Surah Ya Sin (Ya Sin) 36 : 5

Overview (Verses 1 - 5)

A Book Full of Wisdom 
 
“Yd Sin. By the Qur’ān, All of wisdom.” (Verses 1-2) God says an oath by these two letters and by the Qur’ān. This combination endorses the view we have expressed elsewhere about the mention of separate letters at the beginning of many sūrahs, and the relation between mentioning these letters and the Qur’ān. The proof that God is the source of the Qur’ān is obvious from these letters which are available to all Arabs to use yet they are incapable of producing with them anything like the thoughts and modes of expression contained in the Qur’ān. Yet seldom do they consider such confirmation.
 
As He swears by the Qur’ān, God Almighty describes it as being full of wisdom. In fact, a literal translation should be ‘By the wise Qur’ān.’ Wisdom is a quality of rational beings, which suggests that the oath is phrased in this way to impart to the Qur’ān the qualities of life, having a purpose and a will, which are essential for a wise being.
 
Although this is allegorical, nonetheless it describes a fact, bringing it closer to our minds’ eye. This Qur’ān has a soul of its own, giving it qualities similar to those of a living person with whom you have mutual responses and feelings. This takes place when you pay full attention to it and listen to it with your heart and soul. Whenever you open your faculties up to it, the Qur’ān reveals to you more of its secrets. When you have lived for a while in the company of the Qur’ān, you will long for its distinctive features, just as you long for the features of a close friend. God’s Messenger used to love to listen to the Qur’ān being recited by other people. He would even stop by people’s doors if he overheard someone inside reciting the Qur’ān, just like a lover listens to a conversation about the one he loves. The Qur’ān is certainly wise. It addresses everyone according to their ability; touching heart strings, speaking in a measured way, and using a wisdom that suits each person. Furthermore, the Qur’ān is full of wisdom. It educates people wisely, according to a straight logical and psychological system that releases all human potential and directs people to what is good and beneficial. It establishes a code of living that allows every human activity within the limits of its wise system.
 
God Almighty swears by the two letters, Yā and Sīn, and by the Qur’ān to confirm the truth of revelation and the message delivered by the Prophet: “You are indeed one of God’s messengers, pursuing a straight way.” (Verses 3-4) Limitless in His glory, God does not need to express an oath, but this oath by the Qur’ān and its letters gives the subject of the oath added greatness. God would not swear by anything unless it were great indeed, worthy of being sworn by.
 
“You are indeed one of God’s messengers.” (Verse 3) The way this verse is phrased imparts a feeling that sending messengers is a well recognized fact, with many past cases. This is not what is being proved here. Instead, what is being emphasized is that Muĥammad (peace be upon him) is one of these messengers. The oath is addressed to Muĥammad himself, not to those who deny his message, so as to place the oath, the Messenger and the message above argument or discussion. It is a fact being stated by God about His Messenger.
 
“You are indeed one of God’s messengers, pursuing a straight way.” (Verses 3-4) This explains the nature of the message after the truth about the Messenger has been stated. By nature, this message is straightforward. It is as straight as the edge of a sword. It admits no crookedness, deviation, or prejudice. The truth it contains is clear, free of ambiguity, and does not bend to serve any interest or to satisfy any desire. Whoever wants this truth will find it pure, simple and accurate.
 
Because it is straight, this truth is simple, free of complexity and problems that beset controversial issues. It states the truth in the simplest and most direct way that needs the least amount of explanation and interpretation. It does not give words and sentences any special colour or overtone. As such, it is readily understood by people of all standards of education and civilization: each finds in it what they need for their lives to take an easy course, being also properly organized and well regulated.
 
Moreover, the Qur’ānic message is consistent with the nature of the universe and its system, as well as the nature of all that is around man. Hence, it neither conflicts with any thing in existence nor requires man to be in conflict. It follows its own way benefiting from, and cooperating with the laws that govern the universe and all creatures living in it.
 
As such, the Islamic message pursues its straight way to God, sure to reach Him. Its adherents do not fear that they may lose their way to Him, or take a path away from Him. They know that they are on a straight path leading to His pleasure. The Qur’ān is the guide along this way. As long as man takes up the Qur’ān, he will find a consistent concept of the truth, outlining detailed values, each having a clear and well defined role.
 
“It is a revelation by the Almighty, the Ever Merciful.” (Verse 5) We note how God identifies Himself in such situations so that people will understand the true nature of what has been revealed to them. God is the Almighty who does what He pleases, yet He is Merciful to His servants. Whatever He does to them is born out of His mercy.