Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

Chapter 26

Verse 67-68

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

And if We please We would surely transform them in their place, then they would not be able to go on, nor will they return. And whomsoever We cause to live long, We reduce (him) to an abject state in constitution; do they not then understand? (36:67-68)

We can make your exterior like your interior

Allah says:

And if We please We would surely transform them in their place

The hint is towards the end of deniers and polytheists who revolt despite so many verses being recited to them. They have blinded their internal eye. It deserves that, “We also make them blind in such a manner that they cannot see and recognize their path.” Thus they deserve to be disfigured by Us. We may dry them up wherever they are so that they become like a stone whereby they may not be able to move forward or backward. They deserve this treatment. Those who do not shiver at such admonishment deserve that their faces become like their hearts.

Their mentality is like beasts. They are like wolves or other carnivorous animals. It is, therefore, better that We make their exterior like their interiors like We did with the People of Sabt; who, when they woke up found themselves transformed into monkeys and pigs.

So, if We wish We can do this, but it is a divine strategy to give respite, perhaps they may return to the right path. Had it been so that every man who sinned is put to instant chastisement there would be no life on earth any more.

And if Allah had destroyed men for their iniquity, He would not leave on the earth a single creature… (16:61)

Rather, they should be given respite. Perhaps, they may feel ashamed and show regret. Even if they do not regret they cannot escape from the kingdom of God.

Where can a sinner servant flee from God’s reach? God can take revenge from him any moment. It is divine mercy that you are treated kindly, but when you cross the limits, God puts you to shame.

Husain releases the stuck hands

A sinful man was so reckless that he did not hesitate to look at and touch a stranger lady and he committed such a sin in the precincts of the Holy Ka’ba at Hajre Ismail, where people pray for forgiveness. A woman had clung to the curtain of Ka’ba when that fellow placed his hand over that of the lady’s. Suddenly the hands got stuck and a shamefulness scene was created. According to what is mentioned in Manaqib, they were taken to a Qazi in the masjid who said, “There is no way to separate these hands except by cutting them apart with a knife.”

It was the time of the arrival of Husain (‘a) to the mosque. So when he came, these two persons were brought to him. The Imam first took a promise from the man that he would never again indulge in such a sin. Then he prayed to God Almighty, brought his own hand between the stuck up hands and separated them.

Her face stuck when she turned it during Prayer

It is mentioned in volume 12 of Biharul Anwar that a woman had a bent back whose husband took another wife. The second wife was always on the look out for her rival. One day, her husband came home when she was praying. He went in to the first wife while the second wife in the state of Prayer, turned her face to see what the man was doing. Her neck remained in that condition forever.

The respected scholar, Shahid Thani has also narrated this event in his book Asrarus Salat. Thus one who turns the face this way or that during Prayer should be afraid that God might make his face like that of an ass.

The poor woman requested her husband to call for a physician. All who knew were of the opinion that if the neck is turned forcibly it may break the bones. At once they came to Imam Moosa bin Ja’far (‘a) who asked her to perform repentance. After she made a sincere repentance, the Imam extended his Holy hand and corrected her neck.

Prevent open breach of fasting

O sinners and reckless people! It is heard that eating and drinking openly during the fasting month has become common. Are those Muslim shopkeepers who see people openly breaking the fasting rules like this and keep quiet, in the words of Ali (‘a), they are the living dead. O moving corpse! O silent spectators! Do you not fear God? You must prevent and prohibit such shameless disobedience of divine laws. Even if one is a traveler, he should not eat or drink openly during Ramadan.

That Allah can change the condition and appearance of people is proved by the changes in our body as we become older.

