of Nokounam, (Session 1853)
Good and evil, like two wings of a bird soaring in the sky of knowledge, occupy a profoundly exalted position in the Holy Quran. These two concepts are not only interwoven within the fabric of divine verses, but also, like a mirror, reflect the reality of human existence and its relationship with the Creator. In this treatise, through an in-depth examination of the Quranic verses, the concepts of good and evil are studied under the light of verse interpretation and contemplation on their meanings. This study, relying on the structure of the verses and precise analyses, opens a path towards a deeper understanding of the system of creation and divine wisdom. The objective is to represent these concepts in a manner that, like a beacon, illuminates the path of truth-seeking and guides the heart and mind of the reader towards knowledge.
Goodness in the Holy Quran is sometimes employed as an attributive description in the context of comparison between creatures and the Almighty God. This goodness not only indicates the absolute superiority of the Lord but, like a breeze that causes the branches of trees to dance, reveals divine unity and omnipotence in contrast to the dispersion and deficiency of creatures.
يَا صَاحِبَيِ السِّجْنِ أَأَرْبَابٌ مُّتَفَرِّقُونَ خَيْرٌ أَمِ اللَّهُ الْوَاحِدُ الْقَهَّارُ
O two companions of the prison, are separate lords better or Allah, the One, the Irresistible? (Quran 12:39)
This verse employs goodness descriptively, using the superlative form (خَيْرٌ), posing a rhetorical question whose answer is self-evident: The One, Omnipotent God, due to His unity and omnipotence, is superior to the separate lords (creatures, whether idols or humans). Here, goodness signifies superiority and preeminence rather than an independent noun. Creatures, although they may possess some goodness, have it only relatively and limitedly, whereas divine goodness is absolute and boundless. This comparison, like a contest between light and darkness, introduces divine unity as the source of absolute goodness and regards multiplicity of creatures as a sign of defect and dispersion.
From a philosophical perspective, this verse underscores the connection between goodness and unity. Multiplicity, due to inherent dispersion and defect, cannot embody absolute goodness, while divine unity, like a sun illuminating everywhere, manifests goodness in its most complete form. This concept invites human reflection upon monotheism and the avoidance of polytheism.
Goodness in the Holy Quran is sometimes applied as an attribute of God in His role as the best protector. This attribute, like a shield guarding against the harms of time, illustrates divine protection superior to human safeguarding.
قَالَ هَلْ آمَنُكُمْ عَلَيْهِ إِلَّا كَمَا أَمِنتُكُمْ عَلَىٰ أَخِيهِ مِن قَبْلُ ۖ فَاللَّهُ خَيْرٌ حَافِظًا ۖ وَهُوَ أَرْحَمُ الرَّاحِمِينَ
He said, "Shall I entrust you with him except [while] you are observers over him?" And Allah is the best guardian, and He is the most merciful of the merciful. (Quran 12:64)
In this verse, goodness is used descriptively in the form of an annexation (خَيْرٌ حَافِظًا) or extension (خَيْرٌ حَافِظٍ), depicting God as the best protector. Goodness here means superiority in safeguarding and indicates that God, compared to humans or any other beings, possesses flawless and perfect guardianship. This attribute is coupled with the epithet the Most Merciful of the merciful (أَرْحَمُ الرَّاحِمِينَ), demonstrating the intimate connection between divine goodness and mercy as two rivers flowing into one ocean.
Divine protection, unlike human protection which is prone to error and defect, is like a steadfast pillar, enduring without flaw. This verse calls the believers to place their trust in God and shows that divine goodness in protection surpasses any relative human good.
Goodness in the Holy Quran is sometimes employed as a descriptor in reference to divine guardianship and reward, manifesting the superiority of divine recompense and outcome over worldly matters like a clear spring.
هُنَالِكَ الْوَلَايَةُ لِلَّهِ الْحَقِّ ۚ هُوَ خَيْرٌ ثَوَابًا وَخَيْرٌ عُقْبًا
There [at that time] is the guardianship of Allah, the true. And He is best in reward and best in outcome. (Quran 18:44)
This verse uses goodness descriptively in the form of extension (خَيْرٌ ثَوَابًا وَخَيْرٌ عُقْبًا), describing divine guardianship as the source of goodness in reward and final outcome. Here, goodness means the superiority of divine reward and a favourable ending compared to worldly rewards and ends. Divine guardianship, like a mighty tree, is rooted in truth and its fruit is endless goodness.
The distinction between thawab (reward based on faith) and ajr (general recompense) is emphasised here. Divine goodness in reward, due to its connection with sincere faith and pure intention, stands apart from any worldly recompense. This concept urges humans towards sincerity
