An environment for growth: reflections on Soorah Al A'laa

(Note: the following are reflections based upon the 87th chapter of the Qur'an. The translation, unless otherwise stated, has not been shared. This allows the reader to consult the English translation of their own choice. All translations are my own, unless otherwise stated.)


One of the main functions of the Qur'an is that it compels us to think, to ponder on its words, its message, as well as how that plays out in our lives or the world around us. This Soorah is particularly interesting, in that it weaves together a tapestry of images designed to evoke deep thought. This Soorah is often recited in Salaat Al Witr and Salaat Al 'Eid.


(A) Q 87:1-5

The symmetry is beautiful. The structure of the creation, the physical world, is evidence of Allah's work, displaying reasons we should glorify him.

(B) Q 87:6-7

It reads "We (God) will relate to you, so forget not, except as Allah has willed, Indeed, He knows the visible as well as the hidden". Some have taken this as textual evidence of abrogation (Naskh) in the Qur'an, not only in the development of laws, but even texts. Some have read this as proof that the Prophet was to "Forget" some of the Quranic revelation. The latter view is particularly disturbing, as it presents the Qur'an in a very weak position, as if it is so unworthy of adherence that it has to literally be forgotten. The nature of the Qur'an is the opposite, it is read, memorized and pondered upon by millions, ever since its revelation. To attribute dismissing any Quranic revelation to the Prophet is to do a disservice to both the Prophet, (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and the Qur'an itself.

In his comments, the Qur'an commentator and translator Muhammad Asad  (whose work is called The Message of the Qur'an) alludes to these verses not actually referencing the Prophet or the Quranic revelation given to him. He argues that these verses refer to "mankind's cumulative acquisition of empirical and rational knowledge, handed down from generation to generation and from one civilization to another"(ft.1)

We state this in another way, Allah conveys lessons, points of reference or information, that will be submerged when more important or useful points are needed. This is the Divine system, alluded to elsewhere in the Qur'an, and can be related to all points in the life of  a single human being.

(C) 87: 8-13

"And We (Allah) will make the easiness easy for you, so do remind, because reminder is beneficial, such reminder will be really beneficial for those who have fear of God, yet, that reminder will be shunned by the most wretched ones, who will enter the great fire, therefore, in it they neither experience death nor life."

The core commands of God are easy, and He has made them easy. Being open to guidance is-in fact- a characteristic of guidance. Those who shun reminders are those who carry arrogance within themselves, who eventually enter a fire (in this life, fully experienced in the life to come) that consumes them, they can not life healthily therein, nor can they mercifully expire.

(D) Q 87:14-15

There is a logical flow present in this Soorah. Being open to Divine blessings, being able to see the big picture and praise God for it, dropping what God wants you to drop, in order to progress in life.

The rectification of the soul (Tazkiyatun Nafs) is am important subject within Islam, rooted in the Qur'an, it has been noticed by the many great minds of the Muslim civilization, such as Imam Al-Ghazali, but the point being is that we have to be consistent in looking at self, just as we are consistent in bathing!

Vigilance in purifying efforts is mainly exercised, as the verses indicate, through reciting the name(s) of Allah and through prayer.

The classical commentator Abul Qasim Mahmud Az-Zamakhshari  (d.1144) cites the importance of purification from idolatry, disobedience, as well as acts of physical purification which precedes prayer, as concrete examples of things to do to be vigilant in soul-care (ft.2).

(E) 87:16-19

It is my view that these verses can apply to both the life now (Dunya) and the life after death, as well as life with and without guidance.

The life without guidance can be glittery. It is glitter. It is attractive in many ways. However, the life of substance, of real and tangible core values, morals and ethics, a life of God-connection, that is the real life, the enduring life.

These insights were presented and symbolized by both Abraham and Moses, upon both of them be peace. They stood for God and were connected to him.

Footnotes

(1) The Message of the Qur'an by Muhammad Asad (Gibralter 1980) page 1080.

(2) Al Kashaaf 'An Haqaaiq At Tanzeel, page 556, Vol.2 ( Beirut edition, 2016)

Thoughts on Muslim Unity in the midst of Differences

Introduction

From a faith perspective, religion comes to provide clarity, guidance, and light in a world of confusion, fears and anxiety.  We are conditioned to accept that it is all clear cut, black and white, right or wrong.

