The Holy Quran, akin to a profound and boundless ocean, conceals meanings and concepts that compel the human intellect to bow in reverence before their magnitude and depth. Surah Younus, with its opening verses, unveils a veil of divine mysteries that summons humankind to contemplate the greatness of the Creator and to submit to His infinite wisdom. This treatise, through reflection upon verses three to seventeen of Surah Younusparticularly verse threeand by utilising the discourses of religious scholars, endeavours to elucidate the unfathomability of the Quranic ambiguous concepts in a clear and dignified language. Its purpose is that the reader, upon encountering these verses, is led away from bewilderment before the unknown towards faith, piety, and worship, as if standing beneath a star-studded sky marvelling at its grandeur.
The initial verses of Surah Younus, like a mirror reflecting divine grandeur, invite humankind to confront the limitations of their own comprehension. These verses, expressed in a style both exalted and transcendent, speak of the creation of the heavens and the earth, God's establishment upon the Throne, the governance of the affairs of existence, and the eventual return of all to God. However, these concepts are enveloped in such a veil of ambiguity that they compel human reason to surrender and humble itself before the boundless wisdom of the Divine. It is as though these verses, like lofty summits, appear distant and inaccessible, yet simultaneously pave the way for intimacy with the Creator of existence.
In this context, the emphasis on the unfathomability of Quranic concepts is not indicative of meaninglessness but rather signifies the grandeur and profundity of this Divine Word. Despite all scientific and epistemological advancements, humankind remains perplexed by questions such as the nature of the Throne, the manner of divine governance, or the essence of original creation and its resurrection. This perplexity, like a wind that causes the branches of trees to dance, leads man toward humility and faith.
إِنَّ رَبَّكُمُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِي خَلَقَ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ فِي سِتَّةِ أَيَّامٍ ثُمَّ ٱسْتَوَىٰ عَلَى ٱلْعَرْشِ يُدَبِّرُ ٱلْأَمْرَ ۖ مَا مِن شَفِيعٍ إِلَّا مِنۢ بَعْدِ إِذْنِهِ ۚ ذَٰلِكُمُ ٱللَّهُ رَبُّكُمْ فَٱعْبُدُوهُ ۚ أَفَلَا تَذَكَّرُونَ
"Indeed, your Lord is Allah, who created the heavens and the earth in six days, then established Himself upon the Throne, managing all affairs. There is no intercessor except after His permission. That is Allah, your Lord; so worship Him. Then will you not remember?"
This verse, like a golden key, opens the gate towards the recognition of the Lord. The creation of the heavens and earth in six days, Gods establishment upon the Throne, and the management of the affairs of existence are all signs of Divine power and infinite wisdom. Yet these concepts are so profound and transcendent that humanity can only bow in reverence before them and turn to worship. The phrase six days does not necessarily denote earthly days but rather stages of creation indicative of Divine order and wisdom. The Throne, akin to the unparalleled royal seat of God, symbolises His absolute sovereignty, while management of affairs signifies an unceasing Divine governance over all existence.
The emphasis on the unfathomability of these concepts is an invitation to contemplate Divine greatness. Humanity, like a traveller in a boundless desert, can only look towards the signs on the path and engage in glorification and worship before the grandeur of the Creator. This verse, by calling to worship, facilitates intimacy with God and urges mankind to adopt faith and piety instead of becoming engulfed in unanswered questions.
The verses of Surah Younus, particularly in response to the contemporaries of the Prophet (peace be upon him) who attributed revelation to sorcery and magic, underscore the authenticity and transcendence of the Divine Word. Revelation is like a light descending from the heavens, emanating from a Divine source and independent of human effort. In contrast, sorcery is a terrestrial and limited phenomenon which, in comparison to the majesty of revelation, appears insignificant like a shadow before the sun.
فَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّنِ ٱفْتَرَىٰ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ كَذِبًا أَوْ كَذَّبَ بِـَٔايَٰتِهِ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ لَا يُفْلِحُ ٱلْمُجْرِمُونَ
"Who is more unjust than one who forges a lie against Allah or denies His signs? Indeed, the criminals will not succeed."
This verse unequivocally denounces those who reject revelation as the most unjust. Denial of revelation is akin to closing ones eyes against the sunlight, plunging man into the darkness of heedlessness and disbelief. This section of Surah Younus, by emphasizing the failure of the criminals, paves the way for acceptance of revelation and faith in God.
قُلْ مَا يَكُونُ لِىٓ أَنْ أُبَدِّلَهُۥ مِن تِلْقَآئِ نَفْسِىٓ ۖ إِنْ أَتَّبِعُ إِلَّا مَا يُوحَىٰٓ إِلَيَّ ۖ إِنِّىٓ أَخَافُ إِنْ عَصَيْتُ رَبِّى عَذَابَ يَوْمٍ عَظِيمٍ
"Say: It is not for me to alter it of my own accord. I follow only that which is revealed to me. Indeed, I fear, if I were to disobey my Lord, the punishment of a tremendous day."
This verse reflects the Prophets humility and his inability to manipulate revelation. The Prophet, like a trustworthy custodian, is merely the bearer of the Divine Word without any authority to modify it. His fear of the punishment of the Great Day is a sign of his profound faith and submission to God. This humility, like a blazing torch, illuminates the path for the followers of revelation and testifies
