The present book, through contemplation upon selected verses of Surah Al-A'raf, endeavours to elucidate the profound meanings of the Quranic text with a systematic approach grounded in divine principles. This work focuses on three pivotal verses (verses 163, 160, and 31) of Surah Al-A'raf, examining concepts such as the divine trial, the diversity of God's blessings, and the significance of adornment and cleanliness in religious conduct. The objective of this writing is to offer an interpretation that not only penetrates the depths of the verses meanings but also, by linking these meanings to social and individual life, proposes practical guidelines for faithful living. These reflections are composed in a clear and dignified language that aligns with the intellectual and spiritual needs of the readers, while authentically conveying the spirit of the Quranic teachings.
وَاسْأَلْهُمْ عَنِ الْقَرْيَةِ الَّتِي كَانَتْ حَاضِرَةَ الْبَحْرِ إِذْ يَعْدُونَ فِي السَّبْتِ إِذْ تَأْتِيهِمْ حِيتَانُهُمْ يَوْمَ سَبْتِهِمْ شُرَعًا وَيَوْمَ لَا يَسْبِتُونَ لَا تَأْتِيهِمْ كَذَلِكَ نَبْلُوهُمْ بِمَا كَانُوا يَفْسُقُونَ
And ask them concerning the town which was by the sea, when they transgressed on the Sabbath; when their fish came to them openly on their Sabbath day, and on the day they did not observe the Sabbath, they did not come to them. Thus We tested them for what they used to do in transgression.
Verse 163 of Surah Al-A'raf portrays, like a clear mirror, the divine trial of a coastal people who were tested due to their transgression (fisq). This community, on the Sabbath day, when fishing was forbidden by divine command, faced the temptation of an abundance of fish that appeared visibly on the surface of the water exclusively on this day. This phenomenon was not only a test to measure adherence to divine limits but also revealed deeper layers of transgression. In this context, transgression means departing from obedience to God; however, the verse extends beyond this definition to indicate various degrees of disobedience.
This verse beautifully delineates distinctions among the degrees of transgression. Some individuals, though treading the path of disobedience, observe certain boundaries. They are akin to chivalrous men who, despite aggressive behaviours, do not cross specific red lines. In contrast, others, likened to rabble and outlaws, observe no limits in their sins and become immersed in transgression. This distinction, like a light separating shadows, indicates the diverse levels of sin. Those who set limits in their wrongdoing maintain, in a way, respect for divine or human values, which can serve as a foundation for guidance and return to the truth.
One prominent aspect of this verse is the emphasis on the value of observing divine limits even when committing sin. God pays special attention to those who maintain boundaries in their wrongdoing, as this behaviour reflects the persistence of a pure innate nature and readiness for repentance. This concept, like a clear spring, alludes to ethical psychology in the Holy Quran. Observing limits in sin is an indication of the presence of moral values within the individual, which can guide them towards divine mercy.
Verse 163 of Surah Al-A'raf, by narrating the trial of a coastal people, imparts profound lessons regarding degrees of transgression and the importance of adherence to divine limits. This verse, like a mirror reflecting truth, demonstrates that divine tests offer an opportunity for the inner reality of humans to become apparent. The distinction among degrees of transgressionfrom chivalrous men who observe limits to rabble who know no boundariespaves the way for reflection on ethical behaviours and guidance towards repentance. This section, emphasising the value of observing limits, invites humans to preserve their pure innate nature even in the most challenging moments.
وَقَطَّعْنَاهُمُ اثْنَتَيْ عَشْرَةَ أَسْبَاطًا أُمَمًا وَأَوْحَيْنَا إِلَى مُوسَى إِذِ اسْتَسْقَاهُ قَوْمُهُ أَنِ اضْرِبْ بِعَصَاكَ الْحَجَرَ فَانْفَجَرَتْ مِنْهُ اثْنَتَا عَشْرَةَ عَيْنًا قَدْ عَلِمَ كُلُّ أُنَاسٍ مَشْرَبَهُمْ وَظَلَّلْنَا عَلَيْهِمُ الْغَمَامَ وَأَنْزَلْنَا عَلَيْهِمُ الْمَنَّ وَالسَّلْوَى كُلُوا مِنْ طَيِّبَاتِ مَا رَزَقْنَاكُمْ وَمَا ظَلَمُونَا وَلَكِنْ كَانُوا أَنْفُسَهُمْ يَظْلِمُونَ
And We divided them into twelve tribes as nations, and We inspired to Moses when his people asked for water, Strike the stone with your staff. Then twelve springs gushed forth from it, so that every people knew their drinking place. And We shaded them with clouds and sent down upon them manna and quails, Eat of the good things We have provided you. And they did not wrong Us, but they were wronging themselves.
Verse 160 of Surah Al-A'raf shines like a brilliant jewel, portraying the orderliness of divine creation and Gods boundless grace in providing for the needs of the Children of Israel. This verse, mentioning the division of the people into twelve tribes and the emergence of springs for each group, speaks of divine order in societal management. Furthermore, by the descent of the protective cloud (ghamam) and the blessings of manna and quails, it emphasises the variety and abundance of divine sustenance. This section, rejecting miracle-based interpretations, holds that these blessings result from the natural system and divine engineering in creation.
The division of the Children of Israel into twelve tribes and the allocation of a spring to each group exemplifies divine order in social governance like a precise map. This division not only prevented chaos but also fairly fulfilled the needs of each group. This structure, like a river branching into orderly streams, offers a paradigm for resource management in human societies.
The phrase We shaded them with clouds refers to a canopy of clouds that protected the people from the scorching desert heat and created humidity, facilitating the descent of manna and quails. The ghamam, like an umbrella of mercy, was not only a natural shield but also a sign of divine engineering in optimising environmental conditions. Contrary to some interpretations that regard it as an unnatural miracle, this was part of the created order God employed to support the people.
Contrary to some interpretations that limit manna and quails to tree sap or specific birds such as quail, this verse indicates the diversity of Gods blessings. Manna and quails, like a fruitful garden, comprise various agricultural and livestock products that accompanied the peoples labour and effort. This viewpoint, rejecting one-dimensional
