of Nekounam, (Session 1350)
The Divine Word in the Holy Qur'an, akin to a profound ocean, encompasses infinite meanings, each verse unveiling a world of wisdom and knowledge to scholars. Verse 179 of Surah l Imrn, expressed with clarity and profound contemplation, addresses the creation of certain jinn and humans destined for Hellfire and the characteristics of the misguided. This writing, through reflection upon this noble verse and based on scholarly lectures, examines its theological, philosophical, and psychological dimensions, elucidating the concepts in a clear and dignified language for readers. The aim is not merely to comprehend the apparent meaning of the verse but to grasp the profound wisdom concealed within it, guiding humanity towards self-awareness, submission to divine lordship, and a positive outlook on creation.
The Holy Qur'an in verse 179 of Surah l Imrn explicitly refers to the creation of a group of jinn and humans for Hellfire. This creation is not borne out of injustice but arises from the intrinsic predispositions of certain beings inherently created for wickedness.
And indeed We have created for Hell many of the jinn and mankind. They have hearts with which they do not understand, and they have eyes with which they do not see, and they have ears with which they do not hear. Those are like cattle; rather, they are more astray. Those are the heedless.
The term ذَرَأْنَا in the Holy Qur'an, in contrast to خَلَقْنَا, indicates a creation devoid of growth and transformation. Unlike gradual creation that encompasses potential for advancement and change, ذَرَأْنَا refers to beings who remain steadfast in wickedness from beginning to end. This group resembles a scorpion whose sting is not motivated by malice but by its intrinsic nature. A narration recounts that a scorpion stung the Prophets hand, and he said: May God curse you for not distinguishing between believer and disbeliever. This analogy clearly illustrates that certain creatures, owing to their inherent nature, are deprived of any goodness or righteousness.
The noble verse depicts the misguided with three attributes: hearts that do not comprehend, eyes that do not perceive, and ears that do not hear. Although these sensory faculties appear to be present, they are effectively non-functional, as if the individual lacks them entirely. This group is not only incapable of grasping the truth but is even deprived of animalistic instinct. The Holy Qur'an likens them to cattle but emphasises, rather, they are more astray, indicating that they are inferior even to animals, since animals operate within their natural instincts and emotions, whereas this group lacks even this minimal capacity.
This creation results from intrinsic and hereditary necessities inherited from ancestors and preceding generations. Divine justice, like a clear mirror, reflects actions and requisites: As you sow, so shall you reap. This group, not through compulsion but due to the absence of any inclination towards good, was created for Hellfire. Philosophically, this refers to inherent determinism in some beings, and theologically, it underscores Gods wisdom and justice.
Section one, focusing on verse 179 of Surah l Imrn, addressed the creation of certain jinn and humans for Hellfire. This creation is the result of the innate necessity of wickedness rooted in the nature of some creatures. The lack of understanding, insight, and hearing relegates this group beneath even animals. Reflection upon this verse guides humanity towards a deeper comprehension of divine justice and the requisites of creation.
The noble verse, by mentioning from the jinn and mankind, alludes to the precedence of jinn over humans. This precedence is apparent not only in the sequence of the words but also in the capabilities and existential rank of the jinn.
With superior faculties and capabilities, the jinn occupy a distinguished status in the order of creation. These beings, owing to their unique attributes, differ fundamentally from humans. However, human ignorance has deprived them of recognition and utilisation of the jinns potentials. The Holy Qur'an, by explicitly mentioning the jinn alongside humans, emphasises the importance of understanding these beings. Their unfamiliarity is akin to a hidden gem inside a mountain, beyond human reach, depriving humans of numerous benefits.
The noble verse classifies both jinn and humans among those who may be created for Hellfire. Nevertheless, the precedence of the jinn in mention refers to their superior capabilities and greater numbers. This group, due to the inherent necessity of wickedness, is deprived of all goodness, with no conceivable remedy.
Section two discussed the position of the jinn in creation and their unfamiliarity among humans. The precedence of the jinn over humans signifies their greater capabilities; however, human ignorance remains a major barrier to benefiting from these potentials. This section invites reflection upon the cosmic order and acquaintance with other creatures.
The exegesis of this verse divides creatures into two categories: animals before humans and animals after humans. This distinction opens a window towards understanding the ontological and epistemological differences among creatures.
Animals preceding humans, such as monkeys living in forests, possess instinct, emotion, and understanding commensurate with their nature. These creatures sometimes refrain from violence by perceiving circumstances, as when a monkey remains calm before a woman who harbours no intent to fight. This group remains on an undefined path, their existential status yet undecided.
The group created for Hell, originating from humans, owing to their complete lack of understanding, instinct, and emotion, are inferior even to animals. They resemble distorted beings with hearts, eyes, and ears but fail to utilise any of these faculties. This descent renders them soulless and heedless creatures.
Animals, through instinct and emotion, act at least within the scope of their nature, whereas the Hellfire-bound group is deprived of even this minimum. This distinction illustrates the depth of misguidance of this group, whom the Holy Qur'an terms more astray.
Section three, through the examination of the difference between animals before and after humans, highlighted the profound misguidance of the Hellfire-bound group. Animals before humans, with instinct and emotion, excel over this group, which lacks even the minimal natural faculties. This contemplation encourages self-awareness and avoidance of misguidance.
The Holy Qur'an, after describing the misguided, invites humanity to adopt a positive perspective on creation and to submit to the divine lordship. This invitation, like a revitalising breeze, directs the human soul towards good and righteousness.
Like a traveller in a vast plain who, instead of admiring colourful flowers, focuses solely on the stones along the path, humans tend to overlook blessings. The lectures, through the analogy of empty and full glasses, encourage seeing the good. Rather than concentrating on others faults, one should look at their positive traits and refrain from negative judgments.
The Holy Qur'an commands humans to greet all creatures, even sinners: Peace be upon the servants of God who have transgressed. This greeting manifests humility and submission before God, who alone judges evil. This outlook acts as a bridge, guiding humans from enmity and judgment towards empathy and kindness.
The noble verse also calls to invoke God by His most beautiful names (And to God belong the Most Beautiful Names, so call upon Him by them), urging submission to divine perfection. Avoiding atheism in divine names and abstaining from polytheism and disobedience are the path towards felicity.
Section four, emphasising a positive outlook on creation and the call to submission, guides humans towards self-purification and empathy with creatures. This perspective not only facilitates the correction of human relationships but also leads to knowledge and submission before God.
The exegesis of verse 179 of Surah l Imrn, like a beacon in darkness, illuminates the path to knowledge and self-awareness for humanity. This verse, by elucidating the creation of certain jinn and humans for Hellfire, the traits of the misguided, and the difference between animals before and after humans, imparts profound lessons on divine justice, existential necessities, and the importance of self-improvement. The call to a positive view of creation and submission to divine lordship guides humanity from misguidance to felicity. These reflections, enriched theologically and philosophically, also psychologically invite humans to reconsider their behaviour and worldview.
Under the supervision of Sadegh Khademi
