of Nokounam, (Session 1824)
This treatise undertakes a multifaceted examination of selected verses from the surahs An-Naba, Al-Baqarah, Ar-Rahman, Luqman, Yusuf, and Al-Hijr, analysing Qur'anic concepts through psychological, social, and spiritual lenses. The objective is to connect the sublime meanings of the Holy Qur'an with quotidian human concerns, including self-awareness, mental health, social behaviour, and the relationship with the unseen realm.
These reflections, articulated in an elevated and coherent style, endeavour to present profound Qur'anic insights in a lucid and practical format for readers. They not only elucidate divine knowledge but also propose pragmatic solutions to improve lifestyle and foster spiritual growth. The discussed verses are rendered with precise translations and presented within distinctive panels to emphasise the exalted status of the Divine Word.
Surah An-Naba, with profound expression, invites humanity to contemplate their actions and states of being. The verses of this surah, stressing the meticulous recording of deeds, posit the necessity of self-awareness and self-recognition as foundational for behavioural reform and lifestyle adjustment. This concept functions as a mirror reflecting ones actions back to the self.
The notion of enumeration (احصاء) in these verses alludes to the precise recording of human deeds and states within the Divine framework. From a psychological perspective, this recording parallels self-awareness and the imperative for continual evaluation of behaviours and choices. Just as a farmer inspects his land, the individual must engage in ongoing 'check-ups' to identify and amend unhealthy habits, including overeating, consuming harmful foods, or harbouring negative thoughts.
This process leads to harmony between body and mind, since unhealthy nutrition results in obesity or physical ailments, and impure thoughts culminate in anxiety and psychological turmoil.
The term So taste (فَذُوقُوا) herein denotes not only the afterlife punishment but also the worldly repercussions of erroneous decisions. Just as a gardener who plants unsuitable seeds reaps undesirable fruit, the human being encounters outcomes such as physical or psychological illnesses due to unhealthy choices. This view corresponds with contemporary psychological theories emphasising the impact of lifestyle on mental and physical health.
Another verse from Surah An-Naba addresses the correlation between inner maladies and external signs, inviting reflection upon this linkage.
This verse identifies internal afflictions such as envy, rancour, and pride as the roots of apparent problems. Psychosomatic perspectives recognise that negative psychological states may manifest as bodily symptoms like eruptions, obesity, or swelling. Analogous to a physician seeking physical symptoms to diagnose disease, humans are called to identify and rectify inner maladies.
For example, excessive consumption of detrimental foods, such as fats or sugars, harms the body and signals internal imbalance.
A further verse from Surah An-Naba emphasises the possibility of identifying individuals by their outward and verbal signs.
This verse, akin to a painter depicting inner characteristics upon the external canvas, stresses the reflection of inner traits in appearance and speech. From a social-psychological viewpoint, human behaviour and discourse mirror inner states. External features (marks) and speech tone are instruments through which the perceptive can discern others inner qualities.
This perspective encourages self-awareness in behaviour and speech, so that, like a clear spring, pure intentions flow forth in appearance and language.
Surah Al-Baqarah, with sagacious expression, addresses the characteristics of pious and dignified individuals, highlighting human dignity through refraining from undue requests.