And whomsoever We cause to live long, We reduce (him) to an abject state in constitution; do they not then understand? (36:68)

Honoring the aged protects one from the great terror

Islam has made many recommendations in favor the old and aged people. It is obligatory for every Muslim to take care of his aged father and mother. If you give them discomfort, first of all, it is possible that you will see its result in this world. If you are spared here, your Hereafter is certainly in danger. Besides this, every Muslim has the duty respecting aged people. Everyone whose hair has become grey while he or she was a Muslim is entitled to respect from every Muslim. If he is unable to walk properly, give him support by placing your hand under his arm. If he needs anything it must be provided to him. Help him in every way. Among the things, which protect one from the fear of the Day of Judgment, is “Honoring the hair, which has become grey in the state of Islam”.

…do they not then understand?

How is it that one who has observed gradual changes during the lifetime, does not think of the Almighty God’s might to disfigure or remove faces? Just look at your photograph taken in youth and compare it with your face in the mirror. “Verily We are able to turn him into forms, which are worse than monkeys and swines.”

Abilities ripen in old age

Man is having two directions: Creation and Command.

…surely His is the creation and the command; blessed is Allah, the Lord of the worlds. (7:54)

Man has a body and a soul and the matter of decline refers to “creation” (physique or body construction). Bodily strength goes on decreasing so much so that he becomes the lowest in ability like a senseless baby. However, as for the soul, it can take man to perfection; but only if from his youth, he has strengthened, perfected and purified it. If he has reformed himself by the age of forty and become a real human, that is, he has freed himself from love of wealth, sensuality, materialism etc. If he has become a perfect monotheist, and is not affected by anyone except Allah; he has nothing like lust, jealousy, miserliness, hypocrisy and he does not harm anyone, he is a reformed man. A dog bites a man and not the other way round, but there are some who use their teeth like dogs, with a difference that, whereas a dog injures a body, this fellow injures the heart of a man. Thus if one reforms himself in ones youth, one improves himself in such a way that all the virtues become habits. Then these virtues improve and become perfect after forty.

Woe unto him who became undisciplined during his youth, turned towards every prohibited thing, became self-seeker, self-worshipper and comfort lover. By the age of forty, these habits become stronger.

It is narrated that if one does not improve himself by forty, the Satan kisses his forehead saying, “May I be sacrificed for the one from whom no one can hope for good.”[41]

And whomsoever We cause to live long, We reduce (him) to an abject state in constitution…

It is said that this decline is for the body, not for the soul. “We reduce him to an abject state in constitution”. Though his body goes on weakening, his spirit becomes stronger in old age, regarding the virtues cultivated during his youth. If he had been a generous person in his youth and was also kind and forgiving, his virtues become stronger in his old age so much so that he is ready to sacrifice his life in the path of God. While seeing the angel of death, he gives up his life happily.

This life which was given to me by the friend as a trust.

When I see His face, I submit it to him readily. (Persian Couplet)

Woe to the one who hoarded wealth and did not spend out of it in the way of Allah. This miserliness and lust intensify during old age.

When a faithful virtuous man reaches the age of ninety. A voice is heard: O prisoner of God on earth, God has pardoned all of your past and future sins.

Thus in advanced age, man is humility from head to toe. That is why Muslims are ordered, “O Muslims! Respect old people. Be kind to them; honor them.”

Prime time worships recorded in the old age scroll of deeds

Look at the old and aged people. God keeps calamities away from the places where they live, because they have earned God’s mercy.[42]

If he had appreciated his youthfulness, all good deeds of his prime time, will be recorded for old age that has come to him or her.

It is mentioned in narrations that if one had worshipped God during youth it will be recorded in his scroll even if he is unable to worship in his age of infirmity.

O those who have not yet reached the age of forty, move your hands and feet so that you get its reward hereafter.

