Surah Al-A’raf – Ayah No. 19 – 25

Surah Al-A’raf – Ayah # 19 – 25 (7:19 – 7:25)

A.   TRANSLATION

١٩  وَيَا آدَمُ اسْكُنْ أَنْتَ وَزَوْجُكَ الْجَنَّةَ فَكُلَا مِنْ حَيْثُ شِئْتُمَا وَلَا تَقْرَبَا هَٰذِهِ الشَّجَرَةَ فَتَكُونَا مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ

[Quran 7:19] And Ya Adam (آدَمُ)! ‘Askan (اسْكُنْ) you and Zoujuka (وَزَوْجُكَ) the Jannata (الْجَنَّةَ). Then Kula (فَكُلَا) from Haes’u (حَيْثُ) Sha’iteuma (شِئْتُمَا) and not you Taqraba (تَقْرَبَا) this- the Shajarata (الشَّجَرَةَ), then you Takuna (فَتَكُونَا) of the Zwalimeen (الظَّالِمِينَ).’

 

٢٠  فَوَسْوَسَ لَهُمَا الشَّيْطَانُ لِيُبْدِيَ لَهُمَا مَا وُورِيَ عَنْهُمَا مِنْ سَوْآتِهِمَا وَقَالَ مَا نَهَاكُمَا رَبُّكُمَا عَنْ هَٰذِهِ الشَّجَرَةِ إِلَّا أَنْ تَكُونَا مَلَكَيْنِ أَوْ تَكُونَا مِنَ الْخَالِدِينَ

[Quran 7:20] Then Waswasa (فَوَسْوَسَ) to them the Shaytaan (الشَّيْطَانُ) so that to Yubdeya (لِيُبْدِيَ) for them what Wawareya (وُورِيَ) near them of their Sawatehuma (سَوْتِهِمَا). And Qala (وَقَالَ), ‘What Nahakuma (نَهَاكُمَا) you your Rabbekuma (رَبُّكُمَا) near this- the Shajarate (الشَّجَرَةِ) except that you Takuna (تَكُونَا) Malakeen (مَلَكَيْنِ) or you Takuna (تَكُونَا) of the Khalideen (الْخَالِدِينَ).’

 

٢١  وَقَاسَمَهُمَا إِنِّي لَكُمَا لَمِنَ النَّاصِحِينَ

[Quran 7:21] And Qasamahuma (وَقَاسَمَهُمَا) them, ‘Indeed, I to you, is what if not of the Naas’eheen (النَّاصِحِينَ).’

 

٢٢  فَدَلَّاهُمَا بِغُرُورٍ ۚ فَلَمَّا ذَاقَا الشَّجَرَةَ بَدَتْ لَهُمَا سَوْآتُهُمَا وَطَفِقَا يَخْصِفَانِ عَلَيْهِمَا مِنْ وَرَقِ الْجَنَّةِ ۖ وَنَادَاهُمَا رَبُّهُمَا أَلَمْ أَنْهَكُمَا عَنْ تِلْكُمَا الشَّجَرَةِ وَأَقُلْ لَكُمَا إِنَّ الشَّيْطَانَ لَكُمَا عَدُوٌّ مُبِينٌ

[Quran 7:22] Then Dallahuma (فَدَلَّاهُمَا) them with Ghurur (بِغُرُورٍ). So that what Zaqa (ذَاقَا) the Shajarata (الشَّجَرَةَ) Badata (بَدَتْ) for them their Sawatuhuma (سَوْتُهُمَا) and T’afeqan (وَطَفِقَا). Yakhs’efane (يَخْصِفَانِ) upon them through Waraqe (وَرَقِ) the Jannate (الْجَنَّةِ). And Nadahuma (وَنَادَاهُمَا) them their Rabbuhuma (رَبُّهُمَا), ‘Did I not Anhakuma (أَنْهَكُمَا) you near this, like what – the Shajarate (الشَّجَرَةِ) and did I not Aqul (وَأَقُلْ) to you that the Shaytaan (الشَّيْطَانَ) is what for you, except as Auduan (عَدُوٌّ) Mubeen (مُبِينٌ)?’

 

٢٣  قَالَا رَبَّنَا ظَلَمْنَا أَنْفُسَنَا وَإِنْ لَمْ تَغْفِرْ لَنَا وَتَرْحَمْنَا لَنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ الْخَاسِرِينَ

[Quran 7:23] Qala (قَالَا), ‘Rabbana (رَبَّنَا) Zalamna (ظَلَمْنَا) Anfusana (أَنْفُسَنَا) and indeed, you not Taghfir (تَغْفِرْ) for us and Tarhamna (وَتَرْحَمْنَا) so that Nakunana (لَنَكُونَنَّ) of the Khasireen (الْخَاسِرِينَ).’

 

٢٤  قَالَ اهْبِطُوا بَعْضُكُمْ لِبَعْضٍ عَدُوٌّ ۖ وَلَكُمْ فِي الْأَرْضِ مُسْتَقَرٌّ وَمَتَاعٌ إِلَىٰ حِينٍ

[Quran 7:24] Qala (قَالَ), ‘Ahbet’u (اهْبِطُوا) – some of you to others as Aduwan (عَدُوٌّ) and for you through the earth Mustaqarran (مُسْتَقَرٌّ) and Mata’a (وَمَتَاعٌ) for Haenin (حِينٍ).’

