of Nokounam, May His Secret Be Sanctified (Session 128)
The exegesis of the Holy Quran, particularly Surah Al-Baqarah, which stands like a firm pillar in the edifice of religious knowledge, necessitates a profound, scientific, and methodical approach. The second verse of this Surah, by introducing the characteristics of the pious and emphasising belief in the unseen, opens a gateway towards understanding the truth of divine guidance. This writing, by compiling and rewriting the lectures delivered on 19/8/1387 (Iranian calendar), provides a comprehensive and academic analysis of this verse. The objective is to present a refined and specialised text that not only elucidates the apparent meanings of the verse but also structures the intellectual and cultural framework of the audience to facilitate a deeper comprehension of guidance. By employing sophisticated metaphors and allegories, this text endeavours, whilst maintaining strict fidelity to the original content, to provide a rich and systematic resource for researchers and learned audiences.
Understanding the Holy Quran, akin to a lofty edifice, requires firm foundations which are shaped by interpretative premises and prerequisites. These premises are fundamental principles that constitute the intellectual and cultural structure of the religious society and must be gradually and systematically ingrained in minds. Without mastery over these principles, a profound understanding of the divine verses is impossible.
Key Point: Interpretative foundations, like the roots of a robust tree, form the basis of understanding the Holy Quran and must be diligently entrenched.
The common interpretative methods that suffice with extracting a few limited points from a verse resemble water flowing over stone surfaces, failing to penetrate the depths of meanings. This approach leads to a fragmentation of topics and disrupts the comprehensive understanding of the verse. In contrast, exegesis must explore all dimensions of the verse to attain its truth.
Key Point: Superficial interpretative methods, due to their limited extraction of points, fall short of deep and comprehensive comprehension of the verses.
Discourse, like a fire that refines the essence of knowledge, is a key method for deepening the understanding of the Holy Quran. Unlike passive listening, discourse activates the mind and cultivates critical thinking. The formation of discussion groups, even with many participants, leads to comparative examination of interpretations and the production of new knowledge.
Key Point: Discourse, as an active and dynamic method, deepens the understanding of the Holy Quran and results in the creation of novel knowledge.
Two methods have been proposed for exegesis: firstly, extracting limited points and delegating the continuation to discourse; and secondly, conducting comprehensive research until the exegete declares that no further point remains to be added. The second method is ideal and investigative, akin to an explorer in a precious mine, examining all aspects of the verse.
Key Point: The comprehensive research method, by deeply exploring all facets of the verse, leads to a complete and scientific understanding of the Holy Quran.
The prevailing culture in religious sciences, where one individual speaks and others merely listen, resembles a barren tree class that fails to produce knowledge. Active participation of students through written opinions and group discussions aids in fostering independent and creative thinking.
The lack of discourse about the Holy Quran, while other texts such as Siyuti and Al-Mughni are debated, constitutes a form of disrespect towards this celestial book. This results in weakness in understanding and translating the Quran and diminishes its status within the epistemological system.
Key Point: The absence of discourse about the Holy Quran is a form of disrespect to its exalted position and leads to weakness in comprehension and translation.
The methodology of Quranic exegesis requires attention to foundational premises, active discourse, and comprehensive research. The critique of superficial methods and passive oral culture highlights the necessity for transformation in religious sciences. This approach, like a torch in darkness, paves the way for a deeper understanding of the Quran.
ذَٰلِكَ ٱلْكِتَٰبُ لَا رَيْبَ ۛ فِيهِ ۛ هُدًى لِّلْمُتَّقِينَ
Translation: This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for the pious.
This verse introduces the Holy Quran as an undoubted light that guides the pious. The concept of "the pious" is elucidated in the subsequent verses with clear examples and is an invitation to contemplate the features of the guided.
In the following verses, the pious are defined exemplarily, not conceptually or generally. These examples, like interconnected chain links, include belief in the unseen, establishment of prayer, spending out of sustenance, belief in revelation, and certainty in the Hereafter.
ٱلَّذِينَ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِٱلْغَيْبِ وَيُقِيمُونَ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَمِمَّا رَزَقْنَٰهُمْ يُنفِقُونَ وَٱلَّذِينَ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِمَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيْكَ وَمَآ أُنزِلَ مِن قَبْلِكَ وَبِٱلْءَاخِرَةِ هُمْ يُوقِنُونَ
Translation: Those who believe in the unseen, establish prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them, and those who believe in what has been revealed to you and what was revealed before you, and of the Hereafter they are certain.