Scriptural citations are made in order to validate particular theological or methodological positions, and an assumption is automatically made that any disagreement with the position in question amounts to religious corruption, rejection of faith, or even rejection of God himself (i.e. atheism).

The purpose of this brief post is to outline some important points to remember when encountering views or methodologies that are counter to our own.  The primary focus of this article is the religion of Islam and the Muslim community.


One Scripture, Many Interpretations

A profound expression attributed to the Prophet's son in law, 'Ali ibn  Abi Taalib, says that while the Qur'an is from God, its interpreters  are humans. Diversity is a part of the human experience, and creation itself would be a dull ad boring existence if not for the various ways of understanding and applying ideas, arts, and any other item you could name.

For Muslims we are blessed to have a scripture that is universally accepted as being the same text that emanated from the Prophet (FT.1). It is viewed as a text that is totally secure from corruption. It is the most read and scrutinized religious text.

While there has always been differences in interpretation (ft.2), the primary as well as the most of the secondary foundations have always been accepted. Thus, Shiites and Sunnis accept the Qur'an, Prophet Muhammad ( Sall Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam), the five pillars, the articles of faith, and so forth.  Divergence from these core principles have rightly been viewed with suspicion.

The Qur'anic language itself is largely general. It deliberately does not always go into specifics. Indeed, the story that forms the second chapter of the text highlights the pitfalls of always looking for precise details.  Allah The Almighty  asks the Children of Israel to make a sacrifice. They demand the specific details of the animal, so much so that the point of doing that was lost.

With that said, it is also a part of the nature of the Quranic text that it has allowances for the mind to delve into it, to bring out gems of insight, beautiful and profound realizations that impact one's faith, law, and social development. 

Unity through diversity

Within the same religious community, even the same sect, differences can emerge. This is part of the development of man.  The Qur'an itself states thusly :" And if God has wanted, He would have made you one unit...( Q 5:48).

Allah wants us to benefit from diversity, indeed, unity itself can be achieved when we can accept that differences are fine, so long as the foundational structures are present.

I believe that the trend to make everyone think and act the same, atleast in an Islamic framework, comes from an imperialist mindset. It assumes that we are always right, and other always wrong. It stems from a desire to exercise power, and it is such mindsets that we have to be cautious of.

There is always more grey than black and white. Life and its surrounding circumstances can be very complex and complicated. Our experiences may not be the experiences of others, we are often not privy to the social and religious realities of others.

Allah wants dedication and sincerity, Not Robotic movements

All of us are aware that the Qur'an says that God desires neither blood nor meat, but rather taqwaa. Taqwaa is a by product of moral and spiritual intelligence.It has to be cultivated, and that takes time. Knowledge and wisdom likewise takes time to develop. It is actually lifelong. Mistakes can be made along the way, but that is also a means by which lessons are learned.

 Conclusion 


Islam is a religion that seeks the best for its followers, indeed, for mankind itself. This is why it is not only against the consumption of intoxicants and gambling (waste of resources), it is also against destructive concepts such as racism, sexism, and the like. We seek the preservation of all that makes life worth living, all that makes life safe and happy.

Unity is achievable through diversity, and diversity is likewise achievable by the recognition of the true source of unity, THE LORD OF ALL. The Lord of all has put us in the situations that we are in. He has put us in the environments we are in, and has allowed us to make judgements that are-hopefully- in line with the goals and apsirations of all human beings, justice, peace and security.

Let us avoid sectarian pitfalls, try to stick to the fundamentals of our faith, agree on what we all agree upon, agree to disagree, and move on.


Footnotes

[1] While the  religious teaching that the Qur'an was given to the Prophet by God through the Angel Jibril (Gabriel) is disputed by Non Muslims, it should be accepted by all hands that the Qur'an was recited from the Prophet to humans.

[2] The differences in interpretations, at least in the early period, seemed to be more around Fiqhi issues rather than theological points. There are a variety of interpretative methods that have been employed throughout the ages, approaches to scripture that have yielded great results. A good way to understand the Qur'an, even if reading it in a language other than Arabic, is to read it consistently, take notes, ask those whose knowledge and insight you can trust and respect, and keep in mind that your own relationship to the text will keep changing as your own life expands in experiences.