Imam Zainul Aabedeen (‘a) prays, “O Lord! Extend my life as long as I spend it in Your worship. But when my life turns into a grazing field for Satan, and when it begins to be spent in Your disobedience, when I turn away from the path of Your worship, give me death before Your anger falls on me and I become entitled to Your chastisement.”[43]

Notes:

[41] Layaliul Akhbar

[42] Biharul Anwar, vol. 3

[43] Sahifa Sajjadiyah

Chapter 27

Verse 69

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

And We have not taught him poetry, nor is it meet for him; it is nothing but a reminder and a plain Quran, (36:69)

Allegation of magic on the Prophet and Quran

Then, after God threatened the deniers of God and the Hereafter, saying, “If We wish, We may blind them or disfigure them”, He refutes the allegation of the polytheists against Muhammad (‘s). Every falsehood, since it does not have any other weapon, resorts to false allegation to make things appear skewed. They try to show that they are right and the opposite party wrong. By a slanderous accusation they intended to prove that a group of people has become misguided. As the Meccans were not investigative type, even if they believe a single word of their allegations, it would be effective.

When the polytheists of Mecca saw that the word of the Holy Prophet was gaining ground and Islam was advancing, people were attracted towards Quran, believing youths mocked idol worship and distanced themselves from the path of their parents, they met together to ponder what they should do to counter Muhammad (‘s) and his followers. Walid was one of their leaders and he addressed them, “There is nothing we can do against Quran except that we may say that it is magic. Let us spread the rumor that Muhammad is a magician and that Quran also is his magic. If anyone questions our propaganda - first of all people are not so intelligent - yet, even if someone asks where that magic is? We may say, it is magic as it creates differences between people, just as magic creates enmity between people, Muhammad also is making youths oppose their parents. He has separated youths from our idols.”

Poetry is a creation of the poet’s imagination, having no reality

A period of time passed and this allegation about magic became old so they made another false allegation that Muhammad was a poet, which this verse refutes.

So, now our discussion is on poetry and poet. First of all, what is poetry? The theme, subject and production of which is not real. It is imagination, superstition, fancy and illusion, having nothing to do with reality. It is an arrangement of words conveying the poet’s thoughts in certain rhythm and on certain meters to make them more effective and attractive. For example, one says, “All this is mere poetry,” which means that it has nothing factual; only the words are attractive. Therefore, it is a proverb in Arabic “Best is that which is most false.”

For instance, Firdosi versifies the duel between Rustam and Asfandiyar and says when Rustam arrives in the battlefield: The hoofs of horses made the earths became six and the skies eight.

Can anything be further from the truth? Yet it sounds nice. Thus poets sing wonderful things in praise as well as in condemnation. They can even turn an oppressor into a first class man of justice and similarly, show a just person to be a tyrant.

Anyway, the Meccans alleged, “You are a poet. You are making verses for this Quran, which does not contain any truth, being mere imagination.” So the Quran says:

And We have not taught him poetry, nor is it meet for him…

That is We did not teach him poetry. Nor does it befit him.

it is nothing but a reminder and a plain Quran,

The Prophet is a divine personality; a teacher sent by God and taught by God, while a poet has only imagination. What poet imparts knowledge and perfection to society?

Quran has in fact condemned poetry.

And as to the poets, those who go astray follow them.

Do you not see that they wander about bewildered in every valley? And that they say that which they do not do, (26:224-226)

Didactic poems, panegyrics and elegies for Ahle Bayt (‘a) is good poetry

Thus we now know what condemned poet and poetry mean? It means condemnable are those who present falsehood in a pleasing form. However if one uses beautiful and effective words in defense or in praise of truth, it is not at all objectionable, such as a didactic poem, panegyric or elegy of Ahle Bayt. Since such poetry is more effective, its rank is also high and hence it is desirable. Therefore Quran says, “Except those who believe and do good and remember Allah much,” Such truth-teller poets are exempted from condemnation as they have faith and they do good. Such poets restrain from falsehood and they do not praise one who is not praiseworthy, and do not condemn those not liable for condemnation.

There are poets who sing eulogies for oppressors. They lie and sing worthless songs for payment from the public treasury. If they are given fewer amounts, they start condemning them. There are such examples in modern journalism also. The dethroned Shah used to send millions of dollars to foreign periodicals that they may not publish facts, rather they may show the opposite and sing his praises.