Key Point: The definitional exemplification of the pious, through belief in the unseen, prayer, charity, revelation, and the Hereafter, offers a practical and applied approach for understanding guidance.
In these verses, priority is given to thought (belief in the unseen, revelation, and the Hereafter), with actions (prayer and charity) placed secondarily. Thought is like a spirit that animates the body of action and shapes the truth of the human being.
Key Point: Faith in the unseen, revelation, and the Hereafter, as foundational thoughts, precedes righteous actions such as prayer and charity.
The prevalent concept of Quranic translation, which is limited to the literal conversion from one language to another, resembles mincing meat it changes form but does not convey the spirit and meaning of the verse. Such translation fails to transmit the truth of the verses.
Key Point: Literal translation of the Quran, without conveying the spirit and meaning, results in incomplete understanding and distances from the truth of divine guidance.
Devoting time and energy to the study and research of the Holy Quran is like planting a seed in fertile soil, essential for its profound understanding. Without such dedication, the understanding of the Quran degrades to a superficial level.
Reciting the Holy Quran from the text itself, even for those who have memorised the verses, holds special value. This act is akin to spiritual etiquette that establishes a deeper connection with the divine speech.
Key Point: Recitation directly from the Holy Quran, even for memorizers, is a spiritual practice that deepens the bond with divine revelation.
The second verse of Surah Al-Baqarah, by introducing the pious and emphasising examples of guidance, provides a clear path for understanding the truth of faith. The priority of thought over action, critique of literal translations, and the emphasis on recitation and study of the Quran are key themes in this section.
The unseen, contrary to popular viewpoints, is not opposed to sensory perception but interacts with testimony. words of the Commander of the Faithful (peace be upon him) in Nahj al-Balagha: "داخل فی الأشیاء لا بالممازجة و خارج عن الأشیاء لا بالمفارقة", the unseen pervades all existence and does not conflict with testimony but rather maintains a profound interaction.
Key Point: The unseen and testimony interact rather than conflict, and the unseen pervades all existence like a spirit that enlivens the universe.
داخل فی الأشیاء لا بالممازجة و خارج عن الأشیاء لا بالمفارقة
Translation: It is within things, but not by mixture; and outside things, but not by separation.
This tradition emphasises the presence of the unseen throughout existence and demonstrates that belief in the unseen means accepting a pervasive and ongoing reality in the universe.
Belief in the unseen is the essence of religion, and other principles, such as prophecy, imamate, and resurrection, fall under it. The unseen is not superficial or plastic but real and profound; belief in it elevates the human being to a lofty rank.
Key Point: Belief in the unseen is the essence of religion, with other principles subsumed under it, like a key that unlocks the doors of knowledge.
The principles of religion are summarised in belief in the unseen, and other principles such as God, resurrection, prophecy, and imamate are manifestations of this truth. This unity resembles a single light manifested in diverse colours.
Key Point: The principles of religion are united in belief in the unseen, and this unity forms the foundation of monotheistic knowledge.
Belief in the unseen, as the essence of religion, encompasses all epistemological principles and maintains a profound interaction with testimony. This viewpoint leads to a deep, monotheism-centred understanding of religion.
Mental training, akin to taming a wild horse, is essential for profound comprehension of the Holy Quran. The mind must be controlled by the will to prevent distraction and frivolity.
Key Point: Mental training, by subjecting the mind to the control of will, results in focused and strong thought production.
اقبل فاقبل، ادبر فادبر
Translation: Advance, then advance; retreat, then retreat.
This tradition emphasises the importance of will in controlling the mind and shows that a disciplined intellect obeys commands.
Excessive studying without contemplation is like filling a sack with straw, leading to the accumulation of information rather than the production of knowledge. True knowledge is that which is accompanied by thought and will.
Key Point: Studying without reflection leads to mere accumulation of information, not genuine knowledge.
Mental training and avoidance of over-studying without thought are essential for the production of true knowledge and profound understanding of the Holy Quran. This approach leads to the cultivation of focused and creative thinking.
The interpretation of the second verse of Surah Al-Baqarah, by emphasising the characteristics of the pious and belief in the unseen, serves as a guide to understanding the truth of divine guidance. This writing, by compiling lectures and presented analyses, stresses the importance of interpretative foundations, discourse, comprehensive research, mental training, and critique of superficial methods. Belief in the unseen, like a light illuminating all the principles of religion
