of Nekounam, may his sanctity be revered, Session (120)
This work presents a profound and systematic reflection on the second verse of Surah Al-Baqarah, introducing the Holy Quran through a scientific, philosophical, and ontological approach as a perfectly engineered and orderly scripture in relation to existence. The objective of this interpretation is to elucidate the exalted status of the Holy Quran as a comprehensive blueprint for guiding humanity towards perfection and existential preservation. By utilising precise analyses and a universal perspective, this work presents the Holy Quran not merely as a religious text but as a scientific and practical source applicable to all domains of knowledge and human groups. In this context, the concept of taqwa (piety) as preservation is positioned as the central theme and re-examined with a novel and scientific outlook.
The Holy Quran is a divine scripture harmonising with all dimensions of existence. This book is not a random or disorganised compilation but possesses an orderly and engineered structure encompassing the entire cosmos. Just as a precise map reveals the routes of a land, the Holy Quran provides a comprehensive map for the guidance of humanity and the elucidation of the existential system.
The Quranic subjects, from titles to content, are organised with scientific and logical precision. This order facilitates the presentation of the Holy Quran as a universal source. The scientific nature of the Holy Quran refers not only to its compatibility with empirical sciences but also to its philosophical and logical coherence in elucidating concepts.
The disjointed letters at the beginning of certain surahs indicate the hidden, esoteric truths of existence beyond the current reach of human knowledge. These letters signify the limitations of human epistemology and highlight the role of prophets and heavenly scriptures as guides for the advancement of human knowledge.
Humankind, potentially, can grow and elevate in understanding existential truths through the guidance of the prophets and heavenly scriptures. The Holy Quran, as a radiant torch, actualises this latent capacity and directs humanity toward epistemic perfection.
ذَٰلِكَ الْكِتَابُ لَا رَيْبَ ۛ فِيهِ ۛ هُدًى لِلْمُتَّقِينَ
This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for the pious.
This verse introduces the Holy Quran as an unquestionable book and a guide for the pious. The phrase "ذلک الکتاب" alludes to the grandeur and exalted position of the Quran, while "هدی للمتقین" specifies the path and ultimate purpose of creation, namely the preservation of existence.
Guidance is the path leading towards perfection, and piety reveals the goal of preserving the cosmos. These two concepts possess a dialectical relationship; guidance serves as the means and piety as the goal. Together, in harmony, they lead humans towards perfection.
Taqwa is an inherent and natural attribute present in all beings, from stones to humans, aimed at preserving existence and distinctiveness. Just as a stone resists destruction, humans, through taqwa, preserve their being against deviations.
All beings, driven by innate self-love, strive for their survival. In humans, this preservation manifests consciously, voluntarily, and epistemically, extending beyond physical survival to maintaining purity and epistemic perfection.
Taqwa stands opposed to fujur (rupture and explosion) and fisq (departure from nature and soundness). Fujur can represent the explosion of light or darkness, whereas fisq is always reprehensible, signifying complete departure from natural disposition.
Taqwa is not the ultimate goal but a means to attain perfection. Just as a brake in a vehicle protects it from accidents, taqwa safeguards humans from deviations along the path of guidance.
The Holy Quran is a book for all existence and should not be confined solely to religious or local contexts. Limited approaches to the Quran have hindered its global dissemination. This scripture, like a boundless ocean, encompasses all dimensions of existence and is applicable to all peoples and nations.
The Quranic revolution entails presenting the Holy Quran as a universal and cosmopolitan book encompassing everything from dust and stones to the Divine Truth. This perspective, beyond political dimensions, aims at the systematic and scientific presentation of the Quran to the world.
Many traditional exegeses are limited to morphological and syntactical issues and have failed to provide scientific and practical content. This limitation has obstructed the exposition of the Qurans universal capacities.
Mulla Sadra interpreted taqwa with multiple meanings (faith, monotheism, reverence, repentance, obedience, refraining from sin, sincerity). These meanings do not align with the primary concept of taqwa as preservation. Taqwa is a unified and comprehensive concept that does not require multiple interpretations.
Deficiency in root-analysis (recognition of lexical origins) has led to errors in interpreting Quranic concepts. Instruction in root-analysis is essential for accurate elucidation of Quranic meanings.
فَأَلْزَمَهُمْ كَلِمَةَ التَّقْوَىٰ
And imposed upon them the word of piety.
In this verse, taqwa signifies preservation and steadfastness, not faith. Taqwa is the vessel preserving faith and endurance against deviations.
إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَغُضُّونَ أَصْوَاتَهُمْ عِنْدَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ أُولَٰئِكَ الَّذِينَ امْتَحَنَ اللَّهُ قُلُوبَهُمْ لِلتَّقْوَىٰ
Indeed, those who lower their voices before the Messenger of Allah are the ones whose hearts Allah has tested for piety.
This verse introduces taqwa as a psychological attribute manifesting in behaviour control and social decorum. Such preservation may also be observed in non-believers.
Taqwa differs from khashyah (fear). Fully understood, taqwa is based on love and respect, not fear and coercion. Just as a flower resists the wind, taqwa preserves humans against deviations.
Religious scholars should remove fear from society and interact with people through love and sincerity. A divine scholar, like a pure spring, must disseminate love and respect within the community.
Taqwa should lead to love and affection for God. The conduct of the prophets and imams, abundant in sincerity and love, introduced taqwa as a means to attain this divine love.
The interpretation of the second verse of Surah Al-Baqarah, emphasising the concept of taqwa as preservation, presents a novel and scientific approach to the Holy Quran. This interpretation introduces the Quran as an orderly scripture, perfectly engineered and commensurate with the entirety of existence, applicable not only to believers but also to all humanity and scientific domains. Taqwa is an innate and natural attribute that manifests consciously and voluntarily in humans and serves as a means to achieve perfection. Criticism of traditional exegeses highlights the necessity of root-analysis and a scientific approach to interpretation. The Holy Quran, as a universal text, must be presented beyond religious and cultural boundaries to reveal its global capacities. Religious scholars should, with love and sincerity, convey this message to the world.
Supervised by Sadegh Khademi
