The chapter of Ynus, akin to a profound ocean of divine realities, guides humanity towards pure monotheism and pristine knowledge. Verses 102 to 106 of this chapter, centred upon the call to upright faith, avoidance of polytheism, and liberation from oppression, serve as a radiant beacon illuminating the path of salvation for seekers of truth. This writing endeavours, through reflection on these verses and elaboration of their meanings, to present the sublime Quranic concepts in an eloquent and coherent manner. Employing metaphorical and literary allusions, it aims to reveal the depths of these verses significance to the aspirants of divine knowledge.
Verse 102 of Surah Ynus, with a clear articulation, invites humanity to contemplate the destiny of previous peoples:
So do they wait except for the like of the days of those who passed away before them? Say: Then wait, indeed I am with you among those who wait.
This verse, like a mirror reflecting the eventual fate of antecedents, calls mankind to ponder the end of the disbelievers and misguided. The expectation mentioned herein is not a passive matter, but an active preparedness to receive divine guidance. Just as a rushing river flows towards the sea, human beings must await the fulfilment of divine promises with readiness of heart and soul.
Verse 103, with a reassuring tone, speaks of Gods established tradition in saving the prophets and believers:
Then We save Our messengers and those who believe; thus it is a right upon Us to save the believers.
This verse, as a divine promise, heralds the salvation of the faithful. Deliverance of the believers is not merely a divine pledge but a right which God has obligated upon Himself. This divine tradition aligns with other verses such as 58 of Surah Al-Anbiy (And We save those who believe and were fearing Allah.). Such salvation resembles a flower emerging from rocky soil, guiding the believers from the darkness of doubt and misguidance towards the light of guidance.
Verse 104 addresses all humans, inviting them to remove doubt and accept monotheism:
Say: O mankind, if you are in doubt about my religion, then I do not worship those you worship besides Allah, but I worship Allah, who takes your souls; and I am commanded to be among the believers.
This address, like a call from the depths of truth, summons all people to monotheistic worship. Emphasis on worshipping the One who controls life and death signifies divine sovereignty in its entirety. Just as the sun shines universally upon the earth, this invitation is all-encompassing, preventing humanity from worshipping falsehood.
Verse 105 calls upon humans to steadfastness in the upright faith and avoidance of polytheism:
And direct your face upright towards religion, inclining to truth, and never be of the polytheists.
Face in this verse is like a mirror reflecting the identity and essence of the human being. The upright religion, as a direct path to monotheism, guides the individual from the dispersal of polytheism towards unity and knowledge. Polytheism, like a dark shadow upon the heart, infiltrates even among believers, originating from doubt and uncertainty. This verse invites humans to purify their hearts from polytheism and orient themselves towards pure monotheism.
To illustrate polytheism and the dispersal of the heart, a beautiful metaphor is presented: donkeys carrying various burdens such as cement, bricks, and plaster, wounded on their backs. These donkeys, burdened and pierced by sharp objects, symbolise the human heart, scattered and injured by attachment to the non-divine. Pure faith, like a unified burden, lightens and frees the heart, whereas polytheism, akin to scattered loads, leads the person towards oppression and misguidance.
Verse 106 emphatically connects polytheism with oppression:
And do not call upon besides Allah that which neither benefits you nor harms you. If you do, then indeed you will be among the wrongdoers.
Polytheism, like a root nurturing a poisonous tree, directs humanity towards injustice and tyranny. Dependence on anything other than God whether power, wealth, or individuals distances the heart from monotheism and drives it into the darkness of oppression. This verse, emphasising the futility of the non-divine, invites humans towards monotheism and liberation from oppression.
Polytheism, like a pervasive disease, even afflicts the hearts of believers. This form of polytheism stems from doubt and uncertainty regarding divine religion, leading one to false attachments. Just as a bird is captive in a cage, the polytheist is imprisoned by dependencies upon the non-divine.
Upright faith, like a clear spring, purifies the human heart from the impurity of polytheism and oppression. This faith, connected in verse 30 of Surah Rm (So direct your face toward the religion, inclining to truth the natural disposition Allah has instilled in mankind.), guides humans towards pure monotheism. Ramadan, like a golden opportunity, invites humanity to repentance and purification of the heart.
Gnosis, like an inner light, enables the human being to discern polytheism and oppression within their own heart. Unlike knowledge, which requires a teacher and trial, gnosis arises from contemplation and self-awareness. Just as a clean mirror reflects truth, the human heart perceives polytheism and oppression through gnosis and advances towards purity.
Acquiring lawful sustenance, like pure water, cleanses the human heart from the impurity of polytheism and oppression. A believer, by abstaining from injustice and unlawful earnings, progresses towards upright faith. This principle aligns with verse 275 of Surah Al-Baqarah (Those who consume usury will not stand except as one whom Satan has driven to madness by (his) touch.).
Verses 102 to 106 of Surah Ynus, like a luminous lamp, guide humanity towards upright faith, avoidance of polytheism, and liberation from oppression. These verses, by inviting reflection on the fate of predecessors, removal of doubt, steadfastness in monotheism, and purification of the heart from false attachments, demonstrate the path to salvation. The metaphor of the wounded donkeys beautifully depicts the dispersal of the heart in polytheism, whereas upright faith brings unity and liberation. Gnosis, as a golden key, empowers humans to discern polytheism and oppression, and lawful earning cleanses the heart of impurities. This exegesis, preserving all details of the original lecture, endeavours to present the exalted Quranic concepts in an eloquent and coherent form, serving as a guide for seekers of truth and travellers on the path of monotheism.
