of Nokounam , Session (184)
Verse 20 of Surah Al-Baqarah, addressing all humanity directly, presents a profound and universal invitation to worship the Lord and abstain from associating partners with Him. This verse, like a radiant torch, clarifies the pivotal status of "N" (people) within the Quranic system, and by elucidating divine blessings, it guides humanity towards piety and God-worship. This interpretation, employing a scientific and systematic approach, analyses this verse and utilises refined analogies to provide a coherent framework for understanding the position of humans in the Holy Quran.
O mankind, worship your Lord who created you and those before you, that you may become righteous. He who made the earth a wide expanse for you and the sky a constructed canopy and sent down water from the sky by which He brought forth fruits as provision for you. So do not set up rivals to Allah while you know.
The address Y Ayyuh An-N addresses all humans irrespective of faith or disbelief, underscoring the universality of the Quranic message.
The preceding verses of Surah Al-Baqarah descriptively categorised humans into three groups: the successful, the disbelievers, and the hypocrites. However, this verse shifts from description to direct address, inviting humanity to action.
The call to Ibud Rabbakum extends beyond performing religious rituals; it denotes complete submission to the Divine Will and acceptance of His Lordship. The term Rabb emphasises the Creators formative and nurturing relationship with humanity.
The reference to the creation of humans and their predecessors signifies the continuity of the creation system and the inclusiveness of divine lordship. The objective of worship is to attain piety, which acts as a shield protecting humanity from deviation.
The verse enumerates blessings such as the earth as a resting place, the sky as a canopy, and rain as the source of sustenance, inviting humans to gratitude and devotion to God.
The command Fal Tajal Lillhi Anddan warns humans against assigning equals to God. The phrase Wa Antum Talamn emphasises human awareness of the oneness of God.
The Quran, with approximately 240 occurrences of the term N, places humans at its core. All Quranic themes, from God and the world to Ramadan and the Night of Decree, serve the people.
Shahru Ramana alladh unzila fhi al-Qurnu hudan lil-n Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed as guidance for mankind.
Kalika yubayyinu Allhu ytihi lil-n Thus Allah makes His signs clear to the people.
The insufficient attention of religious sciences to the subject of N, particularly in the writing of anthropological works, has created a significant gap in understanding societal needs.
The use of complex and incomprehensible language in religious sermons, such as Friday sermons, impedes effective communication with the public.
The Quran, with its comprehensive analysis of Nfrom virtues to shortcomingsis a unique work in sociology, portraying humanity without flattery or pessimism.
Producing scholarly works focusing on the characteristics and needs of people in the Quran is an essential duty for scholars and researchers.
The direct address Y Ayyuh An-N without any intermediary such as a prophet or angel enhances the human sense of divine proximity and responsibility.
As one religious scholar states, My university is the people. The public are the true laboratory for scholars and researchers, who must serve in their recognition and guidance.
Recognising the good and bad traits of people is a fundamental step towards their guidance and reform. The Quran, through analysing N, provides a paradigm for this understanding.
Guidance, happiness, and success of humanity depend on serving N. The role of a scholar is akin to a travelling physician, dedicated to serving the people.
Verse 20 of Surah Al-Baqarah, by directly addressing N and inviting worship of the Lord, reveals humanitys central position in the Quranic system. This verse, by elucidating divine blessings and prohibiting polytheism, invites humanity to piety and God-worship. The concept of N, as the core of the Holy Quran, underscored by approximately 240 mentions, highlights the importance of humans in the divine worldview. The Quran, through its comprehensive and wise analysis of N, offers a unique paradigm for understanding and guiding people. Critiques of the neglect of N in religious sciences and calls for the production of people-centred knowledge demonstrate the need to revise scholarly and propagational approaches. The direct divine address stimulates a sense of divine proximity and responsibility in humans and calls them to serve and guide N. This interpretation, by providing a scientific and refined framework, emphasises the necessity of understanding and serving people as the axis of happiness and guidance.
Under the supervision of Sadegh Khademi
