Scientific and Elegant Interpretation of Verse 21 of Surah Al-Baqarah: Invitation to Worship and Explanation of the System of Creation

Scientific and Elegant Interpretation of Quranic Verse 2:21

of Nekounam - Session 189

Introduction

Verse twenty-one of Surah Al-Baqarah, like a radiant light, links the universal invitation to worship the Lord, the Creator, with the elucidation of the system of creation. This manuscript, relying on the content of the lectures, examines this verse from scientific, philosophical, and sociological perspectives, and through a systematic approach, analyses the relationship between humanity, the Creator, and the cosmic order. The Qur'anic verses are presented with full diacritics and precise translation, and all details of the original content are cohesively and academically elaborated with supplementary explanations. The objective is to provide a profound and scholarly analysis that clarifies the position of divine creation and human responsibility in the light of the Holy Qur'an.

Section One: Universal Invitation to Worship

General Address to Humanity

The verse begins with the address يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ (O mankind), which transcends temporal and spatial limitations, inviting all humans to worship the Lord. This address, like a universal call, summons humanity to submit to divine lordship.

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ اعْبُدُوا رَبَّكُمُ الَّذِي خَلَقَكُمْ وَالَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ
Translation: O mankind, worship your Lord who created you and those before you, that you may attain piety.

This verse introduces worship as the most fundamental principle of monotheism.

Key point: The universal address يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ, as a comprehensive call, invites all humanity to worship the Lord.

Section Two: Divine Lordship and Creation

Emphasis on the Lordship of the Creator

The phrase رَبَّكُمُ الَّذِي خَلَقَكُمْ emphasises the Lordship of God who is not only the Creator but also the nurturer and guide of humankind. This Lordship is distinguished from other guardians such as parents or teachers because it is inherently linked to creation.

Key point: Divine Lordship, like a pure spring, encompasses both the creation and guidance of humanity.

Inclusiveness of Creation for Preceding Humans

The phrase وَالَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ indicates the inclusiveness of divine creation over the entire human species, including those who lived prior to the current generation. This extends the concept of creation beyond the present time.

وَالَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ
Translation: And those who came before you.

This expression illustrates the vastness of divine creation.

Key point: Divine creation, like a boundless ocean, encompasses the entire human species.

Section Three: Necessity of a Scientific Approach to the Verses of Creation

The Qur'ans Connection with Natural Sciences

Verses of creation, such as this one, ought to be examined within scientific domains including physics, chemistry, and cosmology. The Holy Qur'an is not merely a religious text but also a source for scientific investigation.

Key point: The Holy Qur'an, like a scientific treasure, requires study within the framework of natural sciences.

Criticism of Non-Scientific Exegeses

Traditional exegeses, due to a lack of familiarity with natural sciences, have failed to accurately represent the scientific foundation of the Qur'an. This critique underscores the necessity for a revision of interpretative methodologies.

Key point: Non-scientific interpretations, like shadows over the light of the Qur'an, have neglected its scientific foundation.

Section Four: Earth and Sky in the System of Creation

Earth as the Habitat Foundation

The phrase جَعَلَ لَكُمُ الْأَرْضَ فِرَاشًا introduces the earth as a suitable bed for life, whereas other celestial bodies lack such conditions.

الَّذِي جَعَلَ لَكُمُ الْأَرْضَ فِرَاشًا وَالسَّمَاءَ بِنَاءً
Translation: He who made the earth a bed for you and the sky a structure.

This expression signifies the special status of the earth in the system of creation.

Key point: The earth, like a soft bed, has been prepared for human life.

Sky as the Structure of Creation

The phrase وَالسَّمَاءَ بِنَاءً introduces the sky as a firm structure which constitutes a part of the divine system of creation.

Section Five: Descent of Water and Life

The Role of Water in Creation

The phrase وَأَنْزَلَ مِنَ السَّمَاءِ مَاءً refers to the descent of water from the sky, which enables life on earth.

وَأَنْزَلَ مِنَ السَّمَاءِ مَاءً
Translation: And sent down water from the sky.

Water, like the lifeblood, prepares the earth for habitation.

Key point: Water, like the spring of life, has rendered the earth habitable.

Section Six: Critique of Philosophical and Theological Perspectives

Criticism of the Theories of Eternity and Creation of the Universe

Traditional philosophical views on the eternity of the world and theological views on its creation are insufficient due to their disregard for multiple and variable worlds. The theory of multiple worlds aligns with modern sciences such as the multiverse theory.

Key point: The theory of multiple worlds, like a bridge between the Qur'an and modern science, complements traditional viewpoints.

Section Seven: Necessity of Diversity in Religious Presentation

Diversity in Interpretation and Practice of Religion

Religion lacks sufficient appeal due to the absence of diversity in its presentation. Diversity in interpretation and practice aligns religion with the diverse needs of society.

Key point: Diversity in religion, like a rainbow, renders it attractive to diverse communities.

Critique of Rigid Approaches

Rigid and inflexible approaches to religious interpretation cause estrangement of people from religion. Flexibility increases religious acceptance.

Key point: Rigid approaches, like a high wall, distance people from religion.

Section Eight: Social Interaction and Religion

Presence of Scholars in Public Spaces

The presence of religious scholars in public spaces such as parks is essential for communication with the public and addressing their religious needs. This interaction integrates religion into daily life.

Key point: The presence of scholars in society, like a bridge between religion and people, strengthens religious cohesion.

Recommendation for Social Activities

Scholars should engage with the public, accompanied by their families, to respond to their inquiries. This approach removes religion from isolation.

Section Nine: Scientific Proof of Divine Creation

The Duty of Scientific Fields in Proving Creation

The scientific proof of divine creation is a responsibility entrusted to scientific disciplines. This matter reinforces the dialogue between religion and science.

Key point: Scientific proof of creation, like a blazing torch, illuminates the dialogue between religion and science.

Final Summary

The interpretation of verse twenty-one of Surah Al-Baqarah, through a scientific and interdisciplinary approach, introduces creation as the core of the human relationship with the Lord. This verse, by issuing a universal invitation to worship, links divine Lordship with creation and explains the earth and sky as the bed and structure of life. The critique of non-scientific exegeses and emphasis on the examination of verses within the framework of natural sciences present the Holy Qur'an as a source for scientific research. Diversity in the presentation of religion and social interaction of scholars provide solutions for adapting religion to modern needs. This analysis, by inviting the study of fundamental sciences and scientific proof of creation, paves the way for the dialogue between religion and science and invites audiences to contemplate the subtleties of the Qur'anic text.

Supervised by Sadegh Khademi