This treatise, reflecting upon verse twenty-one of Surah l Imrn in the Holy Quran, embarks upon an exploration of the profound concepts of Divine mercy, human response to the blessings of the Lord, and the consequent ethical and spiritual ramifications. This verse, articulated with sagacity, speaks of experiencing Divine mercy subsequent to hardships and critiques the ingrate conduct of mankind in the face of such blessings. The purpose of this work is to provide a comprehensive analysis of this verse and the related teachings, articulated in a fluent and coherent manner, inviting the reader to contemplate their relationship with God and cultivate the virtue of humility. The present composition employs allegories and literary allusions to endeavour to convey the Divine messages in a clear and impactful manner.
وَإِذْ أَذَقْنَا النَّاسَ رَحْمَةً مِّن بَعْدِ ضَرَّاءَ مَسَّتْهُمْ إِذَا لَهُم مَّكْرٌ فِي آيَاتِنَا ۚ قُلِ اللَّهُ أَسْرَعُ مَكْرًا ۚ إِنَّ رُسُلَنَا يَكْتُبُونَ مَا تَمْكُرُونَ
And when We bestowed mercy upon mankind after adversity had touched them, behold, they devised stratagems against Our signs. Say: God is the swiftest in devising stratagems. Verily, Our messengers record what you plot.
The Holy Quran, in this verse, employs the term أَذَقْنَا to describe a delicate and tangible experience of Divine mercy. This bestowal is akin to a sweet draught of the Lords affection, which, after the bitterness of life, wafts upon the human heart like a soothing breeze. Divine mercy, which may manifest in the form of material blessings, spiritual tranquility, or the facilitation of lifes affairs, is granted to humanity following difficulties and distress. This cycle of hardship and relief reveals Divine wisdom in the cultivation of man, as though God tempers the human being within the furnace of lifes trials to refine the essence of their existence.
Hardships and afflictions, including turmoil and regret, constitute part of the human educational path. God, by bestowing mercy following these tribulations, calls humanity towards gratitude and thankfulness. This mercy sometimes appears as relief in worldly matters and sometimes as spiritual serenity. However, human beings, prone to forgetfulness, may, in the face of this Divine test, turn away from gratitude and instead resort to self-exaltation and heedlessness. This heedlessness, like a dark shadow, falls upon the light of Divine mercy and leads mankind away from the path of guidance.
The noble verse, with the phrase إِذَا لَهُم مَّكْرٌ فِي آيَاتِنَا, alludes to the ungrateful reaction of some humans towards Divine mercy. Here, mkir (deception) refers to trickery and exploitation of Gods blessings and signs. This deception sometimes appears as self-praise and attributing blessings to personal capabilities. Instead of recognising the blessing as from God, man, in a conceited illusion, considers himself worthy and deserving of it, saying, I was thus or I deserved this blessing. This self-exaltation is like a dagger that wounds the heart of sincerity and propels man towards internal disbelief.
In response to human deception, God proclaims Himself as أَسْرَعُ مَكْرًا the swiftest in devising stratagems. This expression does not signify deceit but a wise and expeditious plan that neutralises every human plot. Divine stratagem is like lightning that shatters the darkness of human deception and confronts man with the reality of his deeds. This Divine plan attests to the infinite knowledge and power of the Lord and makes man aware that no stratagem escapes Divine scrutiny.
The Holy Quran continues in this verse with إِنَّ رُسُلَنَا يَكْتُبُونَ مَا تَمْكُرُونَ, highlighting the precise oversight of Divine angels over human actions. Angels, as trustworthy scribes, record every human deception with meticulous care. This record is like a mirror that reflects human deeds without any veil, holding man accountable for his conduct. This vigilance serves as a warning that no act, however hidden, escapes the sight of God and His messengers.
Attributing blessings and perfections to oneself is a form of arrogance which internally culminates in disbelief. God, the true possessor of all perfections and the sole sovereign, admits no partner in His Lordship. Human beings, as feeble servants, must confess their weakness and regard every blessing as from the Lord. This arrogance resembles a jealousy that God holds towards His own majesty; not out of need, but out of grandeur and glory. The arrogant person is like one who claims to shine light before the sun and considers himself independent of Divine radiance.
Opposite to arrogance, humility and modesty serve as keys that unlock the gates of Divine mercy. Acts of worship such as prostration, bowing, and supplication guide man to acknowledge his weakness before God. These acts resemble mirrors that reveal the reality of servitude and prevent self-exaltation and deception. Prostration, like a falling leaf from a lofty branch, returns man to the soil of his existence and reminds him that he possesses nothing but Divine grace.
The circumambulation around the Kabah, a simple yet sacred stone, symbolises humility before God. By revolving around this House, man metaphorically turns around the axis of existence and acknowledges that all belongs to God. This tawf, like a dance in harmony with Divine rhythm, frees man from egocentrism and guides him towards sincerity and humility. Seeking intercession through the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) likewise reminds man of the reality of servitude and dependence upon God.
Sinners who fall into sin out of ignorance, such as those neglecting prayer or committing other transgressions, retain the path of repentance open to them due to the absence of arrogance and pride. These individuals, by admitting their ignorance and weakness, can seek refuge in Divine mercy and obtain forgiveness. The sinner resembles a lost traveller who reaches his destination by returning to the right path. God, with His boundless mercy, accepts and guides these wanderers.
Conversely, the arrogant, who attribute blessings to them
