Yokes in necks and barriers both in front and behind Surely...

Yokes in necks and barriers both in front and behind Surely We have placed yokes on their necks, and these reach up to their chins, so they have their heads raised aloft. And We have made before them a barrier and a barrier behind them, then We have covered them over so that they do not see. (36:8-9) *** *** These verses either relate to Qiyamat or they are by way of example. Despite all kinds of warnings, they did not fear and hence We gave this punishment to them.

This is the apparent meaning of these two verses. A deeper pondering is needed here. Most of the commentators have mentioned three reasons. One: That these two verses pertain to the Hereafter. That it would happen thus in Qiyamat. Another aspect is that it is by way of example; that it is a parable; that nothing of this kind is actual but their condition is like that of a man tied from neck to chin by chains and whose face is up in the air, they cannot understand anything.

But the third aspect, which appears better, is like this: It is a truth among practical truths. What has been mentioned will appear before us with out present physical bodies. Yokes are placed around you. You cannot comprehend anything. Barriers are set before you eyes. Behind your back is another big screen. This meaning is explained in another description as to what is a “yoke?” If this word is understood, everyone will himself follow what it denotes.

Passions and aspirations make one blind and deaf We have iron yokes around our necks. Thus we cannot see what is before our feet, obviously. But this holy verse pertains to the truth and is aimed at our soul and heart. One is unable to see in any direction as the yokes have restricted his senses. The yokes are, in a sense, fallen on our heart and soul in such a way that it makes us raise our heads up in bewilderment.

It can be said that these yokes are our desires and aspirations, longings of passion and love for material world, power, and lust. Wherever they arise they make one blind as well as deaf. Everyone whom his passions, desires and aspirations have blinded and deafened does not see what is in front of him. In front of him is his house in the grave; he sees everything except his grave “before them”. Everyone who looks into himself and looks justly finds a similar rank in himself.

The ignorant and careless think about everything except their own death. They are afraid of everything but a death of disbelief. He also does not see what is behind him.