of , (Session 1847)

Preface

The Holy Qur'an, like an infinite ocean of divine knowledge, calls humanity to contemplate the boundless attributes of the Lord. One of these attributes is Al-Mujb, which beautifully manifests in numerous verses, notably in verse 62 of Surah An-Naml. This attribute, which signifies Gods unconditional responsiveness to the supplications of the distressed, is not only a testament to His limitless mercy but also an invitation to a deeper understanding of the relationship between man and the Creator. In this treatise, through a profound examination of verses related to this attribute, various dimensionsfrom absolute divine responsiveness to the limitations of human responseare elucidated within an orderly framework and articulated in an eloquent and dignified style. This analysis, reflecting on the subtleties of the verses and their connection to spiritual and social life, paves the way towards a more precise comprehension of divine wisdom.

Section One: Elucidation of the Attribute Al-Mujb in Surah An-Naml

The Concept of Divine Responsiveness in Verse 62 of Surah An-Naml

أَمَّنْ يُجِيبُ الْمُضْطَرَّ إِذَا دَعَاهُ وَيَكْشِفُ السُّوءَ وَيَجْعَلُكُمْ خُلَفَاءَ الْأَرْضِ ۖ أَإِلَٰهٌ مَعَ اللَّهِ ۚ قَلِيلًا مَا تَذَكَّرُونَ

Or is He [not best] who responds to the desperate one when he calls upon Him and removes evil and makes you inheritors of the earth? Is there a deity with Allah? Little do you remember!

This verse portrays God as the sole absolute responder who, at the moment of a servants distress, answers their supplication without any intermediary, removes their hardship, and elevates them to the status of vicegerency on earth. The rhetorical question Is there a deity with Allah? acts like a sharp sword, negating any claim of responsiveness apart from the Divine and emphasising the uniqueness of God in this attribute.

The Distinction between the Contexts of Generality and Restriction in Responsiveness

Divine responsiveness, akin to a sun shining benevolently upon all, resides within the context of generality. God, with complete dominion over the needs of all beings, instantly responds to the supplication of the distressed without the need for any precondition. In contrast, human responsiveness, like a faint candle struggling against the wind, is confined within the context of restriction. Humans, due to limitations in knowledge and capability, can only respond within the framework of their means and understanding. For instance, providing water to the thirsty or financial aid to the needy exemplifies human responsiveness, which is comparatively limited and conditional vis--vis divine responsiveness.

This distinction, like a clear boundary between heaven and earth, demonstrates the superiority of divine responsiveness. God, with His boundless knowledge, recognises not only the apparent needs but also the hidden and unknown desires of His servants and answers them accordingly. Humans, however, constrained by cognitive and material limitations, can only address a portion of the needs.

Human Limitations in Recognising the Distressed

Due to ignorance regarding the extent of creatures needs, humans cannot respond to all the distressed. This limitation, like a tall wall, prevents them from absolute responsiveness. For example, humans do not know where the distressed are located in the world, what they require, or how to assist them. This inability confines human responsiveness within the context of restriction, whereas God, with perfect knowledge of all beings, exhibits unconditional and unrestricted responsiveness.

The Challenge in the Verse and the Exclusivity of the Attribute Al-Mujb

The phrase Is there a deity with Allah? sounds as a resounding proclamation that deprives any entity other than God of the claim to absolute responsiveness. This challenge testifies to the exclusivity of the attribute Al-Mujb to the Divine Essence. No creature, from angels to humans, can claim unconditional responsiveness, as only God, by His infinite knowledge and power, is capable of answering every distressed supplication.

Summary of Section One

Verse 62 of Surah An-Naml, expressed in an exalted and profound manner, introduces the attribute Al-Mujb as one of the manifestations of divine mercy. Within the context of generality, this attribute identifies God as the sole responder to the prayers of the distressed who, without prerequisite, removes hardships and grants the station of vicegerency to humans. In contrast, human responsiveness, within the context of restriction, is limited to conditions and capacities. This distinction invites humans to contemplate the grandeur of God and their own limitations.

Section Two: The Attribute Al-Mujb in Other Verses of the Holy Qur'an

Divine Responsiveness to the Supplication of Prophet N (Noah), Peace Be Upon Him

وَلَقَدْ نَادَانَا نُوحٌ فَلَنِعْمَ الْمُجِيبُونَ

And indeed, Noah called Us, and We are the best of responders. (Surah As-Saffat, 37:75)

This verse portrays God as an excellent responder who answered the supplication of Prophet N by saving him and his family from great distress. The phrase We are the best of responders acts as a prestigious medallion emphasising the high quality of divine responsiveness.

The Salvation of Prophet N and His Family

وَنَجَّيْنَاهُ وَأَهْلَهُ مِنَ الْكَرْبِ الْعَظِيمِ

And We saved him and his family from the great distress. (Surah As-Saffat, 37:76)

This salvation exemplifies the removal of evil mentioned in Surah An-Naml. God not only saved Prophet N from the flood but also preserved his progeny as survivors and bestowed upon him a universal greeting: Peace be upon N among the worlds. (As-Saffat: 37:79). This greeting, like an eternal radiance, signifies the exalted status of Prophet N before God