 

٢٥  قَالَ فِيهَا تَحْيَوْنَ وَفِيهَا تَمُوتُونَ وَمِنْهَا تُخْرَجُونَ

[Quran 7:25] Qala (قَالَ), ‘in it you Thaeyuna (تَحْيَوْنَ) and in it you Tamuna (تَمُوتُونَ) and from/through it you Takhrejuna (تُخْرَجُونَ).’

 

B.   THE CONCEPT:

 

THE CONTEXT

Through the earlier Ayahs of Surah Al-A’raf, we have learned the Sajda of the Malaik to Adam: Allah has created us, and has given us best of the best form, shape with our physical and non-physical traits, our nature, DNA and the way we’re created. Allah then instructed and commanded the Malaik to do Sajda to Adam. Keeping in mind that Malaik are the owners, possessors and messengers of the powers, the processes and the forces of nature on the basis of which Allah has created and kept running the whole universe; and Adam is that stage of humanity, that has passed the initial evolutionary process of ‘Homo Sapiens’, has reached the stage with faculties to seek and use knowledge and have capacity for intellect and therefore appointed as Khalifa- the trustee, caretakers of the earth, who has been handed over the job to look after the earth and other lifeforms on the planet. The fact that Allah has commanded the Malaik to do Sajda, i.e., submit to, support, strengthen and be obedient of in complete and utter conviction the Adam, shows that it’s the ability of the humanity to seek and use knowledge on the basis of which Allah’s Malaik can then support, submit to, strengthen and be subservient to the humanity.

 

Through the earlier Ayahs we have learned the four Important Divine Warnings about Iblees- 1) Iblees is unable to do Sajda to Adam: All the Malaik of Allah would support, strengthen, submit to, and can become subservient to Adam, except Iblees, who is our main and chief enemy, who has been assigned duties by Allah to test humans against the presence of their free will, by always trying to mislead us, and go against our interests, and therefore the Malaik of Iblees could never be among those who would submit to us, support, strengthen us, work in our favors or be aligned to our interests. The reason why Iblees could never do Sajda to Adam is because the nature of duties as appointed for Iblees by Allah, is to bring about completion to Allah’s Amar of bringing to life the unchangeable, fixed and inflexible aspects of fire, devastation and destruction as associated with hell and hell-like Azaab. We, as humanity, on the other hand, has been created by Allah with such traits which are flexible, changeable, as we tend to get diverted and slip away from the fitrat of Allah, of Allah’s path, and became delusive, blind followers. It’s the job of Iblees to remain fixed and inflexible to lead the humanity towards the fire, destruction and hell-like Azaab. 2) The Duties of Iblees and how these duties are carried out by Iblees: The job of the Iblees is to make humanity fall and go down in terms of being downgraded, demoted, devalued, reduced and lowered in ranks, importance, prestige and value than the way they were created by Allah- as per Fitrat of Allah. Iblees carries out the whole process of thinking, observing, closely watching, by giving undivided attention, inspection, focus and by carrying out investigation in order to carry out the well-known and confirmed aspects, events, laws, people and elements of Shaytan; for which Iblees have been sent as a mission with a clearly defined objectives, i.e., to act as clear and chief enemy of humanity. The way Iblees carries out its duties is to magnify, boost, heighten and amplify the deeds of Shaytaan, in terms of making such deeds magnified, made to look bigger and greater in importance and significance, among humanity, in order to make them exit out, extract and withdraw such people as subdued, disgraced and humiliated.  3) Iblees Utilizes each and every aspect: In order to lure, deviate, mislead, astray, entice, as well as to rescind; quash; invalidate and annul covenant of humanity with Allah, Allah’s message and blessings, each and everything is used, manipulated, influenced, maneuvered and utilized by Iblees. This falls into following four categories 1) anything that is important or significant with respect to our efforts and actions, that we intend to put in efforts for, make struggle for, and earn for the Akhira as consequences of our efforts; 2) Any aspect of our duties of taking care of planet as Khaleefa, as trustee and caretakers of the planet earth and all its habitants; 3) anything that is important and significant with respect to our promises, covenants and oaths, including our covenant with Allah and 4) anything that is important or significate with respect to our distinctive and distinguishing traits and qualities. All these four aspects are used, manipulated, influenced, maneuvered and utilized by Iblees in order to make sure that most of the humanity and to a greater extent remain ungrateful, proud, arrogant and under the influence of Shaytaan, so much so, that Allah’s system, including the laws of nature and the laws of Deen, is not able to switch and replace this situation of being ungrateful, proud and subjugated by Shaytan. 4) The End result of Iblees performing its duties: As a result of Iblees performing its duties as appointed to it by Allah, such people would be extracted out, withdrawn and made to exit out from the Shakir state of humanity who, under the influence of Shaytaan, would be bonded, entrapped and captured as well as overmastered, over powered, subdued and subjugated under the influence of Shaytaan. The end result would that those who follow and obey the Khutuwaat of Shaytaan, would be led towards hell being filled with them as their everlasting punishment, and final abode, as it would be through and as a result of the duties performed by the Malaik of Iblees that all these people together, as their judgment would face the accountability and the perfect recompense for them when Allah will fill the hell through the Iblees, by it performing it’s duties, for all of them as their perfect recompense of their actions.

