the Lectures of Nokounam, may his sanctity be preserved (Session 1828)
Surah Al-Anm, one of the Meccan chapters of the Holy Quran, shines like a brilliant gem in the firmament of divine knowledge and, with eloquent and profound language, calls humanity towards contemplation on monotheism, the boundless mercy of God, and the intrinsic reality of the self. This treatise, focusing on verses 12 and 54 of this Surah, undertakes a deep exploration into the theological, mystical, psychological, and sociological dimensions encapsulated therein. Its aim is to unfold the layers of meaning within these verses through a scientific and methodical approach, relying on principles of rhetoric, syntax, and Quranic sciences, thereby providing a coherent and lucid exegesis. Preserving the spirit and message of the verses, this work reconstructs and explicates their concepts in an elevated style befitting an academic research setting, so as to reflect the divine truth of the scripture before the readers eyes like a mirror.
قُلْ لِمَنْ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ ۖ قُلْ لِلَّهِ ۚ كَتَبَ عَلَىٰ نَفْسِهِ الرَّحْمَةَ ۚ لَيَجْمَعَنَّكُمْ إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ لَا رَيْبَ فِيهِ ۚ الَّذِينَ خَسِرُوا أَنْفُسَهُمْ فَهُمْ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ
Say: To whom belongs whatever is in the heavens and the earth? Say: To God. He has enjoined mercy upon Himself. Surely He will gather you on the Day of Resurrection, there is no doubt about it. Those who have wronged their own souls do not believe.
Verse 12 of Surah Al-Anm commences with a rhetorical question that, like a key, unlocks the doors to the knowledge of divine monotheism. The structure "Qul liman m f as-samwti wal-ar" and the emphatic reply "Qul lillh" illuminate, like a thunderbolt, the truth of Gods absolute sovereignty over the heavens and the earth. This question and answer not only elucidate the doctrine of monotheism but, with brevity and clarity, direct the listeners mind towards reflection on the grandeur of God.
From a mystical perspective, this rhetorical structure invites the human being to reject polytheism and reflect on the unity of existence, as if every particle of being sings a hymn of Gods ownership. Psychologically, the brief reply "Lillh" flows like pure water, instilling certainty and assurance in the heart of the audience. Sociologically, this verse, emphasising divine ownership, promotes unity and social cohesion under the banner of faith in God.
Accuracy in comprehending the Quranic verses is akin to a lamp that illuminates the path to truth. Errors in analysing linguistic structures, such as adding "lillh kataba" to the verses response, can distort the meaning. For instance, in another verse like "Wazn bil-qiss al-mustaqm" (Isr: 35), confusing the imperative form "Wazn" with the past tense "Wazan" leads to a misinterpretation. Or, in the verse "Kaayyibin mina as-sam" (Baqarah: 19), distorting "Kaayyibin" to "Kab" or "Kstaqim" instead of "Kamathali Istaqim" exemplifies common morphological and syntactical errors.
From a scientific viewpoint, this highlights the necessity for mastery of rhetoric, syntax, and morphology. Mystically, precision in understanding verses is a pathway to approaching divine truth, for every error distances the seeker from Quranic knowledge. Psychologically, such precision reduces misunderstandings and strengthens confidence in religious comprehension.
Accurate comprehension of the issues formulation is like a key that unlocks the dilemmas of exegesis. Just as in mathematics, precision in the problems statement contains the correct answer, so too in Quranic interpretation, meticulous analysis of a verses structure and content paves the way for correct understanding. Examples such as mistaking "Wazn" for "Wazan" or "Kaayyibin" for "Kab" demonstrate errors stemming from carelessness in problem formulation.
Scientifically, this approach reinforces research methodology in Quranic sciences. Mystically, precision in verse comprehension acts as meditation drawing one nearer to truth. Psychologically, it rescues the mind from dispersion and confusion.
كَتَبَ عَلَىٰ نَفْسِهِ الرَّحْمَةَ
He has enjoined mercy upon Himself.
The phrase "Kataba al nafsih ar-ramah" shines like a light from the divine essence, introducing mercy as an essential and fixed attribute. Here, "Kataba" means to make obligatory or decreed, and "nafsih" refers to the divine essence. This phrase understands mercy not as a voluntary action but as an inherent quality of God.
Mystically, this verse describes divine mercy as an endless flow from Gods essence towards existence, inviting humans to contemplate divine beauty. Psychologically, the emphasis on mercy instils tranquility and hope within believers hearts. Sociologically, this verse lays the foundation for promoting a culture of mercy and kindness in social relations.
The Prophetic tradition "Sabqat ramatuhu ghaabahu" (His mercy precedes His wrath)