However, the journalists too, like poets, can support truth through their pen and serve the Muslim world just as they are capable of concealing the truth and supporting Israel.

Poetry is an undesirable way of earning livelihood

The poetry of Sadi, especially, is not condemnable as they are words of admonition. Islam has not condemned such poetry. It is said: A stomach filled with blood and pus is better than a stomach filled through poetry. However, that poetry is not condemnable which truthfully describes the gracefulness of Ahle Bayt and gives admonition, and which speaks against the enemies of Ahle Bayt and the polytheists. During the earlier days of Islam, the polytheists had poets who sang against the Holy Prophet and Islam. Then there also were some poets who had become Muslims, who fittingly opposed the poetry of the false poets making them angry. They condemned which was false and anti Islam.

It is mentioned in Tafsir Majmaul Bayan that once the Holy Prophet (‘s) asked Hisaan to climb the pulpit and recite his poetry condemning the polytheists. After he completed the recitation, the Holy Prophet said, “Your poetry is deadlier than poisoned arrows for the polytheists.” It really was so. Poetry relating to the caliphate and guardianship of Ali (‘a) was also recited by Hisaan at Ghadeer Khum. In that connection, the Holy Prophet (‘s) told him, “So long as you assist us, you will be supported by the Holy Spirit.” This was a hint at Hisaan’s deviation after the passing away of the Holy Prophet when he inclined towards Muawiyah.

Indeed, it was one of the miracles of the Holy Prophet that he did not pray unconditionally in favor of Hisaan. Hisaan, in his lasts days, turned towards Muawiyah and recited eulogies for him, while at the same time composed poems condemning Ali (‘a). Thus his end was bad. Therefore, the Prophet had said, “As long as you are on the right path, helping the truth, you will get support from the Holy Spirit.”

If one says the truth and gives truthful admonition he is very much worthy of praise and respect.

Poetry of Husain bin Hajjaj in the presence of Syed Murtaza and Aale Booyah

This relates to the 19th of Ramadan when Ali (‘a) was struck by the poisonous sword of Ibne Muljim: In the year 300 Hijri, Masood bin Aale Booyah came to Najaf Ashraf. Izzudaulah had discovered a treasure, which he intended to spend on the grave of Ali (‘a). So he sent Masood to Najaf and he engaged in the aforesaid construction work. At that time, Husain bin Hajjaj, the famous poet of those days was composing couplets in praise of Ali (‘a). He had also composed a poem with regard to the Imam’s tomb, which he recited in the presence of Aale Booyah and Syed Murtaza, the representative of the syeds: O the owner of the white dome in Najaf.

Indeed, his poetry is wonderful and he has brought together the virtues of Ali in it. Every couplet gladdened the hearts of Ali’s friends and made his foes distraught. His poetry went to the extent of taunting the caliphs and Abu Hanifah, which was against dissimulation. Therefore Syed Murtaza stopped him, saying it was enough.

The poet was displeased and he left the meeting as he thought that instead of being praised he was ordered to stop the recitation. He went home in a sorrowful state of mind and that night he saw Ali (‘a) in his dream. He was saying, “Do not be gloomy, O Ibnul Hajjaj. I have issued orders for redressal. Tomorrow, the Syed will come to you. You may remain seated in your place so that your honor is maintained.”

Syed Murtaza also was a very great man. Apparently too he was a chief of Sadat (Syeds). In his dream, he also saw his ancestor, Ali (‘a), who appeared angry. So he asked, “O Master! I am your sincere son. What made you wrathful against me?” He replied, “Why did you break my friend’s heart?”[44] Now, go to him tomorrow, apologize and also make recommendation in his favor to Ibne Booyah (so that he may give him a good reward).”

