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ʾa-fa-man yaʿlamu ʾannamā ʾunzila ʾilayka min rabbika l-ḥaqqu ka-man huwa ʾaʿmā ʾinnamā yatadhakkaru ʾulū l-ʾalbābi
Is someone who knows that what has been sent down to you from your Lord is the truth, like someone who is blind? Only those who possess intellect take admonition
— Ali Quli Qarai
Surah Ar-Ra‘d – Verse 19
19. “Is he who knows that what is revealed to you from your Lord is the Truth, like the one who is blind? Indeed, only the possessors of intellects take admonition,”
The Possessors of Intellect
We have picture and profile of the details of the programs of the proponents of the truth depicted in this verse which supplements the discussion of the previous verses. In the first instance, He poses the issue in a positive interrogation with negative sense, saying:
“Is he who knows that what is revealed to you from your Lord is the Truth, like the one who is blind?…”
This type of interpretation is a delicate reference to the fact that the lack of knowledge of this reality is utterly impossible unless one’s deep insight has been entirely blocked. Therefore, the Qur’an, towards the end of the verse adds:
“…Indeed, only the possessors of intellects take admonition,”
Anyway, we have allusions made to those who have accepted the life-giving call of the prophets (as) in the previous verse, while the impact of the acceptance of that call is being stated in this verse and in the following verses. Everyone of: human nature, reason, and knowledge has got a core in one’s brain which may be dismantled as a result of habits, customs, superstitions, and instincts. Therefore, man must be constantly concentrating on that central nucleus and core.1
The Wise in the Qur’an
The Arabic term /’ulul-’alb ab/ has been mentioned in the Qur’an 16 times, every one of which has been stated accompanied with one accomplishment or an attribution, among them, we note: They understand the secret of commandments:
“And in (the law of) retaliation there is (saving of life for you, O’ possessors of intellects…” 2
They are future-oriented:
“…and make provision, but surely the best provision is the piety. So, have awe of Me, O’ possessors of intellect!” 3
They regard the world as a passing stage and not a destination and residence point. The possessors of intellect are those who:
“…mediate on the creation of the heavens and the earth, seriously saying): ‘Our Lord! You have not created (all) thin in vain!…” 4
They receive instructive lessons from history:
“Indeed in their stories there is a lesson for the possessors of intellect…” 5
They accept the best and the most superior logic of all:
“Those who listen to the saying, then follow the best of it…” 6
They are of the worshipping and struggling lot who perform the night prayer:
“Is he who is obedient during hours of the night … only the possessors of intellect are mindful.” 7
Footnotes