 

In addition to the divine warnings, we have also learned the ONLY exception as Qawaid of S’irate Mustaqueem: In order to lure, deviate, mislead, astray, entice, as well as to rescind; quash; invalidate and annul covenant with Allah, Allah’s message and blessings, Iblees utilizes each and every aspect with only one exception- the Qawaid of S’iraat-e-Mustaqueen, which is not under the influence of Iblees. This means that the basic foundations and rules as established for the humanity by Allah related to all the ways, methods, processes, paths, conducts, behaviors, actions and procedures as ordained by Allah for us to remain standing firm and strong with perseverance and in steadfast manner, can never be influenced and/or used by Iblees to carry out its duties in order to lure and mislead humanity. It’s also highlighted through these Ayahs that only a small minority of human beings would remain steadfast and firm as per these Qawaid of S’iraat-e-Mustaqueem- who would be grateful to Allah, who would express this utter and deep gratitude through striving with their full force, in terms of their full submission to the Laws of Allah by utilizing their faculties with their whole being, in utter gratitude through explicit actions, while a wide majority of humanity would remain under the influence of Shaytan.

 

CONCEPT OF THESE AYAHS

Before we discuss these Ayahs, it’s important to understand what is the meanings of the word ‘the Shajar’- SHAJAR (الشَّجَرَ) means anything which has been converged at a single point and then diverged out or spread outwards and away from each other from that single point. Therefore, it’s used for trees with branches spread outwards and away from each other although joined from the same tree trunk at their root and the foundations.  Similarly, with the same characteristics, the word Shajar is also used for disagreements and disputes amongst people after they had been united or joined together and because of the disputes and disagreements, they have created divergent groups and branches, with views and conducts, branching away and distant from each other. Therefore, when in Ayah 2:35 and 7:19, Allah has advised Adam not to go near the Shajar- it means not to go near such disputes/disagreements amongst each other as is influenced by Shaytaan who compel them to focus on their own selfish interests and hence they ended up in disputes and disagreements with each other. The word used in these Ayahs is in fact Al-Shajar (الشَّجَرَةَ) referring to the specific disputes and disagreements being undertaken under the influence of Shaytan, the warnings for which are given in the preceding Ayahs, i.e., from Ayah no. 7:10-7:18 about the 4 divine warnings of the Malaik of Iblees and how it performs its duties.

 

Ayah 7:19, “And Ya Adam (آدَمُ)! ‘Askan (اسْكُنْ) you and Zoujuka (وَزَوْجُكَ) the Jannata (الْجَنَّةَ). Then Kula (فَكُلَا) from Haes’u (حَيْثُ) Sha’iteuma (شِئْتُمَا) and not you Taqraba (تَقْرَبَا) this- the Shajarata (الشَّجَرَةَ), then you Takuna (فَتَكُونَا) of the Zwalimeen (الظَّالِمِينَ).”

 

And Oh human beings at that stage of humanity, where you have the ability to seek and use knowledge; to whom Allah’s Malaik has done Sajda, to support, obey and strengthen the humanity, on the basis of this Ability to seek and use knowledge; and who is appointed as Khalifa- caretaker of the earth and all its habitants (آدَمُ)! Dwell permanently wherein you will live and find everything that you need to live, survive and prosper for (اسْكُنْ) you and your partners, your supporter, those who are like you in terms of being Adam (وَزَوْجُكَ) the unknown and yet to be understood blessings of Allah (الْجَنَّةَ). Then consume, use, utilize, give benefit to and take benefit (فَكُلَا) from in whatever way, in whatever capacity or ability you have (حَيْثُ) of anything (شِئْتُمَا) and not you go near, or consider more in importance, value or significance (تَقْرَبَا) this- the disagreements and disputes amongst people after they had been united or joined together and because of the disputes and disagreements, have created divergent groups, discord, animosity and rivalry with each other thereby descending from the heaven-like situation that they were in (الشَّجَرَةَ), so you, through your conducts and behaviors aim to reach the final destination (فَتَكُونَا) of being of those who commit heights of injustices and Zulm (الظَّالِمِينَ).’

 

Thus, keeping in considerations of the 4 divine warning as discussed in the preceding Ayahs as 1) Iblees is unable to do Sajda to Adam: Due to the appointment of duties to bring about destruction, to mislead humanity away from the path of Allah, to lead them to the hellfire and aspects of Naar, Iblees could never support humanity, strengthen or be of any help to humanity to further our interests.  2) The Duties of Iblees and how these duties are carried out by Iblees: Iblees have been sent as a mission with a clearly defined objectives, i.e., to act as clear and chief enemy of humanity. The way Iblees carries out its duties is to magnify and boost the deeds of Shaytaan among humanity in order to create a distinction and extract such people who carry out these deeds, as subdued, disgraced and humiliated.  3) Iblees Utilizes each and every aspect: which falls into following four categories 1) anything that is important or significant with respect to our efforts and actions, that we intend to put in efforts for, make struggle for, and earn for the Akhira as consequences of our efforts; 2) Any aspect of our duties of taking care of planet as Khaleefa, as trustee and caretakers of the planet earth and all its habitants; 3) anything that is important and significant with respect to our promises, covenants and oaths, including our covenant with Allah and 4) anything that is important or significant with respect to our distinctive and distinguishing traits and qualities. 4) The End result of Iblees performing its duties: As a result of Iblees performing its duties as appointed to it by Allah, such people would be distinguished and extracted as bonded, entrapped and captured as well as overmastered, over powered, subdued and subjugated under the influence of Shaytaan. The end result would that these people would face their everlasting punishment and final abode of hell.

