RENAISSANCE SEPTEMBER 2022

Qur’anic Exegesis 41 Monthly Renaissance September 2022 The words “and they will be guided to the way of the praiseworthy God” in my opinion refer to the “place of residence” mentioned in the above quoted verses of S ū rah al- F āṭ ir . The word “guidance” here refers to guidance to one’s destination and the passive voice in it is meant to express honour for them. The implication is: through a group of angels these people will be guided to the way that will lead them to their place of residence that God has chosen for them. Here it may be kept in mind that the circumstances and environment of Paradise and Hell relate to an unseen world. In order to make them comprehensible, there is no option but to use words which the addressees are accustomed to. The Arabs were deeply influenced by the culture of the Egyptians and the Persians. Thus to portray luxury and comfort, the style adopted by the Qur’ ā n reflects the notion of luxury of the Arabs or the one they were generally influenced with. These notions and concepts change with the change of time. For this reason, instead of words, their essence should always be kept in mind. Thus it should be accepted that the people of Paradise will receive the favours mentioned in the Qur’ ā n. As far as their actual reality is concerned, only God knows it. The words and phrases adopted are meant to merely convey what is best comprehensible to the addressees. __________ grief from us. Indeed, our Lord is Forgiving and One Who accepts; Who through His grace has admitted us to this place of residence.”