| In
this verse desire for the righteous course has been expressed
in the form of an invocation – the path, shortest, distinguishable
from other paths, clear and convenient. "Guide us on
the right way" means: make us firm on the path of guidance
and do not let us deviate from it. It may be clearly understood,
that ‘the only one straight way' implies that not only
all other ways are divergent in the religious sense, that
there are no other religious alternates to it, but also there
isn't even any secular or any other kind of alternate to the
only one defined single straight path. Although ‘secular
alternates’ are not themselves religious but share enough
in common with religions to present themselves as options
which exclude religious adherence. Therefore one has to be
very careful in doctrinal and dogmatic distractions which
must be diagnosed diligently.
The term ‘Straight Path, is the most appropriate
to signify the universal Diin or the way of God. There can
be a number of paths which do not lead to the destination.
But the very presentation of the ‘clearly laid down’
and ‘well structured’ one being the ‘shortest
route’, confirms not only its own reality but also existence
of the other point as the aim or ‘destination’
already well defined and determined, and its achievability
assured, that one can surely reach there. If there is only
one i.e., starting point, without aiming at the other point,
i.e., destination, the so called starter would in fact be
a non-starter. The very concept entails the idea of the other
point (destination already determined) because it is defined
as the shortest distance between the two points.
So far life on this planet is concerned, scientific
theories and physical observation of cosmos confirm its journey
towards the destiny or the appointed point and place in the
time frame. Different theories, like the ‘Arrow of Time,
(without going into merits of the theory) seem pointing in
that direction. At any point in time, when a person or people
join journey of history on this planet, it would be only advisable
and easier for them to take the path already judged by the
history, out of all – i.e., the most successful and
simple, against failed and fractured, difficult and doomed
experiences, etc - as the shortest one. It is extremely necessary,
particularly in view of limited span of time and resources
of life available for the purpose. Selection of the Right
One, for sure success, is absolutely essential because it
is the basic decision for living life in a particular style
on the planet. It is always advisable and wise to learn lesson
from the bills already pasted by the past in open display
on the highway of history, instead of becoming another cause
of crash and remnant of ruination on the road, as a lesson
for others.
When we consider the role of the rational being
(mankind) in the perspective of history, it is found that
it is not only intellectual discourses, implementability of
ideas, capacity or power, which make or mar civilizations.
With the intellectual advancement of Greeks and implementation
ability and out reach of powerful arm of Romans; they would
not have decayed and disappeared. But they were consigned
to history and their seats of brute power were converted into
archeological mounds, as lesson and admonishment, because
they did not maintain the virtue of righteous deed
for the good of the mankind, progressing with harmony
in the society and keeping sustainable pace with the march
of time.
In this Surah it is being taught to seek guidance
on the Right Path of the successful, who have already set
the role model. Scientifically also another straight line
can not be drawn, except the one between given two points
(man and his Maker). One can only align and coincide with
and trace on the existing one along its sign posts and milestones.
It is not just any straight line, geometrically, from a point
taking off on the road of history, in any direction, but a
straight line ‘traced’ upon and in conformity
with the already existing beaten track, for ease and convenience
of the user, in the direction and upto the other point of
pursuit only.
"This is an admonition; whosoever will, let
him take a Path to His Lord-Master-Sustainer (Allah), (29)
But you will not, except as Allah wills;
For Allah is full of Knowledge and Wisdom".
(30)
He will admit to His Mercy, Whom He will;
But the wrong-doers - for them has He prepared
a grievous chastisement."(31) 76-29 to 31
If we explore
an analogy in the cosmos, we find that everything is in motion
– not just in motion but in the direction towards the
destination. Not only that, but also with a purpose. It is
perfectly organized and everything is precisely ordered and
controlled.
“The sun is running its course in a direction
to its destination.” ( 36-38)
Science has
now brought out that our Sun is running in a direction to
its pre-determined destination in the Constellation of Alpha
Lyrae. All celestial bodies have an interactive impact through
their motion, gravitation, emissions of matter, energy; etc.
Scientists have also brought forward a concept that it is
not the curved orbit, in which celestial bodies are moving
but they are all moving in straight courses, and it is the
Space which creates curvature – everything is set on
the straight course- that is nature.
Everything
Follows the Defined Line in the Set Pattern:The
Creator has created cosmos and designed courses which everything
is traversing in it, constantly. All creations are further
being maintained and sustained by Him, in harmony. He is always
there to favour with Gracious Bounties and Mercy, in addition.