So, the Syed also, notwithstanding all his honor and rank, got up and went to Ibne Hajjaj. As he reached the door of Ibne Hajjaj said loudly from his seat, “The Master who has sent you here has also asked me not to get up from my seat.” The Syed replied with all humility, “I have heard and I have obeyed.” Then he himself came to Ibne Hajjaj and sought pardon, took him to Aale Booyah and explained to him that he has earned the pleasure of Ali (‘a). A robe of honor and a permanent pension was granted to the poet.[45]

Reverting to our topic, we can say that most of the time, poetry is falsehood and it spreads untruth, while Quran is absolute truth and it separates falsehood from truth.

Most surely it is a decisive word, And it is no joke. (86:13-14)

Quran, the reminder of God and the hereafter

Poetry is nothing but mindlessness towards God and hereafter, whereas Quran makes man remember God, His virtues, His actions and the Hereafter.

Poetry rouses passions but Quran turns man towards God. There can be no comparison between the Heavenly Preacher and the poet and his poetry.

…nor is it meet for him…

That is it is unfitting and becoming of him to recite poetry. Quran is clear admonition. It is a reminder. It is life-giving. Its laws enliven and sustain individuals and the society. Every society, which follows it, is alive forever if God wills.

Our society has, due to the grace of Quran, become free from the clutches of imperialists, colonialists and rebels. Our heads are now high and hereafter, under the shade of the Holy Quran, we shall live honorably forever.

Human life is affected by Quran

That it may warn him who would have life, (36:70)

That is one who is alive. What kind of living or life is mentioned here? Of course, it is not an animal or a vegetable life. The vegetable life is always in growth. As regards animal life, it is under the influence of instinct. Rather, what is meant here is the heart or soul of man. Its sign is hope in God. One who is inhuman does not have this sign. It is man who realizes that everything is in the hands of Only One God. Therefore he relies only on God. His hope and his fear, both are connected to God. Quran is for such living persons.

…and (that) the word may prove true against the unbelievers.

Meaning what was told about the disbelievers came to be true. Here ‘Word’ perhaps means the threat of hell. Verily the deniers are worth entering hell. They are those who have no life of humanity in them. They are dead and soulless. They are blind and deaf and unable to understand or realize anything.

And certainly We have created for hell many of the jinn and the men; they have hearts with which they do not understand, and they have eyes with which they do not see, and they have ears with which they do not hear; they are as cattle, nay, they are in worse errors; these are the heedless ones. (7:179)

Notes:

[44]The poets of Ahle Bayt were indeed always ready to sacrifice their lives and their lives were really in danger as they were very strongly attached to Ahle Bayt.

[45] Waqaaya Al-Aiyaam of Khayabani

Chapter 28

Verse 71-76

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

Do they not see that We have created cattle for them, out of what Our hands have wrought, so they are their masters? And We have subjected them to them, so some of them they have to ride upon, and some of them they eat. And therein they have advantages and drinks; will they not then be grateful? And they have taken gods besides Allah that they may be helped. (But) they shall not be able to assist them, and they shall be a host brought up before them. Therefore let not their speech grieve you; surely We know what they do in secret and what they do openly. (36:71-76)

God created the quadrupeds for you

Let us ponder on the above verses. Did this man not see whom God has given intelligence? Does he not see that We created him with Our hands and created the quadrupeds, which are owned by them? Just think upon it. Firstly, how We created and secondly, how We gave them under your control; that is man is now their owner. God decided thus. Otherwise, the One Who is their Creator is also their Owner in the true sense. If God does not make it man’s property, man would not be able to benefit from them. God created sheep so that man may take benefit from them in various ways.

He may eat its nice meat and consume its milk and use it wool for clothing. There is nothing in this animal from which man does not benefit. So much so that even its hoofs are used in medicines.

Benefits of riding and use of milk, meat and wool

And therein they have advantages and drinks;

How delicious is the milk of these quadrupeds! What a great benefit they have in serving as beasts of burden and their meat and wool is useful too.

…will they not then be grateful?

