THE WILL OF ALLAH PREVAILS IN SHAPING THE DESTINY OF MAN, LETTING THE LIGHT OF GUIDANCE SHINE IN A HEART TO MAKE IT PERCEIVE THE DIVINE REALITY (SURAH INSAN-76 Part-II)

 

     They are the ones who willingly extend every kind of help and care, both material and moral to fellow beings. “and who give food - however great be their own want of it - unto the needy, and the orphan, and the captive” (Quran 76:8), It means extending kindness towards all who are in need of help, may it be believers, non-believers or even the animals who are dependent on man. They do so just to please their lord, it isn’t to get any praise from anyone.  “(saying, in their hearts) "We feed you for the sake of God alone: we desire no recompense from you, nor thanks” (Quran 76:9): It’s just because they fear their standing in front of their Sustainer on that day, which is being promised to them. “behold, we stand in awe of our Sustainer's judgment on a distressful, fateful Day!" (76:10). Since they be knowing their responsibilities in this world and thus would be fearful of their Lord in all their dealings, therefore their faces will be radiating in delight. “And so, God will preserve them from the woes of that Day, and will bestow on them brightness and joy” (76:11).  “and will reward them for all their patience in adversity with a garden (of bliss) and with (garments of) silk” (Quran 76:12). The gardens, the clothing- all are the allegory to the rewards of that place. “In that (garden) they will on couches recline, and will know therein neither (burning) sun nor cold severe” (Quran 76: 13), “since its (blissful) shades will come down low over them, and low will hang down its clusters of fruit, most easy to reach” (Quran 76: 14). The blissful shades are one of the characteristics implicit in the concept of "paradise", moreover, the trees with fruits hanging down in humility for their service and as much as they may desire.   “And they will be waited upon with vessels of silver and goblets that will (seem to) be crystal” (Quran 76: 15). “crystal-like, (but) of silver - the measure whereof they alone will determine” (Quran 76: 16). “And in that (paradise) they will be given to drink of a cup flavored with ginger” (76:17), “(derived from) a source (to be found) therein, whose name is "Seek Thy Way" (76:18). These verses contain an allusion to the highly allegorical character of the concept of "paradise" as a spiritual consequence of one's positive endeavors in this world. Though Quran mentions these delights more of a material nature as is also evident from their varying descriptions.    However, all the delights and beauties of paradise, their vastness and their joy, cannot be imagined as a man’s mind cannot comprehend that completely.  We have the image of gardens through which running waters flow with blissful shades, spouses of indescribable beauty, and many other delights infinitely varied and unending, and yet somehow comparable to what may be conceived of as most delightful in this world. “And immortal youths will wait upon them: when thou seest them, thou wouldst deem them to be scattered pearls” (76:19); “and when thou seest (anything that is) there thou wilt see (only) bliss and a realm transcendent” (76:20). “Upon those (blest) will be garments of green silk and brocade; and they will be adorned with bracelets  of silver, And their Sustainer will give them to drink of a drink most pure” (Quran 76:21). Quran mentions the outward beautification with silk and ornaments. This means that Allah Himself will satisfy their spiritual thirst by purifying their inner selves "of all envy, and rancor, and malice, and all that leads to harm, and all that is base in man's nature" and by allowing them to "drink" of His Own Light. “(And they will be told) "Verily, all this is your reward since Your endeavor (in life) has met (God's) goodly acceptance!" (Quran 76: 22).

          Here is the mention of the gradualness of Quranic revelation, one true bestowal from Allah. “VERILY, (O believer) it is We who have bestowed from on high this Qur'an upon thee, step by Step truly a bestowal from on high!” (76:23). Next is the mention of the life to come where the evildoers will meet with sufferings and the righteous will meet with bliss. “Await, then, in all patience thy Sustainer's judgment, and pay no heed to any of them, who is a willful sinner or an ingrate” (Quran 76:24).