 

Thus, when Allah is asking Adam Not to Taqrabu Al-Shajar, it means not to go near or consider more in importance and significance such deeds under the influence of Shaytan, that causes disputes and disagreements, as a result of the duties performed by the Malaik of Iblees, the divine warnings for which have already been given in the preceding Ayahs. Thus, here by specifically addressing those of us, who are Adam- who are responsible to be Khalifa- caretakers and trustees on earth, who seek and use knowledge in order to perform the said duties and to whom Allah’s Malaik has done Sajda, to support, obey and strengthen us, on the basis of this Ability to seek and use knowledge. Thus, this Ayah specifically addresses those of us, who are the Adam, by asking us to dwell here in a Jannat like state full of the unknown and yet to be understood blessings of Allah, wherein we can live and find everything that we need to live, survive, be happy and prosper, not only for us, but, since we are social creatures, the said instructions to us, to do this along with our partners, our supporters and those who are alike us in terms of being Adam. We can consume, use, utilize, give benefit to and take benefit from everything in this heaven like state full of Allah’s blessings in whatever way, capacity or ability we have but under no circumstances should we go near, consider more in importance, value or significance, anything that leads to the Shajar, i.e., the state of disagreements and disputes amongst each other after we have united together, by being under the influence of Shaytan. Because if we do so, we would end up being divided in groups and sections with divergent views and interests with discord, animosity and rivalry for each other. Thereby, not only we would descend from the heaven-like situation that they we are in, but we would also end up being of those who commit heights of injustices and Zulm.

 

Ayah 7:20, “Then Waswasa (فَوَسْوَسَ) to them the Shaytaan (الشَّيْطَانُ) so that to Yubdeya (لِيُبْدِيَ) for them what Wawareya (وُورِيَ) near them of their Sawatehuma (سَوْآتِهِمَا). And Qala (وَقَالَ), ‘What Nahakuma (نَهَاكُمَا) you your Rabbekuma (رَبُّكُمَا) near this- the Shajarate (الشَّجَرَةِ) except that you Takuna (تَكُونَا) Malakeen (مَلَكَيْنِ) or you Takuna (تَكُونَا) of the Khalideen (الْخَالِدِينَ).”

Ayah 7:21, “And Qasamahuma (وَقَاسَمَهُمَا) them, ‘Indeed, I to you, is what if not of the Naas’eheen (النَّاصِحِينَ).”

 

Then be stricken with doubts, to be in the condition and situation of being susceptible and vulnerable to harm or injury; or a situation of uneasiness about the fitness of an action in terms of being doubtful and having second thoughts (فَوَسْوَسَ) to them all such acts, elements, aspects, laws and people that are undertaken under the influence of people’s egoistic desires and Nafs-e-Ammara (الشَّيْطَانُ) so that to make obvious, apparent and exposed (لِيُبْدِيَ) for them what is against, besides, in contradiction of, anti, in opposition to, not in favor of, hostile to, and opposed to (وُورِيَ) near them of their such acts, sayings and deeds that are unpleasant and uncomfortable not just physically to someone’s eyes but feels bad and unpleasant to their whole being; that create Fasaad, imbalance and destruction causing disbalance in something, someone or in the society, community as a whole; that involves making such trade or transactions, with a focus of selfish interests and egoistic desires through deceit and destruction for others , aiming to earn wealth and money at the cost of others; that are reflective of worst behavior towards another being, not giving them respect, honor, dignity, justice or suppressing their due rights- basically all such deed, actions or sayings, which are at, such a worst level that, if known, would be extremely embarrassing and shameful for those committing such deeds or saying such words (سَوْآتِهِمَا). And Qala (وَقَالَ), ‘What Nahakuma (نَهَاكُمَا) you your Rabbekuma (رَبُّكُمَا) near this- the this- the disagreements and disputes amongst people after they had been united or joined together and because of the disputes and disagreements, have created divergent groups, discord, animosity and rivalry with each other thereby descending from the heaven-like situation that they were in (الشَّجَرَةِ) except that you would aimed to reach the final destination through such actions of (تَكُونَا) becoming owners and possessors of kingdoms, valuables, properties, titles etc. in terms of powers, authority or ownership (مَلَكَيْنِ) or you would aimed to reach the final destination through such actions (تَكُونَا) of remaining in such luxuries forever (الْخَالِدِينَ).’ And they were divided and separated from the rest of the humanity, in terms of being made distinctly divided, and separated from (وَقَاسَمَهُمَا) them, ‘Indeed, I to you, is what if not of those who are faithful, sincere, truthful and serious advisors who give opinion about what to do or how to behave, who counsel; give recommendation and advices; who advise and urge people seriously and in serious matters (النَّاصِحِينَ).’

