Hermeneutical Reflections on the Human Condition as Established in Quranic Chapters Al 'Asr "Time" and At-Tin "The Fig", Informed by Inspirations from Exegete Said Nursi, in Light of Man's Accountability in this World

Abstract

This philosophical article is located at the intersection of hermeneutics and literary analysis. Scriptures and exegeses have been studied as literature for a long time, and this article draws on the exegesis of the Risale-i Nur (Nursi & Vahide, 1995; Nursi, 2005), a contemporary interpretation of the Quran relevant to this discussion. The article presents a textual analysis and a discussion of the general human condition in light of key verses from two surahs/chapters of the Quran, supported by interpretation and further explanation from selected thoughts of the Risale-i Nur and selected Hadiths/the Prophetic Traditions. The discussion leads to a synthesis where the extent of man's accountability in life and in this world is presented primarily in light of Nursi's interpretation. While weighing the impact of man's actions and the degree of his responsibility in his personal and social life, the article concludes by affirming the wisdom of the mercy of a Higher Being who is in control of everything while sustaining man. The article showcases the condition of man as a state of loss which is twofold: firstly, in terms of man's contribution to generating a lost society ravaged by his own egocentric actions, which may result in frustration, conflict, wars, economic and political turmoil, chaos and fear; and secondly, in terms of man's inability to deal with setbacks and calamities triggered by natural phenomena, such as diseases and other problems. Unless man remains patient, resilient and submitted to the Higher Being, he cannot cope with these issues in his life. Referring to At-Tin, The Fig (Quran: 95), which states that man is of the best of stature, as God intended him to be, the article concludes that it is only patience in adversity, belief and trust in God, and gratitude that bring solace to man's condition.