of Nokounam, , Session 104 (Date: 27/12/1388)
The seventh verse of the blessed Surah Al-Fatiha, "ira alladhna anamta alayhim ghayri al-mabi alayhim wal -lln", complements the supplication for guidance in the preceding verse and, by emphasising the path of those bestowed with blessings, refers to two groups Al-Maghdoob 'Alayhim and Ad-Daalleen as deviant paths. This interpretation, adopting a critical and scholarly approach, examines the meanings of Al-Maghdoob 'Alayhim and Ad-Daalleen, and, relying on Qur'anic verses, avoids limiting these concepts to specific groups, analysing them within a universal and comprehensive framework. The present discourse, articulated in an exalted language and systematic structure, offers an in-depth and holistic perspective on this subject for an audience specialised in Qur'anic sciences, philosophy, and mysticism.
The interpretation of Surah Al-Fatiha in this discourse is founded upon a comparative and critical methodology. This method necessitates a meticulous examination of previous exegetes' viewpoints and their comparison with the text of the Qur'an to prevent one-sidedness and blind imitation.
This method functions as a mirror that, by reflecting diverse perspectives, elucidates the truth of the Qur'anic meanings more clearly.
The single-source approach, which merely relies on citing the opinion of one exegete, leads to incomplete and limited comprehension. Critically examining others views enables the recognition of differences and innovations.
This criticism resembles an invitation to open the windows of the mind so that the light of truth may illuminate it from various angles.
The comparative and critical method enriches the exegesis by reviewing commentators opinions and comparing them with the Qur'an, thereby preventing blind imitation.
Certain limitations within religious knowledge, including rigidity and resistance to critiquing predecessors, have hindered the advancement of exegetical knowledge. This approach has resulted in mere imitation of the pious predecessors and restricted innovation.
This rigidity resembles a chain that prevents the mind from soaring in the sky of knowledge.
The pious predecessors refer to virtuous and noble individuals of the past, not necessarily superior in knowledge and understanding. Scientific progress and temporal transformations allow subsequent generations to attain superiority.
This reevaluation is akin to unlocking a lock that had imprisoned the past as the sole reference for truth.
Due to the limitations of religious sciences, a different method has been adopted in the exegesis of Surah Al-Baqarah, encouraging the audience towards independent and comparative study rather than unconditional acceptance of generalities.
This method resembles a seed planted in the mind of the audience to bear the fruit of independent thought.
The limitations of religious sciences, especially rigidity, have impeded critique and innovation in exegesis. Reevaluation of the concept of the pious predecessors and encouragement towards independent study pave the way for the advancement of exegetical knowledge.
The concepts of Al-Maghdoob 'Alayhim and Ad-Daalleen in the verse are not confined to specific groups such as Jews and Christians; rather, they encompass all deviations, even among Muslims.
Ghayri al-Maghdoobi Alayhim wa la ad-Daalleen
Not the path of those who have incurred [Your] wrath, nor of those who have gone astray.
This universality is like a window that expands the view from the narrowness of ethnic prejudices to the broad horizon of truth.
Regarding the concept of Al-Maghdoob, there are 14 verses and for Ad-Daalleen, 190 verses in the Qur'an, demonstrating the comprehensiveness of these concepts. Such referencing prevents limiting the interpretation to particular groups.
These references resemble stars that illuminate the sky of Qur'anic meanings.
The relationship between Al-Maghdoob 'Alayhim and Ad-Daalleen is one of general and specific, not equivalence. Every one who is Maghdoob is Daall, but not every Daall is necessarily Maghdoob.
This relationship is like a branch that grows from the tree of misguidance, but only some branches lead to divine wrath.
The concepts of Al-Maghdoob 'Alayhim and Ad-Daalleen, with a universal approach, refer to general deviations. Qur'anic references and elucidation of the general-specific relationship assist in a more precise understanding of these concepts.
Divine mercy precedes His wrath. God's wrath is an active attribute limited to specific instances, whereas mercy is His intrinsic and all-encompassing attribute.
This precedence is like an ocean that absorbs the limited waves of wrath.
Some interpretations depict God as irritable and wrathful, which conflicts with His merciful reality. Even in the face of misguidance, God tends more towards guidance than wrath.
This critique lifts the veil from the merciful face of God, revealing the light of His love.
The gradations of deviation, ranging from misguidance to wrath, indicate the systematic nature of divine justice. These levels warn believers against deviation but are accompanied by divine mercy.
These levels resemble steps guiding humans towards self-awareness and reform.
Divine mercy, as an intrinsic attribute, precedes wrath and rectifies the fearsome image of God. The levels of deviation, within the framework of divine justice, guide believers towards guidance.
Historical insecurities have obstructed the free and comprehensive writing of exegeses. Due to social and political constraints, past exegetes were unable to fully elucidate the meanings.
These limitations resembled cages that prevented the birds of thought from flying freely.
Piety and particularly taqiyya (precautionary dissimulation) in insecure circumstances influenced exegetical writing, compelling commentators to exercise caution and self-censorship.
This influence is like a shadow cast over the pens of exegetes, impeding the explicit expression of truth.
Historical insecurities and taqiyya have been significant obstacles to the free writing of exegeses. These limitations highlight the necessity for reevaluation and the composition of new interpretations.
The interpretation of the verse "Ghayri al-Maghdoobi Alayhim wa La Ad-Daalleen" through a critical and scholarly approach analyses the concepts of Al-Maghdoob 'Alayhim and Ad-Daalleen within a universal framework and avoids restricting them to particular groups. Reference to Qur'anic verses and clarification of the general-specific relationship between these concepts contribute to a deeper understanding of the verse. The precedence of divine mercy over wrath presents a balanced and merciful image of God, while the levels of deviation serve as guides for believers towards guidance. Critique of the limitations of religious knowledge and historical barriers underscores the necessity of a scientific and innovative approach in exegesis. This analysis represents a valuable and inspiring resource for researchers in Qur'anic and human sciences. For future studies, a comparative examination of this interpretation with other Shia and Sunni exegeses and an analysis of its impact on religious behaviour are recommended.
Supervised by Sadegh Khademi
