Interpretation: The Divine Reward and Punishment System in Light of the Concepts of Athbah, Asbah, and Furqn

the Lectures of Nokounam, (Session 1833)

Preface

The Noble Quran, like a radiant light, guides humanity towards truth and delineates a precise and just system for the reward and punishment of human deeds within its verses. The concepts of Athbah, Asbah, and Furqn constitute fundamental keywords in this heavenly book, each referring to an aspect of the divine system reflecting human actions. This treatise endeavours, through contemplations on these concepts and related verses, to provide a comprehensive exposition of this ethical system employing eloquent language and an orderly structure. The examination of selected verses from the chapters of Midah, Fath, Kahf, Maryam, Fajr, Abs, Arf, Ysuf, Tawbah, l Imrn, and Furqn opens a window to a deeper understanding of the relationship between deeds and recompense within the divine order. This work, utilising precise analyses and spiritual analogies, strives to present these concepts in a lucid and cohesive framework for readers.

Part One: The Concept of Athbah and the Divine Reward System

The concept of Athbah in the Noble Quran resembles a mirror reflecting human deeds in the form of divine reward. This term, derived from the root Thawb (ثوب), meaning return and reversion, refers to the recompense that God bestows upon servants commensurate with their actions. In this section, the verses pertinent to this concept from the chapters Midah, Fath, Kahf, and Maryam are examined.

Chapter Midah: Explication of the Divine Ethical System

Verses 81 to 85 of chapter Midah, like a precise map, delineate the standing of various religious groups within the divine ethical system. These verses, by distinguishing between the Jews, Christians, and believers, point to the doctrinal and behavioural differences among these groups.

Key Point: The Position of Humility in Faith

The absence of arrogance among the Christians acts as a key that opens the doors of faith. Humility and avoidance of self-exaltation provide the groundwork for acceptance of truth and proximity to the divine system.

Verse 82, Midah:
لَتَجِدَنَّ أَشَدَّ النَّاسِ عَدَاوَةً لِلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا الْيَهُودَ وَالَّذِينَ أَشْرَكُوا ۖ وَلَتَجِدَنَّ أَقْرَبَهُمْ مَوَدَّةً لِلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا الَّذِينَ قَالُوا إِنَّا نَصَارَىٰ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّ مِنْهُمْ قِسِّيسِينَ وَرُهْبَانًا وَأَنَّهُمْ لَا يَسْتَكْبِرُونَ

Translation: Surely, you will find the most intense of people in enmity toward the believers to be the Jews and those who associate others with God; and you will find the nearest of them in affection to the believers to be those who say, We are Christians. That is because among them are priests and monks, and because they are not arrogant.

This verse explicitly introduces the Jews and polytheists as the most hostile groups towards the believers due to their doctrinal and behavioural opposition to the principles of faith. In contrast, the Christians, due to the presence of clergy (priests) and ascetics (monks), and the absence of arrogance, are closer to faith. Humility acts as fertile soil in which the seed of truth grows.

Verse 83, Midah:
وَإِذَا سَمِعُوا مَا أُنْزِلَ إِلَى الرَّسُولِ تَرَىٰ أَعْيُنَهُمْ تَفِيضُ مِنَ الدَّمْعِ مِمَّا عَرَفُوا مِنَ الْحَقِّ ۖ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا آمَنَّا فَاكْتُبْنَا مَعَ الشَّاهِدِينَ

Translation: And when they hear what has been revealed to the Messenger, you see their eyes overflowing with tears because of the truth they have recognised. They say, Our Lord, we have believed; so register us among the witnesses.

This verse, like a clear spring, reveals the profound impact of divine verses upon the hearts of the Christians. The tears streaming from their eyes testify to their knowledge and submission before the truth. The supplication So register us among the witnesses represents a covenant made with conscious faith.

Verse 84, Midah:
وَمَا لَنَا لَا نُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَمَا جَاءَنَا مِنَ الْحَقِّ وَنَطْمَعُ أَنْ يُدْخِلَنَا رَبُّنَا مَعَ الْقَوْمِ الصَّالِحِينَ

Translation: And why should we not believe in God and in what has come to us of the truth, and [why] do we hope that our Lord will admit us with the righteous?

The motive for the Christians faith is like a stream springing from the fountain of knowledge. The aspiration to associate with the righteous indicates a rational faith and hope for eternal good.

Verse 85, Midah:
فَأَثَابَهُمُ اللَّهُ بِمَا قَالُوا جَنَّاتٍ تَجْرِي مِنْ تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ خَالِدِينَ