The Holy Qur'an, as a peerless gem among divine texts, with a systematic and meaningful arrangement, establishes novel divisions through expressions such as "Wa-ith" (وَاذْ) that blend theoretical and practical wisdom. Verse 34 of Surah Al-Baqarah, as a pivotal point in the progression of this surahs verses, transitions from theoretical knowledge to practical wisdom and, by addressing the subject of the angels' prostration to Adam and the exception of Iblis, clarifies the status of humans, angels, and jinn within the system of creation. This treatise, relying on an in-depth analysis of this verse and the lecture content, investigates the hierarchies of angels, the identity of Iblis, and the necessity for transformation in religious knowledge towards the production of applicable and spiritual knowledge. The objective is to provide a scientific and systematic framework that offers researchers in religious and academic sciences a rich and practical resource.
The Holy Qur'an, with a meaningful structure, organises its divisions not by conventional chapters or sections but by the type of discourse and expressions such as "Wa-ith" (وَاذْ, "And when"). In verses 30 to 32 of Surah Al-Baqarah, the focus was on theoretical wisdom, including presentation, news, and knowledge; however, in verse 34, with the phrase "Wa-ith qulna" (وَاذْ قُلْنَا), the subject shifts to practical wisdom and the act of the angels' prostration to Adam.
The verse under discussion portrays the transition from knowledge to action:
Verse: وَإِذْ قُلْنَا لِلْمَلَائِكَةِ اسْجُدُوا لِآدَمَ فَسَجَدُوا إِلَّا إِبْلِيسَ أَبَىٰ وَاسْتَكْبَرَ وَكَانَ مِنَ الْكَافِرِينَ
Translation: And when We said to the angels: Prostrate to Adam, they prostrated, all except Iblis; he refused and was arrogant and became one of the disbelievers. (Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 34)
This verse highlights the angels' prostration and the exception of Iblis, emphasising the superiority of humanity as the Divine Caliph and the deviation of Iblis.
The preceding verses (3032) belong to the domain of theoretical wisdom, focusing on knowledge and cognition, whereas verse 34 enters the domain of practical wisdom, concentrating on power, action, and obedience. The angels' prostration is the practical manifestation of the knowledge Adam attained in the preceding verses.
Verse 34 of Surah Al-Baqarah, through the utilisation of the expression "Wa-ith," transitions from theoretical to practical wisdom and, by presenting the angels' prostration and the exception of Iblis, elucidates the status of humanity in the system of creation. This semantic structure reveals the divine wisdom in the arrangement of the verses and provides a basis for profound analyses in exegesis and theology.
The angels in verses 3032 of Surah Al-Baqarah belong to superior ranks, close to the divine station, yet in verse 34, the angels occupy descending realms that permit proximity to Iblis.
The Holy Qur'an considers Iblis to be of the jinn, not the angels:
Verse: وَكَانَ مِنَ الْجِنِّ
Translation: And he was of the jinn. (Surah Al-Kahf, Verse 50)
Nevertheless, in verse 34, Iblis is addressed inclusively among the angels. This inclusion is due to his affinity and proximity to the angels in descending realms.
The exception of Iblis (إِلَّا إِبْلِيسَ) in verse 34 is an exclusive exception because he is essentially not among the angels; however, due to his association and prolonged worship among them, he is included in the divine address.
Verse 34 enumerates three traits for Iblis: disobedience (أَبَىٰ), arrogance (وَاسْتَكْبَرَ), and disbelief (وَكَانَ مِنَ الْكَافِرِينَ). These traits manifest the degrees of his deviation.
Iblis is a specific entity of the jinn, whereas Satan is a broader concept applied to any misleading entity (jinn or human). Iblis does not exist within humans, but human satans (such as Harmala and Shimr) are observed.
To clarify the differences between angelic hierarchies, the example of vehicle speeds is employed. At low speed, minor obstacles have negligible effect, but at high speed, even a breeze may cause overturning. This analogy points to the sensitivity of descending angelic ranks.
Verse 34 of Surah Al-Baqarah, by explaining the hierarchies of angels and the position of Iblis, alludes to the ontological diversity in the system of creation. Ibliss affinity with angels, his exclusive exception, and his deviant traits disclose divine wisdom in creation. This analysis provides a foundation for deeper understanding of Qur'anic anthropology and theology.
Human beings, as the Divine Caliph, possess the ability to communicate, cooperate, and even dominate angels and jinn. This interaction can take the form of empathy, collaboration, or domination.
Angels, as managers and protectors of humans, guard them against satanic whisperings.
Humans possess the ability to dominate celestial and terrestrial creatures, including angels and jinn:
Verse: سَخَّرَ لَكُمْ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ
Translation: He has made subservient to you whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. (Surah Al-Jathiyah, Verse 13)
This domination points to humans spiritual capacities on the path to divine proximity.
The interaction between humans, angels, and jinn reveals the unparalleled capacities of humans in the system of creation. Angels, as supporters, and jinn, as interactive beings, together with humans, form a network of spiritual and practical relationships that require discovery and utilisation.
The method of interpreting the Qur'an by the Qur'an has been criticised, and it is proposed that each verse be analysed independently.
All verses of the Holy Qur'an are definitive, and ambiguities result from the ignorance or spiritual affliction of the interpreter.
Verse: أَحْكَمَتْ آيَاتُهُ
Translation: His verses are made precise. (Surah Aal Imran, Verse 7)
This view emphasises accuracy in understanding the verses.
Religious knowledge must evolve from focusing on traditional issues to spiritual and applied sciences, such as communication with angels and jinn.
Religious knowledge should generate power and wealth to attract the poor through the shaping of hearts and to propagate Islam.
Religious knowledge, especially regarding foreign languages and new sciences, is backward and must become advanced scientific centres.
The transformation of religious knowledge, with focus on spiritual sciences, production of power and wealth, and alignment with contemporary needs, can elevate its position within the Islamic world and beyond. This transformation requires a review of interpretative and educational methodologies.
The exegesis of verse 34 of Surah Al-Baqarah acts as a mirror reflecting divine wisdom in the creation of humans, angels, and jinn. This verse, by elucidating the hierarchies of angels, the identity of Iblis, and human capacities, provides a profound framework for understanding the system of creation. The critique of conventional interpretative methods and emphasis on the semantic independence of verses proposes a novel approach that prevents the dispersion of meanings. Furthermore, the necessity for transformation of religious knowledge towards the production of applied knowledge, power, and wealth offers a strategy for revitalising its pioneering role worldwide. This treatise, by offering a systematic analysis, invites researchers to discover the spiritual and practical potentials of the Holy Qur'an and to redefine religious knowledge in the contemporary era.
Under the supervision of Sadegh Khademi