 

After giving specific warnings to Adam, in this Ayah Allah tells us the established fact, as to what happened, not only perhaps at that earliest times in the history of humanity but also what happens regularly and will continue to happen until the end of the worlds. In spite of the explicit divine instructions to Adam- the humanity not to go near, consider more in significance and dearness, these aspects which cause discord, divide, disagreements and disputes among you, because these would lead you to commit gross injustices. But Shaytaan- the elements, laws, people, aspects and thoughts under the influence of their egoistic selves, created doubts and whispers by igniting second thoughts, self-doubts, in order to make them susceptible and vulnerable to harm or injury. Thus the Shaytan made apparent and exposed for them what is against, in contradiction of and opposed to this divine warnings and they ended up committing such acts, sayings and deeds that are unpleasant and uncomfortable not just physically to others but feel bad and unpleasant to their whole being; that create Fasaad, imbalance and destruction causing disbalance in the society in which they were living; that involves making such trade or transactions, with a focus of extreme selfish interests and egoistic desires through deceit and destruction for others aiming to earn wealth and money at the cost of others; that are reflective of worst behavior towards others, not giving them respect, honor, dignity, justice or suppressing their due rights- basically all such deed, actions or sayings, which are at, such a worst level that, if known, would be extremely embarrassing and shameful for those committing such deeds or saying such words. The basic tool of such thoughts, elements, laws, people, aspects and deeds committed under the influence of Shaytan is to question the very basis, logics and reasonings behind the divine wisdom, as to mislead people to question Allah’s warning as to ‘why Allah would ask you not to go near or consider these things of the Shajar as significant, of value and importance for you, when these are the very things that can lead to you to become owners and possessors of kingdoms, valuables, properties, titles etc. in terms of having powers, authority, ownerships and possessions as well as whatever you would be able to achieve through the Shajar would remain with you forever and you would be able to live immortal lives through and with the help of the Shajar living with these powers and luxuries forever.’ And thus, those following their Shaytani thoughts, elements, influence, people, laws and deeds, committed such acts that led towards them being separated from the rest of the humanity as Adam, in terms of being made distinctly divided and distinguished from Adam since they took the Shaytaan as their Naas’eh- as someone who is faithful, sincere, truthful and serious advisor to them; who give opinion about what to do or how to behave to them; who counsel; give recommendation and advices and who advise and urge them seriously and in serious matters.

 

Ayah 7:22, “Then Dallahuma (فَدَلَّاهُمَا) them with Ghurur (بِغُرُورٍ). So that what Zaqa (ذَاقَا) the Shajarata (الشَّجَرَةَ) Badata (بَدَتْ) for them their Sawatuhuma (سَوْآتُهُمَا) and T’afeqan (وَطَفِقَا). Yakhs’efane (يَخْصِفَانِ) upon them through Waraqe (وَرَقِ) the Jannate (الْجَنَّةِ). And Nadahuma (وَنَادَاهُمَا) them their Rabbuhuma (رَبُّهُمَا), ‘Did I not Anhakuma (أَنْهَكُمَا) you near this, like what – the Shajarate (الشَّجَرَةِ) and did I not Aqul (وَأَقُلْ) to you that the Shaytaan (الشَّيْطَانَ) is what for you, except as Auduan (عَدُوٌّ) Mubeen (مُبِينٌ)?”

 

Then gave arguments and evidence to (فَدَلَّاهُمَا) them with wishful thinking, deception, delusions, falsehood and lies (بِغُرُورٍ). So they value and enjoying by relishing, savoring, giving it the utmost importance, enjoying and delighting in it by treating it as a treasure (ذَاقَا) this, the disagreements and disputes amongst people after they had been united or joined together and because of the disputes and disagreements, have created divergent groups, discord, animosity and rivalry with each other thereby descending from the heaven-like situation that they were in (الشَّجَرَةَ) becomes apparent and exposed (بَدَتْ) for them near their such acts, sayings and deeds that are unpleasant and uncomfortable not just physically to someone’s eyes but feels bad and unpleasant to their whole being; that create Fasaad, imbalance and destruction causing disbalance in something, someone or in the society, community as a whole; that involves making such trade or transactions, with a focus of selfish interests and egoistic desires through deceit and destruction for others , aiming to earn wealth and money at the cost of others; that are reflective of worst behavior towards another being, not giving them respect, honor, dignity, justice or suppressing their due rights- basically all such deed, actions or sayings, which are at, such a worst level that, if known, would be extremely embarrassing and shameful for those committing such deeds or saying such words (سَوْآتُهُمَا) and such domains, territories, areas and properties over which people fight in order to own, possess and take benefit from these (وَطَفِقَا). They aimed to repair, restore, amend and rectify (يَخْصِفَانِ) upon them through and with the help of such evidences, pieces of information and proofs (وَرَقِ) that were hidden and not yet understood by them of Allah’s message and blessings (الْجَنَّةِ). And called out to (وَنَادَاهُمَا) them their Rabb (رَبُّهُمَا), ‘Did I not prohibited and forbade (أَنْهَكُمَا) you to go near this and consider of any value or significance for you, the likes of what the disagreements and disputes amongst people after they had been united or joined together and because of the disputes and disagreements, have created divergent groups, discord, animosity and rivalry with each other thereby descending from the heaven-like situation that they were in (الشَّجَرَةِ) and did I not reflected and advised (وَأَقُلْ) to you that the all such acts, elements, aspects, laws and people that are undertaken under the influence of people’s egoistic desires and Nafs-e-Ammara (الشَّيْطَانَ) is what for you, except as distinct, clear, evidenced and proof of (مُبِينٌ) enemy, opponent and adversary (عَدُوٌّ)?’

