Travel in World and Learn Lessons
It may be surprising to know that a divine book urges people to travel in the world. This is a recommendation of the Quran. The Holy Book calls on people to travel to see the achievements of humanity and reflect on the outcomes of different peoples’ conducts. This reflection greatly helps one to discover the right path in life.
The Quran says in Verse 137 of Surah Al Imran: “Different traditions existed in the past. Travel in the land and find out about the fate of those who rejected the Truth.”
According to the Nemouneh Exegesis of the Quran, this verse indicates that there are divine Sunnahs (laws) that are common for all peoples and all times. Based on these Sunnahs, those who are among believers and are united and awake are predicted to achieve victory while those nations that are disunited, disbelievers and plagued with sins are predicted to face annihilation.
That is why the Quran urges people to travel in the earth and see what previous nations did, how their rulers acted and what fate the faced, especially those who rejected the truth and the invitation of messengers of God and did injustice.
According to the Noor Exegesis of the Quran, this verse underscores the importance of knowing societies and the principles of their dignity or deviation.
Some of the Sunnahs whose outcome one can see in previous nations are as follows:
A- Those who accepted the truth, it save them and lead them to salvation.
B- Those who rejected the truth, it lead them toward annihalition.
C- People have always faced divine tests.
D- Those following the truth have received divine help.
E- Those who did injustice were given time to repent and reverse their course.
F- The steadfastness of the people of God helped them reach lofty goals.
G- Disbelievers hatch plots but God foils them.
Messages of Verse 137 of Surah Al-Imran:
1- There are fixed Sunnahs (traditions, laws) governing the history of humanity and knowing them is beneficial for people. “Different traditions existed in the past.”
2- The history of those living in the past is a guide for people today. “Travel… find out…”
3- Traveling with the right purpose and reflecting on what one sees is the best class. “Travel… find out…”
4-You are not different from other nations in that the factors leading to dignity or fall are the same for all. “Travel… find out…”
5- Knowing history and the conduct and fates of previous nations helps one choose the right path. “Travel… find out…”
6- By knowing about the past, one can predict his future. “Travel… find out…”
7- Studying and reflecting on history’s developments is necessary. “Travel… find out…”
8- In studying history, what matters is the outcome of events and fate of nations. . “Travel in the land and find out about the fate of those who rejected the Truth.”
9- Divine punishments are not just for the Day of Judgment but sometimes those who rebel against God receive punishments in this world as well. “the fate of those who rejected the Truth.”
