Tafsir Al Mishbah At=Tiin 02

Summary

In this insightful discussion of Surah At-Tin, Ustaz Qurais Shihab explains the profound symbolism behind the fig and olive, and their connection to sacred locations where divine revelations occurred. He emphasizes that humans are created in the best form—physically and mentally—with the potential to receive and follow God's guidance. The surah also explores the spiritual concept of human imperfection, highlighting that while we are initially created perfectly, deviations from righteousness can lead to spiritual decline. The lesson stresses the importance of faith and good deeds in maintaining our spiritual integrity.

Takeaways

• 😀 Humans are created by Allah in the best physical and spiritual form, equipped with the potential to follow divine guidance.
• 😀 The words 'at-tin' (fig) and 'azzaitun' (olive) are significant, symbolizing places of divine revelation and spiritual nourishment.
• 😀 Some scholars interpret 'at-tin' as a place, while others see it as a symbol of a fruit with spiritual importance.
• 😀 Allah swears by sacred places where prophets received revelation, showing the connection between divine guidance and the places chosen for it.
• 😀 The verse 'Laqad khalaqnal insana fi ahsani takwim' emphasizes the perfection in human creation, both physically and mentally.
• 😀 Despite human creation being perfect, external influences can cause humans to deviate or regress spiritually and physically.
• 😀 The perfect creation of humans is not an assertion of superiority over all other beings; rather, it acknowledges humans' role in fulfilling divine guidance.
• 😀 Aging and weakening over time is part of human life, but those who remain faithful and righteous continue to earn rewards from Allah, even in old age.
• 😀 The interpretation of 'asfala safilin' refers to returning to a lower state, which can be understood as the physical deterioration with age or spiritual decline due to neglect.
• 😀 People who performed righteous deeds in their youth but are unable to do so in old age still receive continuous rewards from Allah if they remain faithful.

Q & A

What is the main theme of Surah At-Tin discussed in the video?

The main theme of Surah At-Tin is about the perfection of human creation and the potential for humans to follow divine guidance. It also touches on the eventual decline of human faculties with age and the importance of faith and righteous deeds.

What do the oaths of fig (at-tin), olive (azzaitun), and the secure city (baladil amin) represent in the Surah?

The oaths symbolize significant places where divine revelations were given to great prophets. The fig and olive trees are associated with divine messages, while the secure city is a reference to Makkah, symbolizing peace and safety.

How does the speaker interpret the creation of humans in Surah At-Tin?

The speaker explains that humans were created by Allah in the best physical, mental, and spiritual form. Humans are endowed with the potential to follow divine guidance and fulfill their purpose in life.

What does the speaker mention about human perfection?

The speaker clarifies that while humans are created perfect in their physical and mental faculties, they are not necessarily the most perfect beings in creation. All of Allah's creations are perfect in their own purpose.

What is meant by humans being 'returned to the lowest of the low' in the Surah?

This phrase refers to the inevitable decline of human faculties with age. Once in a state of perfection, humans can later face weakness, frailty, and diminished abilities, often symbolized by old age or mental decline.

What does the speaker say about the aging process and its connection to the Surah?

The speaker discusses how, as humans age, they may lose their strength and mental faculties, but if they remain faithful and righteous, they will still be rewarded for their good deeds, even in their old age.

What does the speaker emphasize about pride and the concept of human superiority?

The speaker cautions against humans claiming to be the most perfect or superior creation. While humans are created in the best form, all creations of Allah are perfect according to their purpose.

According to the speaker, what is the significance of faith and good deeds throughout a person's life?

Faith and good deeds are crucial throughout life, as they ensure that a person continues to receive rewards even in old age or when physical abilities decline. This is especially emphasized in the context of acts of worship like prayer and fasting.

How does the speaker interpret the meaning of 'takwim' and its relationship to human creation?

The term 'takwim' refers to the perfect formation or creation of something. The speaker explains that humans were created in the best possible form, both physically and mentally, to fulfill their purpose and carry out Allah's guidance.

How does the speaker address the concept of the creation of Buddha in the Quran?

The speaker refers to an interpretation by Al-Qasimi, who suggests that the mention of places where divine revelations were given could imply Buddha as a significant religious figure. However, the speaker clarifies that although Buddha is recognized in some traditions, he is not considered a prophet in Islam, as only 25 specific prophets are acknowledged in the Quran.