
The commentator considers these verses as a gateway to examining the reasoning of both theists and atheists. With a critical perspective, he emphasises that both groups those who believe in the One God and those loyal to the deities of their forefathers fail to provide decisive proof for their claims. This inability persists not only in Huds time but continues into the modern era, where humanity oscillates between adherence to tradition and claims of rationality.
Have you been astonished that a reminder should come to you from your Lord through a man from among yourselves to warn you? And recall when He made you successors after the people of Noah and increased you in stature in creation. So remember the favours of Allah, that you may prosper.
They said: "Have you come to us that we should worship Allah alone and forsake that which our fathers used to worship? Then bring us what you promise if you should be of the truthful."
He said: "There has already fallen upon you from your Lord a scourge and wrath. Do you dispute with me concerning names which you have named you and your forefathers without any authority from Allah? So wait; indeed, I am with you among those who wait."
So We saved him and those who were with him by mercy from Us and cut off the root of those who denied Our signs, and they were not believers.
These verses, like a clear mirror, display the confrontation between truth and prejudice. Huds (peace be upon him) call to monotheism is not only a religious summons but an invitation to contemplate Divine blessings and reconsider inherited beliefs. The response of the people of d, rooted in loyalty to ancestral traditions, exemplifies humanitys perpetual challenge to truth: attachment to what is familiar and tangible, even if devoid of logical foundation.
The dialogue of Hud (peace be upon him) with the people of d is a prominent example of the logical encounter between a Prophet and his people. The commentator views this dialogue not merely as a historical narration but as a reflection of humanitys epistemic challenges across all epochs. In this section, the verses, the peoples responses, and Huds reasoning are scrutinised in depth.
The first verse
