The Holy Qur'an, akin to an inexhaustible treasury, guides humanity towards monotheism and servitude with a wise and precise language. Verse 22 of Surah Al-Baqarah,
الَّذِي جَعَلَ لَكُمُ الْأَرْضَ فِرَاشًا وَالسَّمَاءَ بِنَاءً وَأَنْزَلَ مِنَ السَّمَاءِ مَاءً فَأَخْرَجَ بِهِ مِنَ الثَّمَرَاتِ رِزْقًا لَكُمْ ۖ فَلَا تَجْعَلُوا لِلَّهِ أَنْدَادًا وَأَنْتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ
("He Who made for you the earth as a couch and the sky as a canopy and sent down from the sky water by which He brought forth fruits as provision for you; so do not set up equals to God while you know."),
with a decisive command, forbids mankind from assigning equals to the Almighty. This work, adopting a scholarly and exalted approach, analyses the concept of Andad (equals) and explores its philosophical, theological, psychological, and practical dimensions. The objective is to present a systematic text for learned audiences that, while preserving every detail, invites to the reconstruction of religious knowledge and reflection on monotheism and sincerity.
Analysis and Explanation
The word Andad, plural of Nidd, signifies equals or counterparts to God who stand in opposition to the Truth. This term, like a steadfast rock, is distinguished from concepts such as opposite, likeness, and similitude. Nidd refers to an entity characterised by three traits: opposition, enmity, and the claim of equivalence with the Truth, standing against God.
This distinction, like a clear line, separates Nidd from other analogous concepts and reveals the profound meaning it carries.
Analysis and Explanation
The doubt posed by Ibn Kamunah, resembling a question formed in the darkness of some philosophers minds, suggests the possibility of two opposing, antagonistic, and similar deities existing simultaneously in one time and place. This doubt, sometimes regarded as an unsolvable problem, stems from the presupposition of multiplicity of essences and divergence of entities.
This refutation, like a blazing torch, demonstrates that existence pertains to only one singular reality and that multiplicity of entities is meaningless against the unity of existence.
Analysis and Explanation
Nidd, like an entity boldly standing against the Truth, possesses three essential characteristics: opposition to the Truth, enmity with the Truth, and the claim of equivalence with the Truth in divinity. These features, like interconnected links in a chain, represent the nature of polytheism in its most complete form.
This analysis, akin to a clear mirror, exposes the profound danger of Nidd in opposition to monotheism.
Analysis and Explanation
Egoism and selfishness, like hidden roots, give rise to the most perilous form of Nidd among humans. This egoism, like a consuming fire from within, incites mankind to claim equality with the Truth.
This perspective, like an awakening warning, emphasises the necessity of combating selfishness.
Analysis and Explanation
Psychological equivalence, like a shadow stemming from a weak personality, is often observed in individuals suffering from social humiliation or internal deficiencies. These individuals, like actors wearing masks, compensate for their shortcomings through ostentation and arrogance.
This analysis, like a window into human psychology, reveals the roots of Nidd in psychological weaknesses.
Analysis and Explanation
Humility of the self, like a pure gem, restrains mankind from egoism and equivalence. This trait, like a steadfast shield, humbles the individual before divine grandeur and prevents claims of equality with God.
This view, like a celestial melody, underscores the importance of humility and sincerity.
Analysis and Explanation
Pious scholars, like stars in the firmament of knowledge, have demonstrated avoidance of Nidd through refraining from utilising religious wealth for personal gain. This conduct, like a pure mirror, reflects 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 dangerous form of Nidd. This selfishness, like a poison flowing through the veins of faith, can lead to hypocrisy and arrogance.
This warning, like an alarm bell, stresses the necessity of vigilance and self-awareness in the path of faith.
Analysis and Explanation
Misusing religious resources for personal interests, like a betrayal of divine trust, represents an instance of Nidd. Such behaviour, like a fragile structure, undermines the foundations of faith.
This critique, like a clear mirror, emphasises the necessity of preserving piety in the use of religious assets.
Analysis and Explanation
Constructing costly buildings and institutions in the name of religion, without regard to the actual needs of society, resembles a mural painted on a ruined edifice and represents a deviation from the path of monotheism. Religious knowledge must serve to fulfil both the spiritual and material needs of the community.
This critique, like an awakening warning, highlights the priority of serving society over unnecessary construction.
Analysis and Explanation
The verse فَلَا تَجْعَلُوا لِلَّهِ أَنْدَادًا وَأَنْتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ
, like a fiery admonition, forbids mankind from setting equals to God while possessing knowledge and awareness that invite to monotheism.
This prohibition, like a divine melody, guides humanity towards servitude and humility.
Analysis and Explanation
Sincerity in calling to God, like a clear spring, prevents the emergence of egoism and Nidd. Believers must purify their invitation from all forms of ostentation and arrogance.
This perspective, like a golden key, emphasises the necessity of pure intention in religious acts.
Analysis and Explanation
Pious scholars, like gardeners sowing seeds with sincerity, demonstrated avoidance of Nidd through abstaining from misuse of religious wealth for personal interests. This conduct, like a light in darkness, illuminates the path of monotheism.
These examples, like stars in the sky of piety, indicate the path of servitude.
Analysis and Explanation
Nidd among believers, like a hidden shadow, manifests as hypocrisy and ostentation. This danger, like a poison flowing through the veins of faith, requires constant vigilance.
This warning, like an awakening bell, stresses the necessity of self-awareness in the course of faith.
The interpretation of the verse فَلَا تَجْعَلُوا لِلَّهِ أَنْدَادًا وَأَنْتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ
, like a guiding torch, invites humanity towards monotheism and avoidance of egoism. This verse, with a decisive prohibition of setting equals to God, emphasises three attributes of opposition, enmity, and equivalence inherent in the concept of Nidd, which in its fullest form constitutes polytheism. The refutation of Ibn Kamunahs doubt, the psychological analysis of egoism, and the practical examples of sincerity among pious scholars reveal the philosophical, theological, and practical depth of this verse. The danger of Nidd among believers, especially in the form of hypocrisy and ostentation, demands vigilance and humility of the self. This interpretation, like a firm bridge, guides researchers to contemplate the monotheistic and ethical dimensions of this verse and underscores the necessity of sincerity and humility before divine greatness.
Under the supervision of Sadegh Khademi