Are you not then thankful? Unless man becomes thankful and realizes the bounty of God, what is the difference between him and an animal? In the animal like matters of eating, sleeping, passions and anger, man and animals are alike. In the matter of art and craft too, some animals are intelligent. There is no difference in things that end in death. The only exceptions are truthfulness, knowing God and the Hereafter. For example, man should aim to be a physician that he may serve people. If his aim is merely material, then he gets its reward only here (in this worldly life). Anyway, whatever is related with humanism and the value of which remains forever is the virtue of knowing the Benefactor, appreciation of the bounties and thankfulness to God.

Rebels try to achieve Godship behind the excuse of idols

And they have taken gods besides Allah that they may be helped. (36:74)

Allah says, “We gave these bounties to man. We put camels, cows, and sheep under his control. They also ride some of them.” What a wonderful mount a camel is; it is the ship of the desert. This man, instead of knowing God better and thanking Him more, and never forgetting Him, carves out, in place of God, imaginary gods in the form of idols. At the head of such wayward people are the false Gods who are rebels against God. Minds get diverted to idols of stone and wood. The truth is that these idols are shields for the rebels. They feign Godship from behind these idols. Idols and temples are mere pretexts.

During the days of Pharaoh, idols and idol worship were rampant and Pharaoh, in the name of (or as) the God of gods, was defrauding the people.

All dictators are such and they all practice polytheism against God. These dictators demand from people what God demands from man. God commands man to carry out His orders and to accept whatever He says. Sultans, Kings, and Shahs are also like that. It is nothing but royal decrees against divine commandments!

Mobilized armies have no ability to help

(But) they shall not be able to assist them, and they shall be a host brought up before them. (36:75)

Meaning those who are taken as helpers instead God have no ability to render any help. Troops are ready but cannot do anything. For example, during the Islamic Revolution of Iran thousands of American advisers along with half a million troops armed with modern weapons were present to protect the kingdom of Muhammad Reza Shah to protect the interests of America. But, when God decides, none of them could be of any avail. Despite all the mobilized armies of imperialists there was no one to help the Shah.

Therefore let not their speech grieve you; surely We know what they do in secret and what they do openly. (36:76)

Their talk should not grieve you as We know what they hide and what they declare. If the non-believers sting you, you will not be harmed. The disbelievers taunt about the belief in monotheism but the believer must be pleased with his God and remain steadfast.

In order to weaken the spirit of Iranian people during the revolution they spread threats and rumors. They played a new mischief daily in one place or another, but the hearts of the faithful are strong due to their faith and reliance on God. The God, Who made them reach here, will, if He so decides, bring them to perfection. The victory of the Islamic Revolution of Iran was not the handiwork of men; it was God’s. It was totally beyond the material means. So, just as our eye was only on God in the beginning it should remain so hereafter also.

Chapter 29

Verse 77

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

Does not man see that We have created him from the small seed? Then lo! he is an open disputant. (36:77)

Benefits of remembering ones origin

On many occasions in the Holy Quran, God had reminded man how he was created. He was a puny sperm. It is commanded that man must always remember this. Allah says, “Man must obligatorily ponder over this.” He should think deeply and see from what he is created, from a drop of gushing water which came from between the back of his father and breasts of his mother.

So let man consider of what he is created. He is created of water pouring forth, coming from between the back and the ribs. Most surely He is able to return him (to life). (86:5-8)

Thus man should never forget from what he is created. What is desired from such pondering is to understand the beginning and it also proves the Hereafter. The third benefit is that it makes man give up the animal like habits such is ignorance, ego, pride and selfishness.

Proof of origin through embryo

From the viewpoint of proof of the origin, when an intelligent man thinks over it, he sees that he was a drop of semen, which is detestable. Then the Designer Lord drew a wonderful picture! He formed the heart, liver, brain and all other parts and organs of body. Then see the arrangement of bones from a fluid and that too in a dark and uneven place. In the words of Quran: In three-fold darkness of the umbilical membrane, the womb and the abdomen.

Is it ever possible that all this should happen automatically and without any higher power? Can there be an effect without a cause, a creation without a creator? Reason and intelligence do not accept this. Such a wonderful creation! The more man ponders over his own creation, more he understands and realizes the Might of God.

