The Majestic Quran

95. At-Tin The Fig This Makkan chapter opens with four oaths: two of the valuable trees and two sacred places. These splendid symbols are used as a testimony to the truthfulness of its theme: the ‘inherent goodness’ of human nature, and how this is ruined. This vivid description of the splendour of God’s creation and the nobility of humanity is an elegant piece of rhetoric. The reference to human nature being as the “most beautiful” (4) is an important Quranic teaching, which offers hope in a world ravaged by wars and human greed. It refers to the upright and beautiful human figure, possessing beneficial intelligence, moral goodness and yearnings for the Divine. In other words, humans have the potential to be good, kind and generous, but can easily be ruined by disregarding faith in the Hereafter. This “most beautiful” nature can be easily damaged. The concept of Din (creed) or Judgement Day acts as a deterrent. In the name of God, the Kind, the Caring H ? 1 By the fig, by the olive, 2 by Mount Sinai 3 and this safe city. 4 We created humans in the most beautiful form, 5 then reduced them to the lowest of the lows, due to disobedience , 6 except those who believed and performed honourable deeds; they shall have a never-ending reward. 7 So after knowing this what makes you deny Judgement Day? 8 Isn’t God the most Just Judge?