of Nokounam, may his sanctity be honoured (Session 1802)
Surah As-Saffat, the thirty-seventh chapter of the Holy Quran, is like a precious gateway to divine knowledge, inviting humanity to contemplate the existential ranks, dialogues of the inhabitants of Paradise and Hellfire, and the obstacles to spiritual perfection. This Surah, relying upon profound mystical and practical concepts, illustrates the path to liberation from the shackles of greed and avarice, introducing the sacred name Salm as a key to unlocking the doors of the unseen. In this discourse, through an in-depth examination of the verses and derived analyses, efforts have been made to present its meanings in an eloquent language and a coherent structure for seekers of knowledge.
Surah As-Saffat depicts a Paradise wherein, contrary to common assumptions, not all dwellers occupy the same station. Every individual attains a position commensurate with their rank and status, which, like the Divine Names, is diverse and manifold. This diversity manifests the boundless mercy of the Lord who guides each according to the capacity of their existence towards perfection. However, Paradise is devoid of all greed, avarice, comparison, and envy; factors that distinguish it from the earthly realm.
Hell, like Paradise, possesses ranks. Among these ranks is Sawa al-Jahm, introduced as a particular level of Hell. Unlike Paradise, whose attainment requires a difficult spiritual journey, Hell is, in a spiritual sense, closer to humanity. This proximity does not imply ease in committing sins, but rather easier access to understanding its realms along the path of spiritual progression.
The ranks of Paradise and Hell, like steps on the ladder of existence, invite humans to reflect on their own station. Paradise, with its varied ranks, reflects divine mercy free from any carnal contamination, whereas Hell, with its spiritual closeness, serves as a warning for the seeker to be aware of the obstacles in their spiritual journey.
Verses 50 to 57 of Surah As-Saffat refer to the dialogues of the inhabitants of Paradise, who speak with transparency and sincerity about the fate of their worldly friends. In these verses, the blessed recall a companion who did not believe in the Resurrection and is now trapped in Hellfire.
فَأَقْبَلَ بَعْضُهُمْ عَلَىٰ بَعْضٍ يَتَسَاءَلُونَ
"Then some of them turned towards others, questioning one another."
This dialogue symbolizes the openness in Paradise, where no concealment exists. The inhabitants speak with pure hearts, free of envy, expressing gratitude for their own stations in Paradise.
The dialogues of the inhabitants of Paradise exemplify purity and intimacy, reflecting the liberation of humans from carnal fetters. These verses encourage reflection on ones relationships and their impact on the hereafter.
Greed and avarice are introduced as viruses that prevent the human soul from achieving perfection. A person afflicted by comparison and greed cannot access the realms of the unseen. Liberation from these viruses lightens the individual and enables spiritual flight along the path of ascension and progression.
The seeker must abandon comparison with others and even greed towards God and the Hereafter. This renunciation guides the heart toward purity, a heart devoid of all carnal defilements.
Greed and avarice are the greatest barriers to spiritual progression, hindering the seeker from reaching perfection. Overcoming these obstacles requires continuous practice and attention to the purification of the self.
The name Salm, as one of the intrinsic Divine Names, is introduced as a key to unlocking doors of goodness and blessing. Continuous invocation of this name cleanses the inner self of violence, greed, avarice, and arrogance, guiding it toward the unseen realms.
سَلَامٌ عَلَىٰ نُوحٍ فِي الْعَالَمِينَ
Peace be upon N among the worlds.
This verse indicates that when God sends peace upon someone, all creatures also greet them, signifying attainment of high spiritual stations.
The seeker should continually recite Salm to all beings, from God and the Prophets to angels and even inanimate objects, purifying the heart. This invocation acts like a battering ram breaking internal barriers and leading the heart toward purity.
The name Salm functions as a light illuminating the darkness of the self and guiding one toward a pure heart and access to unseen realms. Its continual remembrance is a pathway to liberation from carnal barriers and attainment of perfection.
The Prophets and saints are divided into two categories: the lovers, who attain perfection through austerity and effort, and the beloved, who reach the highest stations through affliction and pain. Abraham (peace be upon him) is cited as an example of a lover, and Ishmael (peace be upon him) as an example of the beloved.
قَالَ يَا أَبَتِ افْعَلْ مَا تُؤْمَرُ ۖ سَتَجِدُنِي إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ مِنَ الصَّابِرِينَ
He said: O my father, do as you are commanded; you shall find me, God willing, among the patient.
Ishmael, with decisiveness and without doubt, reveals a pure heart, while Abraham experiences hesitation in the face of affliction.
The lovers and the beloved represent two distinct spiritual paths. The lovers achieve perfection through exertion and austerity, whereas the beloved do so through acceptance of tribulation. This distinction illustrates the diversity of paths to the Truth.
Man is a being of unparalleled authority, capable of establishing communication with all realms, including angels, jinn, and spirits. The sole obstacle to this authority is greed and avarice, which can be removed by invoking Salm and purifying the self.
Human authority is like a gateway that opens toward the unseen realms upon purifying the soul from greeds contamination. This authority elevates man to a transcendent being capable of understanding and communicating with all levels of existence.
The seeker must continually invoke Salm upon all beings, cleansing the heart of the viruses of greed and avarice. This invocation, like clear water, washes away the souls impurities and guides the heart toward purity.
Renunciation of greed, not only for worldly matters but also for the Hereafter and even God, eradicates the root of all corruptions. By freeing oneself from these desires, the seeker attains a pure heart, which is the gateway to perfection.
Religious knowledge must evolve from mere presentation of information to actual attainment, vision, and sanctity. The lineage of the Prophets lies in movement, vision, and attainment, not in remaining confined to mere study. This transformation necessitates reevaluation of educational and training methods so that religious knowledge may lead to spiritual perfection.
The practical applications of Surah As-Saffat invite humans to practise the invocation of Salm, abandon greed, and transform religious knowledge. These actions pave the way for liberation from carnal obstacles and attainment of perfection.
Surah As-Saffat, like a radiant torch, illuminates the path to spiritual perfection. Emphasising the existential ranks, the dialogues of the inhabitants of Paradise, the obstacles of greed and avarice, and the role of the name Salm in self-purification, it guides humanity toward a pure heart and access to the unseen realms. The lovers and the beloved represent two distinct paths in this spiritual journey, each attaining perfection in their own manner. Human authority is contingent upon liberation from greed and connection with the unseen, and religious knowledge must evolve towards attainment and vision. This treatise, grounded in the verses of the Holy Quran and profound analyses, endeavours to present these teachings in an eloquent language and coherent framework.
