of Nokounam, (Session 1367)
The Holy Qur'an, like a clear and boundless spring, guides the prepared and pure hearts towards the truth. Verses 201 to 204 of Surah Al-Arf, by elucidating the relationship of humankind with revelation, piety, and satanic whispers, open a path towards pure monotheism. This treatise, by reflecting upon these verses, endeavours to present profound divine concepts in a coherent manner consistent with the academic context, employing a lucid and dignified style. Its objective is to invite the reader to contemplate the reality of revelation and the necessity of intimacy with it, through a profound perspective on the role of the Holy Qur'an as a caller towards attainment.
Verse 201: Remembrance of God and Insight
Indeed, those who fear Allah when a whisper from Satan touches them, they remember [Him], and at once they have insight.
Truly, those who have adopted piety, when a whisper from Satan approaches them, remember God and suddenly become perceptive.
This verse introduces piety as a firm shield against the infiltration of Satan. Piety, rooted in awareness and self-restraint, guides the human being from the darkness of temptation towards the light of insight. When Satan targets the mind and heart through covert whispers, the remembrance of God acts as a key that unlocks the shackles of heedlessness. This remembrance, accompanied by divine mention, liberates the human from the illusions of Satan and brings him to awareness and vision.
The reminder, presented in this verse as a tool of liberation from temptation, transcends mere verbal mention. This reminder involves deep contemplation of the Divine Essence and a return to the truth of monotheism. The pious individual, by this remembrance, is guided from the darkness of misguidance to the illumination of knowledge, as if awakened from a deep sleep, beholding the truth with the eyes of the heart.
The phrase "a whisper from Satan" refers to the hidden and gradual penetration of Satan into the mind, heart, and soul of human beings. This infiltration is sometimes so subtle that the person, unaware, falls into the trap of misguidance. Satan, through whispers that enter the mind and heart, leads one away from the path of monotheism and ethics. However, seeking refuge in God, known as istidhah, acts as a firm wall that neutralises this infiltration. By uttering "I seek refuge in Allah", one is safeguarded not only from the evil of Satan but also from anything that distances him from God.
Verse 202: The Persistence of Devils in Misguidance
And their brothers [devils] extend them in error, then do not relent.
And their brothers support them in misguidance and never fall short.
This verse refers to the role of the devilish associates, both jinn and humans, in leading mankind astray. These accomplices of Satan, through persistence and perseverance, draw humans towards illusion and deviation. The phrase "then do not relent" emphasises the fact that devils never grow weary in their endeavours. Like tireless hunters, they pursue human misguidance with all their might. This persistence portrays the necessity of constant vigilance and continuous reminder for the human being.
This verse invites humans to reflect upon their surroundings. Sometimes misguidance originates not from jinn devils but from humans who, through deception and illusion, lead others towards deviation. These associates, with a deceptive appearance, guide the human towards darkness, unless he liberates himself
