Tranlsation
Be true to your inner nature (nature in which God had created you), work to create goodness, and do not be influenced by those who are ignorant. If the Devil (or men of evil intent) attempts to influence you with dissention or deviation (from truth), resort to God, who is Ever Hearing and Knowing. Those who are conscious and responsible when the Devil (or men of evil intent) attempts to influence them immediately become mindful, and they can recognize (with situational awareness), whereas those who align with the Devil continue to increase in such deviation without resisting. 393
When you do not bring them a sign (according to their desire or choice), they ask: “Why don’t you demand it (from God)?” Reply to them: “I only follow what comes from my Sustainer God.” This narrative is a sign and a proof, a guide and a source of mercy for those who believe. When this Qur’an is presented, pay attention to its message and reflect on its meaning (in silent contemplation) so that you can partake in its mercy. Be conscious of your Sustainer God within your inner core with awe and humility and in a voice pleasant during morning hours and evening hours, and do not allow yourself to be without such conscious mindfulness. (Think of those) who are in the presence of your Sustainer God—they are not proud to serve him, they glorify and honor him immensely, and to Him they are wholeheartedly devoted. 394
Interpretation
393 In the Qur’an, there is constant reference to the Devil, who tempted the first man and the first woman (Adam and Eve). God allowed the Devil to live until the end of time (the Day of Resurrection) to continue to tempt children of Adam and Eve toward evil and falsehood. The Devil was from the Jinn, a species God mentions in the Qur’an made from fire (energy). In contrast, human beings are made from dust or mud (matter); therefore, human beings have physical presence, whereas the Devil is invisible to human eyes or senses but can influence human minds to think in ways that we do not fully understand or comprehend. Our evil thoughts and inclinations can come from within us as well as be influenced by the Devil. Any human act that is not in conformity with human nature (i.e., the nature of God) is considered an act of the Devil, and we are warned to be aware of such influence and misguidance.
394 The question of proof has always dogged the communities of the prophets, especially those that were not inclined to believe in God or the Prophet. Moses had a walking stick that would turn into a fearsome snake, and Jesus would heal the sick, among other miracles that God empowered him with. In that vein, people would demand such miracles from the Prophet Mohammad, but he always maintained that the Qur’an itself was the proof if they would reflect on it and try to understand its content and message in the context of our own lives and our living environment. The Qur’an certainly moves the minds and hearts of millions of people who read it, think it, and put it into practice in a diverse set of communities all over the globe. The beauty of the narratives; the rhythm of its recitation, especially by trained reciters; and the reminders of its verses in the daily prayers create a powerful personal connection with God. The challenge for our generation is to comprehend its meaning and relevance to our day-to-day life and to go beyond the rituals and symbolism of faith.
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REFLECTION
We are being asked to be conscious of God in our inner core with a sense of awe and humility and to be mindful of His presence and guidance on a daily basis in every aspect of our lives.
ACTION
Such mindfulness can come only if we take the message seriously, develop a deep and personal connection with God, and “seek the truth to establish justice thereby.”