 

Acting as one of the Naas’iheen, the Shaytan convinced them by giving evidences and proofs in order to convince them to take action against Allah’s Amar through such arguments that were full of Gharar- deception, wishful thinking, delusions, and something which is not true and far from Haqq. And that’s how they ended up valuing, giving importance to the Shajar, the disagreements and disputes with others, creating discord and divisions among humanity, with animosity and rivalry against each other, by enjoying it, relishing and savoring it, giving it the utmost importance, and they started enjoying and delighting in it by treating it as a treasure. Accordingly, they got exposed to and ended up committing such acts, sayings and deeds that are unpleasant and uncomfortable not just physically to others but feels bad and unpleasant to their whole being; that create Fasaad, imbalance and destruction causing disbalance in the society; that involves making such trade or transactions, with a focus of selfish interests and egoistic desires through deceit and destruction for others aiming to earn wealth and money at the cost of others; that are reflective of worst possible behavior towards another being, not giving them respect, honor, dignity, justice or suppressing their due rights- basically all such deed, actions or sayings, which are at, such a worst level that, if known, would be extremely embarrassing and shameful for those committing such deeds or saying such words as well as such domains, territories, areas and properties over which people fight in order to own, possess and take benefit from these. Once they realized their mistakes, they tried to repair, restore, amend and rectify through and with the help of such evidences, pieces of information and proofs that were hidden and not yet understood by them from Allah’s message and blessings. It’s at that time that they recalled the clear and divine warnings from their Rabb, to never go near the Shajar or to consider it of any value or significance near you and that the Shaytan, all such acts, elements, aspects, laws and people that are undertaken under the influence of people’s egoistic desires and Nafs-e-Ammara, is nothing for you, except as a distinct, clear and evidenced enemy, opponent and adversary.

 

Ayah 7:23, “Qala (قَالَا), ‘Rabbana (رَبَّنَا) Zalamna (ظَلَمْنَا) Anfusana (أَنْفُسَنَا) and indeed, you not Taghfir (تَغْفِرْ) for us and Tarhamna (وَتَرْحَمْنَا) so that Nakunana (لَنَكُونَنَّ) of the Khasireen (الْخَاسِرِينَ).”

 

They reflected from their speech and conducts that (قَالَا), ‘our Rabb (رَبَّنَا) Indeed, we have committed the height of injustice (ظَلَمْنَا) against our own Nafs and selves (أَنْفُسَنَا) and indeed, in such situation, you do not provide protection and shield against the impacts of our wrong deeds (تَغْفِرْ) for us and neither you would give us the Rahmat, the blessings (وَتَرْحَمْنَا) that’s why we have reached the final destination through our own conducts and behaviors to be (لَنَكُونَنَّ) of those who are the losers by losing their Nafs-e-Mut’mainna in terms of Qatal of it, making it weak and fragile, by not paying attention to it and by continuing to strengthen Nafs-e-Ammara, as a result of which they also weaken and suppress those who are dependent upon them as their Ahlehi, as acts of Zulm, and thus end up being losers in both the worlds (الْخَاسِرِينَ).’

 

This Ayah is now describing what they realized after having understood that instead of giving importance to the divine wisdom and warnings of Shaytan as Auduwan Mubin- a clear and distinct enemy and opponent of humanity, they ended up taking Shaytan as one of the Naas’iheen- faithful, sincere and loyal advisor and thus ended up in committing worst shameful acts under the influence of Shaytan by going near and considering more in value and significance the Shajar- the disagreements and disputes with others, creating discord and divisions among humanity, with animosity and rivalry against each other.  Thereafter, they realized as reflected from their speech and conducts that, ‘this is a certain fact that we have committed the heights of injustice by not paying attention to the divine warnings and have ended up going against our own Nafs-e-Mut’mainna. Thus, by not following the commandments of Allah, there is no possibility for Allah and the whole system of Allah to provide protection to us and shield us against the impacts of our own wrong choices and deeds; neither there is any possibility of us having received any of the Rahmat of Allah, the blessings. That’s how we have reached the final destination through our own conducts and behaviors to be of those who are the losers in both the worlds by losing our Nafs-e-Mut’mainna, as we have metaphorically killed it making it weak and fragile, by not paying attention to it and by continuing to strengthen Nafs-e-Ammara under the influence of Shaytan.’

 

Ayah 7:24, “Qala (قَالَ), ‘Ahbet’u (اهْبِطُوا) – some of you to others as Aduwan (عَدُوٌّ) and for you through the earth Mustaqarran (مُسْتَقَرٌّ) and Mata’a (وَمَتَاعٌ) for Haenin (حِينٍ).”

Ayah 7:25, “Qala (قَالَ), ‘in it you Thaeyuna (تَحْيَوْنَ) and in it you Tamuna (تَمُوتُونَ) and from/through it you Takhrejuna (تُخْرَجُونَ).”