The second rising must also occur

Regarding the second rising or the Hereafter, after man pays attention, he sees that first he was an embryo. The semen came out of the passage. It contained or it was made up of liquids spread all over the body. It is only by the Might of God that these liquid particles gather in semen. That is why ejaculation makes the whole body sluggish.

According to a narration, they once asked the Imam (‘a), “Why is it so that after urination, it is enough purification to wash only the organ and parts to be washed during ablution, whereas ejaculation requires washing of the entire body?” Imam replied, “Particles of semen come from all the parts of the body.”

On another occasion too he (man) was diffused and scattered because semen is obtained from food that man eats. A portion of it also is released in the form of semen. What was his food? Rice, wheat and vegetables, which also were scattered in the earth. These scattered particles got together to form food. They entered the body of the father and then gathered in the form of semen at one place. Thus you have gone through collection and scattering twice during your life. So, after your death also, your body will get scattered and again recollected. Are you astonished at this third occasion?

Does not man see that We have created him from the small seed? (36:77)

In the next verse also He says:

And he strikes out a likeness for Us and forgets his own creation. (36:77)

That is, he has forgotten his own creation and therefore, astonishingly asks as to how God will gather or recollect the rotten bones?

Mention of the first and the last condition removes ego

The third benefit of mentioning man’s origin is improvement of man himself. He realizes that he is born of a despicable drop. His beginning was dirty and smelly. So will be his corpse, dirty and stinking. Then what is there to be proud of and to be egoistic?

One of the reforms that such admonition brings is submission to Almighty God and acceptance of every truth. When he thinks that in the beginning I was merely a drop. What did my Lord do to this drop? He gave eyes and ears.

There surely came over man a period of time when he was a thing not worth mentioning. (76:1)

He also provided a tongue, hands and feet. He remembers such great bounties of God and becomes thankful to the One Who granted all this. He should be thankful unless he is blind and deaf and does not understand how great and precious these bounties are.

How much submissive you should be to the Lord Who gave so many precious and invaluable bounties to you? One who denies this truth is, first of all, inimical to his own Lord. In fact he is denying God.

Then lo! he is an open disputant.

That is, he is an open enemy. O the one who is unmindful of your own origin! You say, “I am, but there is no God.” How foolish and silly you are! You enter into altercation and hostility! This is because you do not think. Otherwise you will be thankful, not hostile. You must never forget you original and initial weakness so that you may not become a rebel like this.

Your rebellion is because of ignorance, negligence, and unmindfulness. Tafsir Ruhul Bayan has mentioned an Arabic proverb:

A fellow didn’t know shooting. I gave him daily lessons. When he was able to shoot, he shot, first of all, me. The one who knew nothing of poetry, when I taught poetry, he first of all, sang in my condemnation.

A third example

I saw a puppy and I brought him home to feed. When it grew up, first of all, it has bitten me!

Man’s condition is also like this. He had nothing and God gave him everything. Now he denies God and does not accept the One Who gave him all kinds of bounties and abilities. He believes in his own being but not in God’s existence. He does not accept his responsibility and forgets his connection with God, that is, the eternal self-existence of God. He believes in self-reliance and independence for himself, which in itself is blasphemy, and finally he does not submit to Truth.

Chapter 30

Verse 77-80

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

Does not man see that We have created him from the small seed? Then lo! he is an open disputant. And he strikes out a likeness for Us and forgets his own creation. Says he: Who will give life to the bones when they are rotten? Say: He will give life to them Who brought them into existence at first, and He is cognizant of all creation, He Who has made for you the fire (to burn) from the green tree, so that with it you kindle (fire). (36:77-80)

