I just came across this message and thought I would share some comments.
Regardless of the underlying religion or its sacred texts, such messages often represent common dualistic beliefs. They are less about a philosophy in search of truth and more an expression of belief in a powerful God who is both a punisher and to be feared.
In essence, the verse reflects themes of humility, trust in divine knowledge, and the central mission of prophetic guidance.
All dualistic theologies and their associated beliefs invariably require an intermediary—a Guru, Prophet, Messenger, or Son of God. Fear is a central element in such traditions, where God is portrayed as a figure akin to a "Godfather," offering an ultimatum: paradise or eternal damnation. It is like making an offer that cannot be refused so to speak.
These systems also revolve around the concepts of free will and destiny.
In the vision of the Upanishads, however, these ideas are rejected and shown to be contradictory. For instance, the second chapter of the Mandukya Karika addresses and critiques various schools of thought. Beliefs are given respect by categorizing them as "schools of thought," but their limitations are evident.
Plurality does not require validation through scripture; we perceive multiplicity all around us. Feeling limited in our capabilities, we imagine an all-knowing, all-powerful God. This often leads to contradictions, or what some may call paradoxes, because omniscience, omnipotence, and omnipresence cannot logically coexist in the same entity.
Advaita Vedanta resolves these contradictions comprehensively. Adi Shankaracharya has provided an irrefutable framework in this regard, though that is a separate topic.
In the long run, dualistic traditions tend to create division and propagate insecurity through the idea of a powerful, punishing God, as opposed to an all-loving, compassionate God. How does God fit into the Advaita understanding? This is addressed without contradictions in Advaita Vedanta. Furthermore, if God is truly all-compassionate, the question of so-called evil is resolved without resorting to the concept of a Devil.
Interestingly, many of the more recent Puranic stories seem influenced by Biblical narratives. These stories often lack the essence of wisdom or, if such wisdom was present, it has been largely forgotten.
However, the wisdom of the Rishis has given rise to a robust system of learning. This includes rituals, mythological stories intended to convey wisdom, Itihasa (epic narratives that are not history in the modern sense), science and its applications, and finally, the highest wisdom of the Upanishads.
It is worth noting that there is no equivalent term for "free will" in Vedanta—it is an import from Christianity. Similarly, the concept of destiny (Kismat) comes from Islam. Both ideas are alien to the universal and holistic teachings of Vedanta.
There is a way to understand all of these concepts without resorting to belief or faith. In Vedanta, God is not feared but discovered in the "cave of the heart."
When such a universal teaching is available to all humanity, it is paradoxical that many remain fixated on gods and scriptures created by human insecurity and greed.
For clarity, I do not identify as a theist, atheist, agnostic, or any such label. As the quoted verse from Islamic scripture is intended for believers, I will refrain from critiquing it.
All the best!