 

Reflected and advised by Allah (قَالَ), ‘Will get demoted, lose importance in significance and value, being downgraded, demoted, devalued, reduced, or lowered in ranks, importance, prestige or value (اهْبِطُوا) – some of you to others as enemy and opponent (عَدُوٌّ) and for you through the earth dwelling place, a place of establishment and settlement and abode (مُسْتَقَرٌّ) and the source of the basic necessities of life, the provisions, the requirements to take care of one’s needs and requirements, in order to live life in this world with comfort, ease and one’s satisfaction, such as food, clothing, shelter, provisions, etc. (وَمَتَاعٌ) for source of Hayyat- life in both physical and metaphorical meanings (حِينٍ).’ Reflected and advised by Allah (قَالَ), ‘in it you will live, both physically as well as metaphorically (تَحْيَوْنَ) and in it you will die, both physically as well as metaphorically Tamuna (تَمُوتُونَ) and from/through it you will rescue, seek refuge and safety (تُخْرَجُونَ).’

 

Since there would always be the Malaik of Iblees who would continue to perform its duties and there would always be such people who would commit wrong acts of deeds by being under the influence of Shaytan, the divine guidance as we have received through these two Ayahs is that ‘those who get influenced by Shaytan to go near, or consider of value the Shajar would be demoted, lose importance in significance and value, downgraded, devalued, reduced and lowered in ranks, importance, prestige and value as compared to those who are the upholders of their duties of Adam as Khalifa- caretakers of the earth. And thus, these people, under the influence of Shaytan, would be enemy and opponent to others. For all of us as human beings, the earth is our dwelling place, a place of establishment, settlement and abode; prime source of basic necessities of life for us, providing us our required provisions, the requirements to take care of our needs in order for us to live life in this world with comfort, ease and satisfaction; and as source of Hayyat- life in both physical and metaphorical meanings, in terms of being the source of everything we need to live physically and to survive physically as well as being alive as created by Allah, by being on the path of Allah, Emaan and as per Hidayah- Allah’s guidance. The phrase ‘Mustaqarre and Mata’a for Ha’enin” is not talking about for a limited time period, as is normally interpreted but it means that for you in the earth is a habitat and place of dwelling, residence (Mutaqarre) as well as the basic life necessities such as air, food, water, oxygen, energy, etc. (Mat’aa) that is needed as source of life (Ha’en). The concept of being extreme or too far away in Kufar is termed as being metaphoric death like state, whereby none of the person senses and faculties are of any use. Being alive would also mean, being alive and active as per Emaan and on Hidayah. Thus, it is on this earth that humanity will live, both physically as well as metaphorically; as well as die, both physically as well as metaphorically; and from and through the earth is what we will be rescued, given refuge and safety, from the impacts of Shaytan. Thus, if anyone has committed any wrong acts, it’s only through the earth, that the person would be able to rescue from the impact of such wrong deeds by committing acts of Ahsanaat.

 

 

C.    IMPLEMENTATION IN TODAY’S LIFE:

 

These Ayahs of Surah Al-A’raf i.e., 7:19 to 7:25 give us the following divine guidance that we can apply in our day to day lives.

 

• THE CONCEPT OF TAQRABU AL-SHAJAR: We need to keep in mind that the word used in these Ayahs are not just ‘Shajar’ but ‘Al-Shajar’ referring to the specific Shajar, especially aligned with the 4 divine warning as discussed in the preceding Ayahs as 1) Iblees is unable to do Sajda to Adam: Due to the appointment of duties to bring about destruction, to mislead humanity away from the path of Allah, to lead them to the hellfire and aspects of Naar, Iblees can never support humanity, strengthen or be of any help to humanity to further our interests. 2) The Duties of Iblees and how these duties are carried out by Iblees: Iblees have been sent as a mission with clearly defined objectives, to act as clear and chief enemy and opponent of humanity. The way Iblees carries out its duties is to magnify and boost the deeds of Shaytaan among humanity in order to differentiate and extract such people who carry out these deeds, as subdued, disgraced and humiliated ones.  3) Iblees Utilizes each and every aspect: which falls into four categories 1) anything that is important or significant with respect to our efforts and actions, that we intend to put forward for Akhira; 2) Any aspect of our duties as Khaleefa, as trustees and caretakers of the earth and its habitants; 3) anything that is important and significant with respect to our promises, covenants, contracts, relationships and oaths including our covenant with Allah and 4) anything that is important or significant with respect to our distinctive and distinguishing traits, skills and qualities. 4) The End result of Iblees performing its duties: As a result of Iblees performing its duties, such people would be extracted and distinguished from Adan, as bonded, entrapped, captured, over powered, subdued and subjugated under the influence of Shaytaan. Thus, when Allah gives specific commands to Adam Not to Taqrabu Al-Shajar, it means not to go near or consider more in importance and significance such deeds that have resulted as a result of Iblees performing its duties as per the four divine warnings that would result in causing disputes and disagreements, divisions and discord among humanity.