The Moon, the Earth, the Sun, the Galaxy and so on are following,
in sequence, their own set courses separately (individually),
and the one predetermined course to the destination for them
collectively, (all together, constrained and unconstrained,
i.e. smoothly yet balanced by mutual ‘tension,’
in a variety of ceaseless motions, all at a time. They are
moving on the course, which is the only right course, to their
ultimate or the end of the journey- their predetermined destiny.
They maintain relative positions in the ever changing but
pre-set patterns. This presents manifest evidence of All-Powerful
Ability of the Creator-Sustainer in the kaleidoscope of cosmos.
They present finest examples of ‘guided patterns and
functions’ with beauty and benevolence, for mankind,
on the right course (way, path).
Constrained
and Unconstrained Patterns
"Do seek they other than the Way of God?,
while unto Him submits whatsoever is in the heavens
and the earth,
willingly or unwillingly, and
unto Him they will be returned." 3-83
Another rendering
of the highlighted portion of above verse may clarify the
sense:
"Whoever in the heavens and the earth, is
submissive to God,and obedient (to Him) by choice
or constraint.."3-83
Everything
in the universe is governed by physical laws - No object in
nature deviates from its assignment governed by these laws.
‘Choice' and ‘Constraint' work together. There
seems to be difficulty in translation and interpretation of
the letter "Waau" as "Or" instead of "And",
in the above verse. No creature, including man is totally
free from constraint i.e. free from the constraints of the
physical laws. The choice is constrained by the limits of
physical laws and mundane system in which it has to be exercised.
It is further constrained by limits placed by different levels
of modules of consciousness and faculties provided to each
creature. Then there are some ‘chosen constraints' which
need to be placed as a part of the ‘social contract',
which is designed for ‘whole’ society.
Technically or lexically speaking, everything
is ‘muslim'; that it submits to and obeys all physical
laws (constraints). It is in the sphere of ‘chosen constraints'
or the constraints chosen by free will in social and psychological
realms, that man has been termed as ‘true muslim' right
from beginning. Man has further been gifted with conscience
and moral sense. Clear distinctions have been drawn between
right and wrong. He has capability to use the Criterion provided
to him- weight in the choice always remains on the ‘right'
side. His own conscience pricks him, if he makes a wrong choice
for a wrong deed or a wrong thing. Faculty of reasoning operates
through argument, logic and reasoning. All these strengths
and natural tendencies have been provided for assisting in
the ‘right' choice. Mechanism of selection or choice
works on ‘internal strengths' and can stand both, internal
and external temptations, pressures and compulsions.
"There
is no coercion in matters of faith.
Distinct is the Way of Guidance now from
error" 2-256
The
Straight Path of Righteousness:Salvation can
not be gained by a mere ritual (e.g. Baptism, etc). It comes
only through righteous living in obedience: 2-138. The Revelation
has again and again emphasized the universal straight path
of righteous living in obedience to Allah's laws: 42-13, 4-161
to 163, 23-51.See again 30-30 also.
If the creation of the universe and its sustenance
by the Only One Supreme Being Alone can not be denied, then
why deny the right way based on nature devised by Him for
sustenance and development of His creation? Examine verses
19-36, 42-52 & 53.
"It is
not ‘Al-Birr' ( piety, righteousness)
that you turn your faces to the East and the
West,
but Al-Birr is (the quality of)
one who believes in Allah and the Last Day, and
the Angels and the Book, and the Prophets;
and gives his wealth, in spite of love of it,
to the kinsfolk, and
to the orphans, and to the poor , and to the
wayfarer, and
to those who ask, and to set slaves free,
performs ‘As-Salaat' (proper worship),
an gives the ‘Zakat' (alms), and
who fulfill their covenant when they make it,
and
who are patient in the adversity and the stress.
Such are the people of the truth, and
They are ‘Al-Muttaquun’ (the righteous).
" 2-177
Above quoted
verse amply clarifies importance of socio-economic aspects
of the Diin as the system. In the total perspective, the Quran
is not merely a collection of dogmas, but a code of practical
life for individual and society. It is not just a treatise
on theology or theism. It also provides a whole range of explanations
like social, economic, commercial, penal, civil, military,
judicial, and international aspects of practical life in a
complete code of conduct. It provides a framework for regulation
of everything that a human being has to do for his welfare
from cradle to grave.
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