In Surah Ash-Shams, Allah swears by various things to emphasize His message. One of the oaths Allah takes is in verses 7-8, where He swears by the human nafs, the self. Allah says, “And [by] the nafs (self) and He who proportioned it, And inspired it [with discernment of] its wickedness and its righteousness.” (Quran 91:7-8)
This oath is significant because it highlights the importance and value of the human self. Allah, the Creator of all things, swears by the very essence of human existence. It shows the high regard and importance Allah places on the human being.
Allah created the human nafs in perfect proportions. This means that Allah has designed the human self with a balance and harmony in its physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects. The human body is a marvelous creation, intricately designed with perfect proportions and functions. The human mind is capable of understanding and reasoning, allowing us to make choices and decisions. And the human soul has the potential for spiritual growth and connection with Allah.
But Allah’s oath also reminds us of the responsibility that comes with this perfect creation. Allah has inspired the nafs with the ability to discern between good and evil, righteousness and wickedness. This means that every human being has been given a natural inclination towards recognizing what is right and what is wrong.
However, it is up to us to exercise this discernment and make choices that align with righteousness. We have the freedom to choose between good and evil, and our actions and decisions shape our character and ultimately determine our fate.
This oath serves as a reminder that we are accountable for our actions. We have been given the ability to understand the difference between right and wrong, and we will be held accountable for the choices we make in this life.
Reflecting on this oath, we should strive to fulfill the purpose for which we were created. We should strive to live our lives in a way that is pleasing to Allah, making choices that promote righteousness and avoiding actions that lead to wickedness.
This oath also serves as a reminder of the potential and capability we have as human beings. We have the ability to do great good and make positive contributions to the world around us. We should strive to fulfill this potential and use our abilities and talents in ways that benefit humanity and bring us closer to Allah.
The oath Allah takes by the human nafs in Surah Ash-Shams reminds us of the value and significance of the human self. It highlights the perfect proportions in which we have been created and the responsibility we have to make choices that align with righteousness. May we strive to fulfill the purpose for which we were created and use our abilities in ways that bring us closer to Allah and benefit humanity.