 

• DIVINE INSTRUCTIONS ADDRESSED TO ADAM AND ZOUJIHI: This divine instruction of “La Taqrabu Al-Shajar’ is addressed to those of us, who are Adam- who are responsible to be Khalifa- caretakers and trustees on earth, who seek and use knowledge in order to perform the said duties and to whom Allah’s Malaik have done Sajda, to support, obey and strengthen us as well as addressed to all those who are partners, supporters, of the same type and kind of Adam. Thus, Allah addresses us, to dwell here in a Jannat like state embodied with unknown and yet to be understood blessings of Allah, wherein you can live and find everything that you need to survive, be happy and prosper. You can consume, use, utilize, give benefit to and take benefit from everything in this heaven like state full of Allah’s blessings in whatever way, capacity or ability you have but under no circumstances should you go near, consider more in importance or value anything that leads to the Shajar, because if you do so, be warned that you would end up being divided in groups and sections with discord, animosity and rivalry for each other and would descend from the heaven-like situation that you are in by committing heights of injustices and Zulm against each other.

 

• HOW SHAYTAN INFLUENCES: Through these ayahs and like a sort of storytelling about these established facts, as to how Shaytan influences humanity, Allah has not only given us an account of what happened at that earliest times in the history of humanity but also what happens regularly and will continue to happen until the end of times. In spite of the explicit divine instructions of ‘La Taqrabu Al Shajar’, the Shaytaan creates self-doubts and whispers by igniting second thoughts in order to make humanity vulnerable to harm and injury. Shaytan makes apparent and exposes humanity to such deeds that are against and in contradiction of the divine warnings and they ended up committing acts and deeds that at such a worst level that if known, would be extremely embarrassing and shameful for those committing these acts. The basic tool of Shaytan is to compel humanity to question the very basis, logics and reasonings behind the divine wisdom, as to mislead people to question Allah’s warning by instilling thoughts such as ‘why Allah would ask you not to go near or consider these things of the Shajar as significant and of value when these are the very things that can lead you to become owners and possessors of kingdoms, valuables, properties and titles in terms of your ability to have powers, authority, ownerships and possessions. Why would Allah ask you not to go near or consider more of value the Shajar since whatever you will achieve through these acts, would remain with you forever and you would be able to live immortal lives- living with these powers and luxuries forever.’ This is how, influenced by their own Shaytani thoughts, elements, influence and friends, people end up committing these acts that led them being separated from the rest of the humanity as Adam, in terms of them being made distinctly divided and distinguished from Adam since they took Shaytaan as one of their faithful, sincere, truthful and serious advisors. Shaytan gives evidences and proofs to convince people to act against Allah’s Amar through such arguments that are full of deception, wishful thinking, delusions, falsehood and lies; and they ended up valuing, giving importance to the Shajar by enjoying, relishing and savoring such acts.

 

• REALIZATION OF NO PROTECTION OR RAHMAT: Once people realize their mistakes, they try to repair, restore, amend and rectify through and with the help of such evidences, pieces of information and proofs from Allah’s message and blessings that were hidden and not yet understood by them. Then they recall the clear and divine warnings from their Rabb, to ‘La Taqrabu Al Shajar’ and that the Shaytan is nothing but a distinct and clear enemy and opponent of humanity. They realized the certain fact that they have committed the heights of injustice by not paying attention to the divine warnings and have ended up going against their own Nafs-e-Mut’mainna. Thus, by not following the commandments of Allah, there has been no protection and shield for them against the impacts of their own wrong choices and deeds; neither there was any Rahmat of Allah for them. That’s how they ended up being as the losers in both the worlds by losing their Nafs-e-Mut’mainna, as they have metaphorically killed it by making it weak and fragile, by not paying attention to it and by continuing to strengthen Nafs-e-Ammara under the influence of Shaytan.

 

• DIVINE INSTRUCTIONS TO HUMANITY: Since there would always be the Malaik of Iblees who would continue to perform its duties and there would always be such people who would commit wrong acts of deeds by being under the influence of Shaytan; the divine guidance as we have received through these Ayahs is that ‘those who get influenced by Shaytan to go near, or consider of value the Shajar would be demoted, lose importance, downgraded and lowered in ranks, importance, prestige and value as compared to those who are the upholders of their duties of Adam as Khalifa- caretakers of the earth. And thus, these people, under the influence of Shaytan, would be enemy and opponent to others. For all of us as human beings, the earth is our dwelling place, a place of establishment, settlement and abode; prime source of our basic necessities of life providing us our required provisions and as source of Hayyat- life in both physical and metaphorical meanings, in terms of being the source of everything we need to live physically and to survive physically as well as being alive as created by Allah by being on the path of Allah, aligned with Fitrat of Allah, Emaan and as per Hidayah- Allah’s guidance. Conversely, those who have gone far extreme in Kufar is also termed as metaphoric dead by Quran. Thus, it is on this earth that humanity will live, both physically as well as metaphorically; and die, both physically as well as metaphorically. It’s also through and from this temporary life here on the earth that we will be rescued, given refuge and safety from the impacts of Shaytan, meaning that if anyone has committed any wrong acts, it’s only through the earth, that the person would be able to rescue from the impacts of previously conducted wrong deeds by committing acts of Ahsanaat and by following the laws of Allah.

 

Footnotes:

D.  THE KEY-WORD VOCABULARY:

For the updated Keyword Vocabulary, kindly visit our website at the link

https://quranthinkers.com/keyword-vocabulary-by-wqt/