Seeing with mind and heart is more important

Did not man see what We created him from? The Arabic word for “see” is “Yara” whose apparent meaning is seeing with the eye, but here it means seeing with the eye of intelligence or mind, because, it is more important and more powerful than seeing with physical eyes. Knowledge gained from physical sources can be faulty and the eye is more likely to err, but knowledge is important. If a thing is seen and it causes or provides knowledge then it is right. Many a time it so happens that there are things before ones eyes but one cannot know about them. You must also have experienced this. You cannot pay attention, because, mind is somewhere else. So, seeing with the eye is of any value only when it results in knowledge and understanding. Eyes cause mistakes in understanding on a number of occasions. When one spins a fireball speedily you see a circle of fire but actually there is only a single fireball. The effect of spinning creates an illusion of a circle of fire.

Thus what is most important is to understand the fact. “Does not man see” means that he has not known or understood the absolute truth, which is higher than physical perception? We created him from semen. Now he is arguing, quarreling and contending with Us! He cites an example and dispersing rotten bones, asks, “Who can enliven these powdered bones?”

Particles of the body are not beyond the knowledge of God

Say: He will give life to them Who brought them into existence at first… (36:79)

Meaning that One Who created him first and brought him into existence from non-existence will create once again. Is the second creation more difficult than the first one? On the first occasion, even the particles of bones were not there. If it is said that these particles are scattered at various places, He replies:

…and He is cognizant of all creation…

He is more knowledgeable about each and every creation of His. Everything is included in the knowledge of God. In the next verse, He gives a fine description to mention the vastness of His knowledge. Whenever one is astonished, if one is reminded of God’s limitless power, it becomes easy for him to understand. It is wrong for man to try to measure the power of God on the basis of his little knowledge. For your little power it may be difficult to recreate man from dust, but God’s might cannot be measured in this way. He Who created once can create it again.

Fire from vegetation

God creates for you green and dry trees. Water and fire are opposites. But the Mighty Hand of God brought water and fire together at one place without fire destroying water or water destroying fire.

He Who has made for you the fire (to burn) from the green tree, so that with it you kindle (fire). (36:80)

Generally commentators have said that here it means trees of Narkh and Afaa, which are found in Arabia. There is a special quality in them, that if two of their pieces are rubbed together they produce fire. They used to serve as matchsticks, as rubbing them together produced fire.

…so that with it you kindle (fire).

That is, it becomes your lighter or igniter. In olden days, when there were no matches people used flint stone and these two trees also served as matchsticks. Generally, all trees have water and fire in them. The matter, which causes fire, is there in all. Of course, fire appears after the subjugation of its wetness. It is either dried up or the heat of sun subjugates that wetness or liquidity. Thus what the commentators have said about the Narkh and Afaa trees, is apparently on account of their being lighters of that time. Otherwise, this quality is present in every tree.

Thereafter, God reminds, on the whole, of truths about the machinery of heavens (skies) and the earth.

Is not He Who created the heavens and the earth able to create the like of them? Yea! and He is the Creator (of all), the Knower. (36:81)

Cannot the One Who created the grand universe, along with innumerable spheres in space, create their lives (from men)? There are in the space thousands of galaxies. In every galaxy there are thousands of spheres and the distance between them must be measured in terms of light years!

O the one whose greatness is seen in the skies. (Supplication)

It is narrated that once Imam Reza (‘a) said, “What God has created on earth is a mere drop when compared with the first sky (heaven). What is in the first sky if compared with the second sky is like a drop in a sea. Such is the truth with regard to the skies upto the seventh one and the Arsh (The Divine Empyrean)…”Can man say how many ants are there in a street? It is mentioned about Baitul Mamoor that God daily creates seventy thousand angels. They come into the said house (Baitul Mamoor) and leave it. This continues constantly in such a way that their next turn will not come until the Day of Judgment. So, God knows everything about His creations.

It is mentioned in Nahjul Balagha: An army of angels is always in a state of standing up and an army in bowing and in army in prostration. A group is constantly weeping due to fear of God.

He has created everything and Only He knows His creations and His great friends. Otherwise, it is impossible for others to reckon, count or compute them.