The sixth verse of Surah Al-Fatiha, ٱهْدِنَا ٱلصِّرَٰطَ ٱلْمُسْتَقِيمَ, is a supplication centred on the request for guidance towards the straight and elevated path. This treatise, employing a scientific and mystical approach, elucidates the concept of the straight path (ir al-mustaqm), distinguishes it from the way (sabl), and describes its characteristics as the path of those blessed. Relying upon Qur'anic verses and a critique of earlier exegesesparticularly the views of Allmeh Tabtab in Al-Mznthis interpretation emphasises the inclusivity of the path for the faithful, its present security, and the dynamic nature of guidance routes. This analysis serves as a beacon illuminating the path for researchers of Quranic sciences towards a deeper understanding of the straight path.
The straight path (ir al-mustaqm) is a route attributed to the blessed, free from manifest polytheism, evident injustice, and overt misguidance. Conversely, the term sabl refers to multiple paths which may lead either to guidance or to error, such as the path of believers or the path of wrongdoers. The ir is analogous to a road leading directly to the Divine destination, whereas the sabls are like side paths that may result in deviation or guidance.
Translation: Guide us to the straight path.
The straight path holds dominion over all sabls, meaning that every sabl gains guidance value only to the extent it aligns with the ir. This supremacy is like the sun whose light illuminates all paths, thereby giving them meaning in accordance with itself.
The straight path, as the route of the blessed, is distinct from the sabl because it is free of polytheism and manifest injustice and holds supremacy over all routes. This distinction establishes the ir as the axis of guidance.
The straight path is not exclusive to the infallibles; believers may also occupy its ranks, though they may reside at lower levels due to shortcomings or carnal desires. This inclusivity is akin to a door open to all believers, conditional upon their avoidance of polytheism and manifest injustice.
ٱلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَلَمْ يَلْبِسُوا إِيمَانَهُمْ بِظُلْمٍ أُولَٰئِكَ لَهُمُ الْأَمْنُ وَهُمْ مُهْتَدُونَ
Translation: Those who have believed and whose faith has not been mixed with injusticethose shall have security, and they are the rightly guided.
Interpreting the ir as a path free from any deficiency or injustice confines it to the realm of infallibility. This perspective is like a cage that excludes believers from the ir, whereas the Qur'an permits access to the ir for believers who avoid manifest injustice.
The straight path is a route that believers may traverse by eschewing polytheism and manifest injustice. This inclusivity removes the ir from being the exclusive domain of the infallibles, transforming it into a universal path for guidance.
The straight path possesses security; however, this security is present and contingent upon remaining steadfast within this route. Departure from the ir to a sabl may occur due to causes such as sin or environmental influence. This security is akin to a shadow found only beneath the tree of the ir.
The persistent prayer ٱهْدِنَا ٱلصِّرَٰطَ ٱلْمُسْتَقِيمَ signifies mankinds perpetual need for guidance and vigilance. This supplication is like a melody continuously resonating within the believers heart, calling him towards steadfastness in the path.
The security of the ir is a present attribute dependent on perseverance. The continuous invocation Guide us emphasises mankinds ongoing need for guidance and cautions against complacency on the path.
The ir and sabl are not in opposition or contradiction; rather, they represent different gradations that are transformable. A human being may transition from the ir to a sabl or vice versa through causes such as sin, inappropriate marriage, or environmental factors. This dynamism resembles a flowing current in the cosmos that acknowledges no path as fixed or immutable.
Deterministic perspectives that depict the ir as unalterable and incapable of deviation, such as the interpretation of Allmeh Tabtab in Al-Mzn (Vol. 1, pp. 32-33), contradict the dynamic nature of existence and the role of causes in altering paths. This critique is akin to a breeze that clears the dust from the face of truth.
The dynamism and interchangeability of ir and sabl underscore the role of human free will and responsibility in maintaining guidance. The critique of deterministic views reveals the necessity for a more dynamic understanding of the ir.
Allmeh Tabtab defines the ir as a path that never accepts deviation or alteration. This definition confines the ir within the domain of infallibility and reduces its inclusivity for believers. Such a perspective resembles a wall constricting believers access to the ir.
Contemporary religious sciences, relying on limited definitions and neglecting the dynamism of existence, fail to meet modern needs. This critique is a call for reconstructing interpretative methodologies with a scientific and comprehensive approach.
The critique of limited exegeses and emphasis on the dynamism of the ir indicate the necessity for reevaluating interpretative methods. This reevaluation paves the way for a broader comprehension of Divine guidance.
The exegesis of the verse ٱهْدِنَا ٱلصِّرَٰطَ ٱلْمُسْتَقِيمَ, adopting scientific and mystical perspectives, introduces the straight path as the way of the blessed, accessible to believers who avoid polytheism and manifest injustice. The security of the ir is present and conditional on perseverance, and the dynamism of guidance paths reveals the possibility of transition between ir and sabl. The critique of deterministic interpretations and the emphasis on inclusivity transform this interpretation into a valuable foundation for Quranic sciences researchers. This analysis is like a jewel whose brilliance illuminates the path of guidance.
Allhumma alli al Muammad wa li Muammad
Under the supervision of Sdegh Khdemi
