The Meaning of the Poet's Words: "These are the limits for the feet of mankind *** In this station where the encampments are narrow. So who is it who will bring a clear opening *** That saves mankind from the depths of confusion"
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The Shaykh :"These are the limits for the feet of mankind *** In this station where the encampments are narrow"
Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) described this research as a station with narrow encampments. "Al-ʿaṭān" is the plural of "ʿaṭan" (encampment). If the encampment is narrow, that necessitates narrowness, restriction, and hardship.
"So who is it who will bring a clear opening *** That saves mankind from the depths of confusion
So Allah will reward him with what he deserves, *** from the abode of Paradise along with His pleasure.
These three verses can be understood to mean that Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him), after preferring the view regarding the sequential occurrence of events in the past, did not feel complete peace of mind with it. Therefore, he said:
"Who is it who will bring a clear opening *** That saves mankind from the depths of confusion"
It is also possible that he means that what he has brought forth is a clear opening that saves mankind from the depths of confusion. His words (may Allah have mercy on him) are ambiguous in that, after this long research and discussion, he may have felt some hesitation, just as there is currently hesitation among students of knowledge regarding this issue, whether among the junior or the senior students. It is also possible that he means that he (may Allah have mercy on him) has brought a clear opening in this issue, as indicated by his support for the view that the sequential occurrence of events in the past is permissible or possible.
"So may Allah reward him with what he deserves *** From the Garden of Refuge along with the Pleasure of Allah"
This is part of Ibn al-Qayyim's (may Allah have mercy on him) sincerity and advice, in that he prayed for the one who brings a clear opening and clear evidence to the Muslims. For every one who is sincere to Allah, His Book, and His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) loves to make clear to creation what the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) brought of guidance and the true religion.
Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) described this research as a station with narrow encampments. "Al-ʿaṭān" is the plural of "ʿaṭan" (encampment). If the encampment is narrow, that necessitates narrowness, restriction, and hardship.
"So who is it who will bring a clear opening *** That saves mankind from the depths of confusion
So Allah will reward him with what he deserves, *** from the abode of Paradise along with His pleasure.
These three verses can be understood to mean that Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him), after preferring the view regarding the sequential occurrence of events in the past, did not feel complete peace of mind with it. Therefore, he said:
"Who is it who will bring a clear opening *** That saves mankind from the depths of confusion"
It is also possible that he means that what he has brought forth is a clear opening that saves mankind from the depths of confusion. His words (may Allah have mercy on him) are ambiguous in that, after this long research and discussion, he may have felt some hesitation, just as there is currently hesitation among students of knowledge regarding this issue, whether among the junior or the senior students. It is also possible that he means that he (may Allah have mercy on him) has brought a clear opening in this issue, as indicated by his support for the view that the sequential occurrence of events in the past is permissible or possible.
"So may Allah reward him with what he deserves *** From the Garden of Refuge along with the Pleasure of Allah"
This is part of Ibn al-Qayyim's (may Allah have mercy on him) sincerity and advice, in that he prayed for the one who brings a clear opening and clear evidence to the Muslims. For every one who is sincere to Allah, His Book, and His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) loves to make clear to creation what the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) brought of guidance and the true religion.