of Nokounam Session 1438
The Holy Qur'an, like a radiant lamp, illuminates the path of guidance for humanity and, by recounting the stories of the Prophets and their communities, presents profound lessons on reliance, self-sufficiency from all but God, and the eventual consequences of human choices. Verses 71 to 73 of Surah Yunus, focusing on the story of Prophet Noah (peace be upon him), portray an image of steadfast faith, detachment from material dependencies, and the ultimate fate of the believers and the misguided. This treatise, through an in-depth examination of these verses, explores the concepts of reliance (tawakkul), self-sufficiency, hardness of heart, and the necessity of companionship with righteous allies. Employing a refined language and a coherent structure, it endeavours to elucidate the meanings of these verses in connection with mystical, theological, and sociological perspectives, thereby serving as a mirror to reveal truth before the reader's eyes.
Recite to them the story of Noah, when he said to his people: O my people, if my residence and my reminding you of the verses of God is burdensome upon you, then I have relied upon God. So bring your plan to completion and your partners; then let not your plan be obscure to you. Then carry it out upon me and do not give me respite.
Qur'an, Surah Yunus, 10:71
This verse carves the reliance of Prophet Noah in resolute terms. Facing the obstinacy of his people, he does not lean on his own ability but rather on the infinite power of God. His reliance is like a deeply rooted tree in the soil of faith, firmer than any storm. From a mystical standpoint, this reliance signifies Fana fi Allah the annihilation of the self in God where a person is freed from all dependencies except God and entrusts the heart to Divine Light.
Key Point: Prophet Noahs reliance manifests self-sufficiency from all except God and submission to Divine will, which liberates a person from the shackles of material dependencies.
And if you turn away, then I have not asked you for any reward. My reward is only with God, and I have been commanded to be among the Muslims.
Qur'an, Surah Yunus, 10:72
Prophet Noah further proclaims his independence from worldly rewards. His guidance of the people is not motivated by material gain but by adherence to Divine duty. This trait aligns with the concepts of Qanaat (contentment) and Inqita ila Allah (turning solely to God) in Islamic mysticism. Sociologically, it critiques the exploitation of religion for worldly benefits, as witnessed in some societies. The Prophet stands like a star of guidance, gazing solely at the Divine Light.
Key Point: Self-sufficiency from material reward indicates sincerity and dedication to Divine duty, freeing Prophets from any worldly attachment.
And I have been commanded to be among the Muslims.
Qur'an, Surah Yunus, 10:72
Prophet Noah, emphasising his duty as a Muslim, exhibits complete submission to Divine will. This phrase expresses his spiritual identity, remaining steadfast despite his people's rejection. Psychologically, this steadfastness means maintaining spiritual identity amid social pressures, protecting one from misguidance.
The first part, by focusing on the reliance, self-sufficiency, and Muslim duty of Prophet Noah, presents lessons of steadfast faith and liberation from material attachments. These qualities shine like a bright torch, illuminating the path to submission to God and avoidance of all but Him.
They denied him, so We saved him and those with him in the ark and made them successors, and We drowned those who denied Our signs. So observe how was the end of the warners.
Qur'an, Surah Yunus, 10:73
This verse reflects, like a mirror, two contrasting final outcomes: salvation of the believers and destruction of the disbelievers. Although few, Noahs followers attained safety due to their faith and became successors on earth, while those who denied Divine signs perished in the flood. Theologically, this outcome results from human free will in accepting or rejecting Divine guidance. Psychologically, the narrative highlights the importance of adherence to spiritual values against the temptations of misguidance.
Key Point: The salvation of the believers and doom of the misguided exemplify Divine justice, enacted according to human choices.
So observe how was the end of the warners.
Qur'an, Surah Yunus, 10:73
This phrase invites reflection on the fate of previous peoples. Such contemplation is a key unlocking the doors of knowledge. By examining the fate of the misguided who drowned and the believers who reached salvation, humans learn to choose the path of guidance. Epistemologically, this reflection increases awareness and aids guidance; psychologically, it strengthens prudent decision-making and avoidance of misguidance.
Key Point: Reflecting on the fate of predecessors guides humans towards choosing the path of guidance and avoiding misguidance.
Then after him We sent messengers to their peoples, and they brought them clear proofs, but they were not to believe in that which they had rejected before. Thus We seal over the hearts of the transgressors.
Qur'an, Surah Yunus, 10:74
The phrase Thus We seal over the hearts of the transgressors indicates the hardness of heart among the misguided, who, having denied Divine signs, are deprived of the light of guidance. This hardness is like a darkness enveloping the heart, preventing comprehension of the truth. Psychologically, this state may result from cognitive biases and resistance to truth. Mystically, it stems from distancing from God and inclination towards materialism.
Key Point: Hardness of heart is the consequence of denial of truth, plunging humans into the darkness of misguidance.
The second part, by examining the fate of believers and the misguided, offers lessons in Divine justice and the importance of reflection on the fate of predecessors. Hardness of heart, like a barrier to guidance, leads humans to destruction, whereas faith and companionship with truth pave the way to salvation.
The original text critically examines modern societies for hypocrisy, oppression, and estrangement from truth. These societies, whether superficially religious or secular, are deprived of guidance due to their detachment from truth. This critique acts as a mirror reflecting the crisis of identity and values in the contemporary world. Sociologically, this misguidance is the consequence of materialism and hypocrisy that distances societies from the light of truth.
Key Point: Hypocrisy and estrangement from truth lead societies towards misguidance and misery, whether in a religious guise or materialistic tendencies.
The text calls on humans to accompany the close ones of the community or righteous allies, avoiding attachment to misguided groups. Such companionship is like a journey alongside guiding stars, leading one from the darkness of misguidance to the light of truth. Social-psychologically, companionship with the righteous strengthens spiritual identity and reduces negative influences of misguided groups. Mystically, this aligns with the concept of companionship with the righteous, which inclines the heart towards God.
Key Point: Companionship with righteous allies protects humans from misguidance and guides them towards Divine proximity and guidance.
The text emphasises the necessity of purity and cleanliness in life: Let no forbidden thing enter our lives; let it be pure, wholesome, and clean. Such purity is like a clear stream washing the heart from the defilements of sin, preparing humans for Divine proximity. Ethically, purity is a prerequisite for attaining felicity. Psychologically, a pure life aids in reducing anxiety and increasing mental peace.
Key Point: Purity and cleanliness are keys to Divine proximity and mental tranquillity, protecting humans from the stains of sin.
The third part, by critiquing misguidance and hypocrisy in modern societies, invites humans towards purity, cleanliness, and companionship with righteous allies. This invitation, like a heavenly melody, directs the heart towards truth and felicity, and warns against misguidance and darkness.
The Holy Qur'an, emphasising the continuity of the Prophets mission, shows that the earth is never devoid of Divine guidance. After each Prophet, another is sent to shine the light of guidance within the hearts of communities. This continuity is like an uninterrupted stream from the beginning of creation until its end. The Prophets call their peoples to truth with clear proofs, yet the misguided, due to hardness of heart, refuse to accept the truth.
Key Point: The continuity of the Prophetic mission signifies the boundless grace of God, ensuring that the earth is never left devoid of guidance.