the Lectures of Nokounam Session 1731
The Noble Qur'an, like a clear and boundless spring, not only serves as humanitys guide on the path of guidance but also, through its profound layers of semantic and mystical meaning, directs the spirit and soul of man towards the exalted Truth. This writing, by contemplating selected verses from the Surahs Al-Muminun, Yusuf, and Al-Hashr, endeavours with a comprehensive and profound approach to explore the fundamental concepts of these verses within themes such as obedience, social management, and the Divine Names. Inspired by Quranic teachings and expressed in eloquent and dignified language, it seeks to guide the reader toward a deeper understanding of the Word of Revelation, as if with each verse a window to the heavens of knowledge is opened.
مَا تَسْبِقُ مِنْ أُمَّةٍ أَجَلَهَا وَمَا يَسْتَأْخِرُونَ
No nation can precede its appointed term, nor can they delay it.
This verse, like a mirror reflecting the unparalleled order of the cosmos, points to the sovereignty of Divine Will over the system of existence. No nation can outpace or lag behind its destined fate; it is as if each component of this world moves in harmonious dance with the Will of the Lord, within its appointed time and place. This order is a sign of Divine wisdom and justice, interpreted in Islamic philosophy as a manifestation of Gods boundless knowledge and power. The natural world, operating under this Divine mechanism, functions with such precision that no action escapes the scope of Gods knowledge and will.
ثُمَّ أَرْسَلْنَا رُسُلَنَا تَتْرَىٰ ۖ كُلَّ مَا جَاءَ أُمَّةً رَسُولُهَا كَذَّبُوهُ ۚ فَأَتْبَعْنَا بَعْضَهُمْ بَعْضًا وَجَعَلْنَاهُمْ أَحَادِيثَ ۚ فَبُعْدًا لِقَوْمٍ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ
Then We sent Our messengers one after another; whenever a messenger came to a nation, they denied him. Thus We made some follow others, and We made them tales; so away with a people who do not believe.
This verse stands as a warning emerging from the depths of history, recounting the fate of nations who did not bow in submission to Divine guidance. The denial of messengers, an aspect of false obedience, led to the successive destruction of these peoples, transforming them into tales and lessons for others. The phrase We made some follow others is like a chain dragging disbelieving nations towards ruin, and We made them tales signifies that only their names and warnings remain. This majestic deprivation results from the conscious or unconscious choice of falsehood over truth.
In Islamic mysticism, obedience to falsehood means being trapped in the veils of the ego and distancing from the light of Divine guidance. This verse, expressed eloquently, calls upon humans to proceed on the path of truth with knowledge and will, and to avoid sophistry and misuse of religion carried out under the guise of faith.
This verse clearly distinguishes between Majestic obedience (or Jalali obedience), which is towards truth with knowledge and will, and obedience to falsehood, which stems from ignorance or obstinacy. Majestic obedience, referred to in mysticism as Iman lil-Haqq (faith towards truth), requires deep understanding of reality and a firm will to follow it. Conversely, obedience to falsehood, which many peoples in history succumbed to, leads to deprivation and destruction due to ignorance, negligence, or ill intent. This distinction draws a line separating the path of felicity from that of misery.
Iman lil-Haqq, as emphasised in this verse, depends not merely on claim but on knowledge and righteous deeds. Many claims of faith, due to lack of true understanding or exploitation of religious concepts, result in sophistry. This sophistry may originate from ignorance or deliberate intent but, in any case, diverts a person from the path of truth.
A notable point in this verse is the linguistic and semantic distinction between تَتْرَىٰ (tatra) and أَتْبَعْنَا (itiba). Tatra refers to the successive and independent sending of messengers, as if each prophet shines individually like a star in the sky of guidance. In contrast, itiba (following) refers to the peoples adherence to falsehood, which, like a chain, drags them towards destruction. This distinction separates the guiding role of the prophets from the free choice of nations, emphasising human responsibility before Divine guidance.
Verses 43 and 44 of Surah Al-Muminun, like a beacon on the path of guidance, depict Divine order and the fate of peoples. These verses, emphasising obedience to truth and avoidance of falsehood, invite human reflection on history and learning from the fate of predecessors. Divine order, majestic obedience, and the consequences of false obedience are lessons guiding humanity toward knowledge and righteous action.
يَا أَيُّهَا الرُّسُلُ كُلُوا مِنَ الطَّيِّبَاتِ وَاعْمَلُوا صَالِحًا ۖ إِنِّي بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ عَلِيمٌ
O messengers, eat of the pure things and do righteous deeds. Indeed, I am aware of what you do.
This verse, like a Divine melody, invites the messengers to enjoy pure blessings and to perform worthy deeds. Although the address O messengers appears to be directed at prophets, considering that previous prophets have passed away, it can be interpreted generally for all believers. This address is like a summons inviting all humans toward a balanced and spiritual life
