Fourth Matter

 

 

A word derives its power from the mutual support of its elements and from their being turned towards the basic theme. All the elements of the word should conform to the principle expressed in the adage:

Our statements diverge, but your beauty is one;

Each statement indicates that beauty.

 

A word’s basic theme should be like a pool, with its elements being the streams or rivers flowing into it from all directions, so that minds will not become confused.

 

AN INDICATION

When all the elements of a word indicate or are turned towards its basic theme or the purpose of its utterance, order and harmony result, constituting its beauty. If you would like, consider God’s Word—the Qur’an. For example, look at the following verse which dissuades people from Hellfire and shows how terrible it is:

If but a breath from the punishment of Your Lord touches them (21:46).

See how all the elements of this verse serve the basic point by showing how intense the smallest amount of the punishment of Hellfire is and its influence upon people.

The words “If but” (la-in), which start a conditional clause and contain reinforcement, signify uncertainty and therefore imply slightness (of punishment). The verb massa means to touch slightly, also signifying slightness. Nafhatun (a breath) is merely a puff of air. Being used without a definite article, it also emphasizes slightness. The double n (tanwin) at the end of nafhatun indicates indefiniteness and suggests that it is slight and insignificant. The partitive min (from) implies a part or a piece, thus indicating paucity. The word ‘adhab (torment or punishment) is light in meaning compared to nakal (exemplary chastisement) and ‘iqab (heavy penalty), and denotes a light punishment or torment. The use of ar-Rabb (the Lord, Provider, Sustainer), suggesting affection, instead of (for example) al-Qahhar (the All-Overwhelming) or al-Jabbar (the All-Compelling), also expresses slightness. As the entire clause expresses that this is the least amount, all of its parts reinforce that meaning.

Finally, the clause means that if such a slight breath of torment or punishment has this effect, one should reflect on how severe the Divine punishment will be. We see in this short clause how its parts are related to each other and add to the meaning. The continuing part of the verse, they are sure to cry: “Oh, woe to us! We were indeed wrongdoers!” also adds to the meaning or basic point of the verse.

If the slightest touch of the punishment is of such a degree, may God save us from its entirety!

 

A REMINDER

This is an example to you. You can weave your own lace on it. All the verses of the Qur’an have the same degree of beauty, congruence, and proportion. The purposes sometimes appear one within the other and follow each other. The connotations of each verse are side by side with those of the others, without interfering with one another. Attention is required, for a superficial view confuses many things with one another.

Said Nursi