the lectures of Nokounam, (Session 191)
The Holy Quran, akin to an inexhaustible treasury, with a sagacious and precise language, guides humanity towards monotheism and servitude. Verse 22 of Surah Al-Baqarah,
Who made the earth a resting place for you and the heaven a canopy, and sent down from the heaven water by which He brought forth fruits as provision for you. So do not set up equals to Allah while you know. (Quran 2:22)
with a decisive command, forbids humanity from assigning equals to God. This work, adopting a scientific and exalted approach, analyses the concept of Andad and its philosophical, theological, psychological, and practical dimensions. The aim is to present a systematic text for learned audiences that, while preserving all details, reconstructs religious knowledge and invites reflection on monotheism and sincerity.
Analysis and Explanation
The term Andad, plural of Nidd, means equals or counterparts for God who stand in opposition to the Truth. This term, like a firm rock, is distinct from concepts such as opposites, similars, and likenesses. Nidd refers to an entity characterised by three features: opposition, enmity, and the claim of equivalence with the Truth, standing against God.
This distinction, like a clear line, separates Nidd from similar concepts and reveals its profound meaning.
Analysis and Explanation
The doubt of Ibn Kamunah, like a question formed in the darkness of some philosophers minds, raises the possibility of two opposing, hostile, and similar gods coexisting simultaneously in one place. This doubt, sometimes considered an unsolvable issue, is rooted in the presupposition of multiplicity of essences and opposition of entities.
This critique, like a blazing torch, demonstrates that existence pertains solely to a single unified reality, and multiplicity of entities is meaningless against the unity of existence.
Analysis and Explanation
Nidd, like a being boldly confronting the Truth, possesses three fundamental attributes: opposition to the Truth, enmity towards the Truth, and the claim of equivalence with the Truth in divinity. These attributes, like interconnected links, represent the essence of complete shirk (polytheism).
This analysis, like a transparent mirror, exposes the profound danger of Nidd in opposition to monotheism.
Analysis and Explanation
Egoism and selfishness, like a hidden root, give rise to the most dangerous form of Niddiyyat among humans. This egoism, like a fire burning from within, compels a person to claim equivalence with the Truth.
This perspective, like a wake-up warning, emphasises the necessity of combating selfishness.
Analysis and Explanation
Psychological equivalence, like a shadow arising from personality weakness, is often observed in individuals suffering from social humiliation or internal deficiencies. These individuals, like actors wearing masks, compensate for their deficiencies through ostentation and arrogance.
This analysis, like a window into human psychology, reveals the origins of Niddiyyat in spiritual weaknesses.
Analysis and Explanation
Brokenness of the self, like a precious gem, prevents egoism and equivalence. This trait, like a firm shield, humbles a person before divine grandeur and deters claims of equality with God.
This view, like a heavenly melody, emphasises the importance of humility and sincerity.
Analysis and Explanation
The pious scholars, like stars in the sky of knowledge, demonstrated avoidance of Niddiyyat by refraining from using religious funds for personal benefit. This behaviour, like a clear mirror, manifests sincerity and practical piety.
These examples, like guiding torches, illuminate the path of sincerity in action.
Analysis and Explanation
Egoism among believers, like a hidden thorn, is the most perilous type of Niddiyyat. This selfishness, like a poison flowing in the veins of faith, may lead to hypocrisy and arrogance.
This warning, like an alarm bell, stresses the necessity of vigilance and self-awareness on the path of faith.
Analysis and Explanation
Misuse of religious facilities for personal interests, like a betrayal of divine trust, is a manifestation of Niddiyyat. This conduct, like a fragile edifice, undermines the foundations of faith.
This critique, like a clear mirror, emphasises the necessity of maintaining piety in the use of religious assets.
Analysis and Explanation
The construction of expensive buildings and institutions in the name of religion, without regard to the real needs of society, resembles a mural painted on a ruined foundation and represents a deviation from the path of monotheism. Religious knowledge must serve the spiritual and material needs of society.
This critique, like a wake-up call, stresses prioritising service to society over unnecessary constructions.
Analysis and Explanation
The verse So do not set up equals to Allah while you know. acts like a fiery warning, forbidding the establishment of equals to God, while knowledge and awareness invite monotheism.
This prohibition, like a divine melody, guides humanity towards servitude and humility.
Analysis and Explanation
Sincerity in inviting to God, like a pure spring, prevents the emergence of egoism and Niddiyyat. Believers must cleanse their invitation from all forms of ostentation and arrogance.
This view, like a golden key, stresses the necessity of pure intention in religious acts.
Analysis and Explanation
The pious scholars, like gardeners sowing seeds with sincerity, by refraining from utilising religious wealth for personal benefit, exemplified sincerity and distancing from Niddiyyat. This conduct, like light in darkness, illuminates the path of monotheism.
These examples, like stars in the sky of piety, point the way to servitude.
Analysis and Explanation
Niddiyyat among believers, like a hidden shadow, manifests as hypocrisy and ostentation. This danger, like a poison flowing in the veins of faith, requires continuous vigilance.
This warning, like an alarm bell, stresses the necessity of self-awareness on the path of faith.
The interpretation of the verse So do not set up equals to Allah while you know. is like a guiding torch, inviting humanity to monotheism and distancing from egoism. This verse, with its decisive prohibition of setting equals to God, emphasises the three features of opposition, enmity, and equivalence within the concept of Nidd which, in their most complete form, constitute shirk. The critique of Ibn Kamunahs doubt, psychological analysis of egoism, and practical examples of sincerity among pious scholars reveal the philosophical, theological, and practical depth of this verse. The danger of Niddiyyat among believers, especially in the form of hypocrisy and ostentation, necessitates vigilance and brokenness of the self. This interpretation, like a solid bridge, guides researchers to contemplate the monotheistic and ethical dimensions of this verse and underscores the necessity of sincerity and humility before divine grandeur.
Under the supervision of Sadegh Khademi
