Surah Yunus, a brilliant gem within the Holy Qur'an, encompasses verses that, like a radiant lamp, illuminate the path of guidance for seekers of knowledge and wisdom. Verse 108 of this Surah, as one of the concluding verses, with a clear and profound expression, portrays the human responsibility in relation to their own choices and the infinite justice of God. This writing, relying on the discourses of religious scholars and exegetical analyses, undertakes an examination of this verse and its deep messages. The aim of this work is to provide a comprehensive and precise insight into the theological, ethical, and educational concepts of the verse, so as to serve as a bridge between Qur'anic knowledge and rational contemplation, guiding the reader towards a deeper understanding of the relationship between mankind, the Creator, and creation.
Verse 108 of Surah Yunus, with its universal address and fundamental messages, invites humanity to contemplate their position before God. The text of the verse and its translation are as follows:
قُلْ يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ قَدْ جَاءَكُمُ الْبُرْهَانُ مِن رَّبِّكُمْ وَأَنزَلْنَا إِلَيْكُمْ نُورًا مُّبِينًا فَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا بِاللَّهِ وَاعْتَصَمُوا بِهِ فَسَيُدْخِلُهُمْ فِي رَحْمَةٍ مِّنْهُ وَفَضْلٍ وَيَهْدِيهِمْ إِلَيْهِ صِرَاطًا مُّسْتَقِيمًا يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ قَدْ جَاءَتْكُم بُرْهَانٌ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ ۖ وَمَا أَنَا عَلَيْكُم بِوَكِيلٍ
Say: O mankind! Verily, the proof has come to you from your Lord, and We have sent down to you a clear light. As for those who believe in God and hold fast to Him, He will admit them into mercy from Himself and bounty, and will guide them to Himself by a straight path. O mankind! The proof has come to you from your Lord, and I am not a trustee over you.
For contextual completion, verse 109, which complements this verse, is provided:
وَاتَّبِعْ مَا يُوحَىٰ إِلَيْكَ وَاصْبِرْ حَتَّىٰ يَحْكُمَ اللَّهُ ۚ وَهُوَ خَيْرُ الْحَاكِمِينَ
And follow that which is revealed to you, and be patient until God judges; and He is the best of judges.
Verse 108 of Surah Yunus commences with the universal address "يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ", a call that, like a heavenly summons, invites all humanity without discrimination towards the truth. The term "بُرْهَانٌ" in this verse signifies a clear and evident proof sent by the Lord to mankind so that they may discern the right path from falsehood. The phrase "نُورًا مُّبِينًا" refers to divine revelation, a light akin to a blazing torch dispelling the darkness of ignorance and misguidance and revealing the straight path. These two terms, proof and light, like two wings of knowledge, guide humanity towards understanding the truth and acting accordingly.
The verse, through the expression "فَمَنِ اهْتَدَىٰ فَإِنَّمَا يَهْتَدِي لِنَفْسِهِ وَمَن ضَلَّ فَإِنَّمَا يَضِلُّ عَلَيْهَا", emphasises the individuals responsibility for their own choices. Guidance and misguidance are not imposed by God but are the results of ones own will and deeds. This freedom, like a double-edged sword, can elevate the human to the highest honour or, if misused, lead them into error. Man, like a traveller in the desert of life, is responsible for his own destination, and God is merely the guide and leader, not a compeller of the path.
The phrase "وَمَا أَنَا عَلَيْكُم بِوَكِيلٍ" explicitly declares that God is not a trustee or guarantor for human actions. The term "وَكِيلٌ" here does not mean one who takes responsibility for a persons sins or rewards. God, like a just judge who only passes verdicts, leaves humans free in their choices and places the burden of responsibility upon them. This independence calls man to reflect on his deeds, understanding that all good and evil emanating from him returns to himself.
Certain erroneous beliefs, such as the claim that "No matter how many sins one commits, God will forgive," are incompatible with divine justice and wisdom. Such statements, sometimes attributed to saintly figures, distort religious teachings and lead humans towards negligence in their deeds. Verse 108 of Surah Yunus, emphasising individual responsibility, invalidates such claims and summons humans to accountability for their actions.
One of the fundamental lessons of this verse is the distinction between aqq-Allh (the right of God) and aqq-an-Ns (the right of people). The right of God can be forgiven through repentance and return to Him, but the right of people, which involves the rights of creation, requires restitution and obtaining the satisfaction of those wronged. Oppression against others, such as fraud or injustice, cannot be forgiven by mere repentance; one must first fulfil the rights of others. This principle, like a clear mirror, highlights social justice alongside the relationship with God.
Verse 109, stating "وَهُوَ خَيْرُ الْحَاكِمِينَ", emphasises Gods infinite justice and wisdom. He, like an impeccable judge, distinguishes with unparalleled precision between oppression and the oppressed, friend and foe, and the rights of God and those of mankind. This justice shines like a brilliant star, inviting humans to trust divine judgment and to exercise patience in lifes trials.
The command "وَاتَّبِعْ مَا يُوحَىٰ إِلَيْكَ وَاصْبِرْ حَتَّىٰ يَحْكُمَ اللَّهُ" addressed to the Prophet and believers stresses the necessity of following revelation and exhibiting patience before divine judgement. Revelation acts as a divine map pointing the way to prosperity, while patience is a steadfast shield protecting humans from difficulties. Together, these two are keys to liberation from error and arrival at the straight path.
The depiction of the Barzakh (intermediate realm) in these lectures, as a veil of truth, illustrates the seriousness of retribution for deeds. The shennbd, with grass like spikes and thorns, symbolises the torment of those who have committed oppression and infringed on the rights of others. These descriptions act as a wake-up call for humans to rectify mistakes in this world and avoid injustice. The Barzakh is a mirror reflecting ones deeds without any concealment.
Man, in the presence of divine greatness and power, is like the nul against the fz: the nul being powerless and dependent, and the fz the source of all abilities. This metaphor beautifully depicts human weakness and Gods grandeur, inviting man to humility before the Creator and avoidance of injustice against creation.
False claims, such as attributing unconditional forgiveness of sins to saintly figures, lead to deviation in religious knowledge. Such distortions, like weeds, contaminate the garden of religious knowledge and divert humans from the true path. This verse, by emphasising individual responsibility and divine justice, refutes such deviations.
Another Quranic verse referenced in this discourse states:
فَمَن يَعْمَلْ مِثْقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ خَيْرًا يَرَهُ وَمَن يَعْمَلْ مِثْقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ شَرًّا يَرَهُ
Whoever does an atoms weight of good shall see it, and whoever does an atoms weight of evil shall see it.
This verse acts as an exact scale, underscoring divine precision in rewarding and punishing. Every action, no matter how insignificant, appears before mans eyes with its consequence.
Accessing the Barzakh realms and spiritual experiences requires purity, training, and sanctity. This preparedness is like a key that unlocks the doors of knowledge and guides man towards understanding divine realities.
The Hereafter and Barzakh, contrary to some misconceptions, are no trivial matters. Vivid descriptions of Barzakh punishments, such as the conditions of scholars or mystics undergoing retribution, warn humans to earnestly reform their deeds and avoid injustice and sin. Barzakh, like a spotless mirror, reveals the truth of ones deeds.
Verses 108 and the complementary 109 of Surah Yunus, like brilliant gems within the Holy Qur'an, provide profound lessons regarding individual responsibility, divine justice, and the necessity of following revelation. These verses invite humans to reflect on their free will, accountability for actions, and trust in Gods just judgment. The distinction between aqq-Allh and aqq-an-Ns,
