of Nokounam Session 1357

Preface

Surah Al-Arf, akin to a profound ocean of divine knowledge, invites humankind to contemplate the reality of existence, death, and its position within the cosmic order. This Surah, through wise and epistemic verses, unveils the mysteries of death and resurrection, guiding humanity with clear language towards a deeper understanding of the divine system. The present treatise, relying on the verses of this Surah, especially verse 187, elucidates the distinction between the concepts of Saah (individual death) and Yawm al-Qiymah (the Day of Reckoning in the Hereafter). Structured systematically and expressed in eloquent language, this work endeavours to convey the exalted Quranic meanings with an analytical and spiritual perspective, to shine as a beacon along the path of seeking truth.

Section One: The Concept of Saah in the Noble Quran

Uncertainty of the Time of Death

The Noble Quran, in verse 187 of Surah Al-Arf, explicitly emphasises the unknown nature of the time of death. This verse, like a mirror reflecting the limitation of human knowledge, invites humanity to humility before the boundless divine knowledge.

They ask you about the Hour when will it be established? Say: The knowledge thereof is only with my Lord; none will reveal its time but He.

This verse unequivocally introduces death as Saah, the timing of which is known solely to the divine. Despite all epistemic advancements, humanity remains powerless before this divine secret and finds solace only through trust and perpetual preparedness. This unknowability is like a shadow prompting reflection on each moment of life.

The Suddenness of Death

Death, like a lightning bolt suddenly descending upon the sky of human life, is unpredictable. The Noble Quran continues in verse 187 to express this reality:

It will come to you suddenly.

This suddenness acts as a wake-up call from heedlessness. Death can arrive at any moment, whether in youth or old age, awake or asleep. This truth summons humanity to live responsibly and consciously, to seize life's opportunities and seek self-reform.

The Gravity of Death in the Cosmic Order

Death is not merely a moment in human life but a monumental event within the cosmic order. The Noble Quran articulates this truth:

It is heavy in the heavens and the earth.

The term heavy indicates the greatness and profound impact of death on the existential system. Death, as a pivotal point in human life, influences all dimensions of existence and is the moment when humanity confronts the divine reality. This gravity resembles the burdensome truth that astonishes both heavens and earth.

The Ignorance of the Majority of People

The Noble Quran, with wise expression, addresses the heedlessness of the majority concerning the reality of death:

But most people do not know.

This verse reflects humanity's ignorance and heedlessness toward divine secrets. Most people, overwhelmed by daily routines or epistemic limitations, remain oblivious to the reality of death and the necessity of readiness. This ignorance impedes deep comprehension of their position within the cosmic order.

Summary of Section One

The concept of Saah in the Noble Quran refers to the moment of individual death, characterised by unknown timing, suddenness, and cosmic significance. This concept summons humanity to humility before divine knowledge, perpetual readiness, and responsible living. The verses of Surah Al-Arf illuminate this truth like a guiding light on the path of human truth-seeking.

Section Two: Distinction between Saah and Qiymah

Semantic Distinction between Saah and Qiymah

One of the key points in understanding the verses of Surah Al-Arf is the distinction between Saah and Yawm al-Qiymah. Saah refers to the moment of individual death (the Minor Resurrection), while Yawm al-Qiymah relates to the world beyond the intermediate state and the reckoning of deeds. This distinction, like a clear line between two stages of human life, prevents misunderstanding in the interpretation of verses.

Non-Association of Saah with the Major Resurrection

Verses related to Saah, such as the following, refer to individual death and bear no relation to the Major Resurrection:

When their appointed time comes, they cannot delay it for an hour, nor can they advance it.

This verse emphasises the certainty and immutability of the time of death. Death is, like a precise clock in the divine system, occurring exactly at the appointed moment without delay or advancement. This feature distinguishes death from the Major Resurrection, which is a stage after the intermediate state.

The Momentary Nature of Death

The Noble Quran likens death to a moment briefer than the blinking of an eye:

The command of the Hour is but like the twinkling of an eye or even nearer.