The Holy Qur'an, like a luminous lamp, illuminates the path of guidance for humanity and, through its radiant verses, offers profound lessons about the fate of previous nations and the divine responsibilities incumbent upon mankind. One of the most resplendent verses of this celestial book is verse 93 of Surah Al-Imran, which recounts the history of the Children of Israel following their liberation from the grasp of Pharaoh and speaks of divine guidance, pure blessings, and the consequences of the misuse of knowledge. This treatise endeavours, with a clear and dignified language, to elucidate the meanings and lessons of that verse and related verses for seekers of truth. The structure of this text, with its organised sections and detailed explanations, provides a platform for the reader to embark upon a spiritual journey from the sources of divine guidance to the consequences of misguidance and the final judgement of God.
The Holy Qur'an, in verse 93 of Surah Al-Imran, refers to the guidance of the Children of Israel to the position of truthfulness:
وَلَقَدْ بَوَّأْنَا بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ مَبَوَّأَ صِدْقٍ
"And indeed, We settled the Children of Israel in a place of truthfulness."
The word "bawwn" derives from the root "baw", meaning to settle and establish. However, in this verse, the phrase "mabawwa idq" transcends a mere geographical location and refers to a righteous and divine path. This position is akin to a spiritual land wherein truth and justice shine like a radiant sun upon hearts and souls. God, after freeing the Children of Israel from Pharaoh's dominion, guided them to this path so that, under the shadow of monotheism and Shariah, they might attain spiritual perfection. This guidance functions as a bridge from the darkness of oppression to the light of liberation and doubles the responsibility of the nation to preserve this great blessing.
Continuing the verse, God speaks of granting pure blessings to the Children of Israel:
وَرَزَقْنَاهُمْ مِنَ الطَّيِّبَاتِ
"And We provided them with pure provisions."
The term "ayyibt" refers to blessings that are pure, lawful, and sources of goodness and prosperity. These blessings, ranging from material sustenance such as food and means of livelihood to spiritual guidance and divine knowledge, poured down like merciful rain upon the life of the Children of Israel. This endowment was not merely to fulfil primary needs but to create a foundation for worship and closeness to God. Yet, these blessings, like a double-edged sword, intensified the responsibility of the nation in safeguarding faith and righteous deeds, as negligence in this regard leads to misguidance and loss.
The first part of the verse discusses the divine guidance of the Children of Israel to the place of truthfulness and the granting of pure blessings. This guidance and these blessings acted as a key to unlocking the doors of felicity but required safeguarding and gratitude. The Children of Israel, having been liberated from Pharaoh's tyranny, were placed on this path to advance spiritually by benefiting from these blessings.
The Holy Qur'an, continuing the verse, points to a profound matter:
فَمَا اخْتَلَفُوا حَتَّى جَاءَهُمُ الْعِلْمُ
"But they did not differ except after knowledge had come to them."
In this verse, "ilm" signifies religious knowledge and recognition of divine law bestowed upon the Children of Israel through the prophets, especially Moses, peace be upon him. However, this knowledge, which ought to have shone as a light illuminating the path of unity and guidance, due to arrogance and the misuse by some, resulted in discord and misguidance. This paradox acts as a mirror demonstrating that knowledge devoid of piety and humility not only fails to guide but, like a wild wind, ignites the flames of division.
The lecture text indicates a subtle point that knowledge, when unaccompanied by spiritual and moral integrity, leads to the greatest misguidance. Ignorant people seldom claim to be knowledgeable, yet those who attain knowledge sometimes fall into the trap of arrogance. This arrogance, like a sinister shadow, transformed the unity of the nation into division and led the Children of Israel away from the path of truthfulness. This reality, as an eternal lesson, warns humanity that knowledge without the foundation of piety is like a sword that wounds rather than defends.
This section of the verse highlights the danger of the misuse of knowledge and understanding. Although the Children of Israel received divine knowledge, their lack of spiritual integrity and arrogance caused discord and deviation. This lesson serves as a warning to all that knowledge without piety and humility not only fails to lead to felicity but can culminate in loss and misguidance.
The Holy Qur'an, at the conclusion of verse 93 of Surah Al-Imran, speaks of divine judgement on the Day of Resurrection:
إِنَّ رَبَّكَ يَقْضِي بَيْنَهُمْ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ فِيمَا كَانُوا فِيهِ يَخْتَلِفُونَ
"Indeed, your Lord will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection concerning that wherein they used to differ."
God, despite being fully aware of the discord and misguidance of the Children of Israel, postponed the final judgement to the Day of Resurrection. This postponement functions as a merciful respite that provides humanity the opportunity to return to truth. Divine justice, like a precise scale, will resolve all disputes on that day with wisdom and equity.
The lecture text draws a parallel between the situation of the Children of Israel and contemporary humans. God granted the Children of Israel the opportunity to benefit from blessings and guidance, yet they failed to appreciate it. This state acts as a mirror urging today's humanity to reflect. In the era of occultation, which is an opportunity for self-purification and preparation for the appearance, neglecting this blessing is tantamount to squandering a precious gem, leading to loss.
This part of the verse emphasises divine justice and mercy. God, by deferring judgement to the Day of Resurrection, gives humanity the chance for repentance and return. However, this grace requires appreciation and utilisation of divine blessings. Neglecting this opportunity exposes man to eternal loss.
The Holy Qur'an, in a related verse, provides a method to dispel doubt:
فَإِنْ كُنْتَ فِي شَكٍّ مِمَّا أَنْزَلْنَا إِلَيْكَ فَاسْأَلِ الَّذِينَ يَقْرَءُونَ الْكِتَابَ مِنْ قَبْلِكَ
"So if you are in doubt concerning that which We have revealed to you, then ask those who read the Scripture before you."
This verse advises those who harbour doubts about divine revelation to consult the scholars of the People of the Book, who study the Torah and the Gospel, to clarify the truth for them. Many exegetes believe the addressees here are previous communities, particularly the Children of Israel, rather than the Seal of the Prophets, peace be upon him, as he was free from any doubt or uncertainty.
The lecture stresses that the Seal of the Prophets, peace be upon him, was free from any doubt or hesitation concerning the reception of divine revelation and his prophetic mission. Thus, the phrase "if you are in doubt" is directed towards previous nations or individuals who, despite having access to religious knowledge, experienced hesitation in accepting the truth. This infallibility, like a shining star, distinguishes the exalted status of the Prophet vis--vis previous nations.
This section underscores the Quranic recommendation to consult the scholars of the People of the Book as a way to dispel doubt and strengthen faith. The infallibility of the Seal of the Prophets accentuates his superiority over the doubts of previous nations and highlights the importance of accepting truth without hesitation.
The lecture text highlights the historical and spiritual distinction among different nations. Each nation and era, like a chapter of the book of creation, has its own conditions, trials, and resurrection. The story of
