The Holy Quran, like a radiant lamp, illuminates the path of human guidance and beautifully articulates the mysteries of creation and the evolutionary journey of mankind within its verses. Verse 19 of Surah Yunus, with profound and exalted expression, refers to the primordial unity of human beings and subsequently their dispersion and divergence, emphasising the Divine wisdom in delaying judgment until the Day of Resurrection. This verse invites mankind to contemplate their origin and the path they must traverse to attain perfection. In this treatise, relying on the lectures of religious scholars, the explanation of this verse and its profound concepts is undertaken. The objective is to present a comprehensive perspective on human stages, from the Ns to faith, with an emphasis on the necessity of distancing oneself from animalistic traits and progressing towards Divine proximity. This work, with an organised structure and lucid language, endeavours to provide these teachings in a coherent and dignified manner for the readers.
وَمَا كَانَ ٱلنَّاسُ إِلَّآ أُمَّةًۭ وَٰحِدَةًۭ فَٱخْتَلَفُوا۟ ۚ وَلَوْلَا كَلِمَةٌۭ سَبَقَتْ مِن رَّبِّكَ لَقُضِىَ بَيْنَهُمْ فِيمَا فِيهِ يَخْتَلِفُونَ
And mankind was but one community; then they differed. And if not for a word that had already gone forth from your Lord, their dispute would have been settled between them.
This verse, like a mirror, portrays the initial unity of humanity before our eyes and then, by referring to their differences, reveals the Divine wisdom in granting mankind a reprieve to choose their own path. Subsequently, the concepts of this verse will be elucidated and analysed.
Verse 19 of Surah Yunus, with concise and profound language, narrates the story of human unity and difference. This verse invites humans to reflect upon their innate origin and the path forged through their choices. The Divine wisdom in delaying judgment provides an opportunity for humans to move towards perfection with awareness and free will. This section lays the foundation for understanding human stages and the necessity of ascending from Ns to faith.
The term Ns in the Holy Quran refers to the lowest human stage which follows animality. Ns is like a human who remains bound by instincts and animalistic traits, distant from inner and spiritual perfections. This stage resembles barren land that, despite having the potential to bear fruit, if neglected, becomes overrun by weeds. Ns is characterised by traits such as oppression, injustice, and animalistic tendencies, yet simultaneously holds the latent capability to ascend to higher stages.
Following Ns, the stage of Bashar refers to the outward characteristic of human uprightness. This stage resembles the earthly body standing tall but has not yet attained inner perfections. The stage of Insn, however, refers to the inner self and spiritual perfections of humans associated with knowledge, awareness, and piety. This stage is like a flower blossoming in the garden of faith, spreading the fragrance of monotheism and Divine proximity. The progression from Ns to Bashar and then to Insn is a journey from appearance to essence, from earth to the heavens.
Nasns refers to those humans who remain at the Ns stage, dominated by animalistic traits such as injustice, oppression, and misguidance. This group resembles trees bearing thorns and brambles instead of sweet fruits. Nasns is a human who has distanced themselves from their innate monotheistic nature and is mired in the quagmire of instincts. This concept serves as a warning to humans to avoid descending into this stage and to strive towards perfection.
The human stages, from Ns to Insn, resemble a ladder guiding humans from earth towards the heavens. Ns is the starting point that, despite its potential for perfection, can regress into Nasns and animalistic traits through neglect. Bashar and Insn represent higher stages characterised by outward uprightness and inner perfections, leading humans towards faith and Divine proximity. This section emphasises awareness of these stages and the endeavour to ascend towards faith.
The Holy Quran, emphasising the postponement of Divine judgment until the Day of Resurrection, highlights Gods justice and wisdom. God, as a just arbiter, leaves humans free in this world to choose their path of guidance or misguidance by their own volition. This freedom is like a seed sown in the soil of free will, whose fruit will be harvested on the Day of Reckoning. The Resurrection is the time when God settles human disputes, rewarding or punishing each according to their deeds.
Humans who remain at the Ns stage and engage in animalistic behaviours such as oppression and injustice distance themselves from their innate monotheistic nature. Such behaviours act like chains binding humans to their instincts, preventing their ascent to higher stages. The religious critique of these behaviours serves as a warning to avoid this pitfall and to strive towards perfection with awareness and piety.
Faith is a gem that guides humans from the Ns stage towards humanity and Divine proximity. Lawful livelihood, correct upbringing, and a spiritual environment are like fertile soil nurturing the seed of faith. These factors steer humans away from animalistic instincts towards knowledge and piety. The journey towards faith is possible through conscious choices and continuous effort.
Divine judgment in the Hereafter is the consequence of human choices in this world. Faith is the key that leads humans from the Ns stage towards perfection, and environmental factors such as lawful livelihood and proper upbringing play a fundamental role in this path. The critique of Ns-like behaviours warns humans to avoid animalistic instincts and to progress towards faith and Divine proximity with awareness and piety.
Verse 19 of Surah Yunus, like a blazing torch, invites humans to reflect on their innate origin and the path forged through their choices. The primordial unity of humanity in their innate monotheistic nature marks the beginning of a journey that, through differences and voluntary choices, leads to dispersion. The Divine wisdom in delaying judgment until the Day of Resurrection grants humans the opportunity to move consciously and freely towards faith and perfection. The human stages, from Ns to Insn and faith, resemble a ladder elevating humans from earth to the heavens. This treatise, through elucidating these concepts and critiquing Ns-like behaviours, underscores the necessity of distancing from animalistic traits and striving towards faith. May these teachings serve as a guiding light for humans on the path to Divine proximity.
Supervised by Sadegh Khademi
