Verses 51 and 52 of Surah Al-Baqarah, by referencing the Divine promise to Moses, peace be upon him, for forty nights, the deviation of the Children of Israel towards calf worship, and the boundless Divine forgiveness, provide a profound framework for understanding the educational system of the Holy Quran. These verses, like a guiding lamp, elucidate concepts such as the number forty, the significance of the night in spiritual progression, and the infinite mercy of God. The present discourse, with a scientific and systematic approach, analyses these verses focusing on theological, psychological, and sociological dimensions. The objective is to offer a comprehensive and academic interpretation for specialised audiences, employing refined Persian allegories to present the concepts clearly and attractively, while preserving its scientific and research-oriented nature.
The number forty (Arban), as the multiplicity of four, holds a foundational position in the Quranic numerical system and symbolizes firmness and perfection.
Analysis: Forty, due to its association with the number four, which in numerical systems symbolizes stability, is recognised in the Quran and Islamic traditions as a period for spiritual maturation and removal of inner obstacles.
The Holy Quran emphasises the importance of the number forty in verses such as 51 of Surah Al-Baqarah and 142 of Surah Al-Arf.
وَإِذْ وَاعَدْنَا مُوسَىٰ أَرْبَعِينَ لَيْلَةً
Translation: And when We appointed to Moses forty nights.
Analysis: This emphasis, like a sign of the importance of forty in preparing the Prophets and nations to receive Divine guidance, indicates the special position of this number in the educational system of the Holy Quran.
In Islamic traditions, such as "Man Asbaha Arban aban" (Whoever completes forty mornings), forty is introduced as a period for the organisation of the heart and removal of spiritual difficulties.
Analysis: This period, through asceticism and acquisition of knowledge, leads to the individuals spiritual manifestation and is a symbol of inner perfection.
The number forty in occult sciences and religious mathematics is recognised as a fundamental and meaningful number.
Analysis: This position refers to the ability of forty to create order and firmness in spiritual and scientific processes.
In Christianity, the number three (the Trinity) is a doctrinal foundation, whereas in Islam, unity and oneness (the number one) form the core of beliefs.
Analysis: This difference stems from the theological foundations of the religions, positioning Islamic monotheism as a unique foundation in opposition to the Christian Trinity.
The first section, by elucidating the position of the number forty in the Quran and traditions, referred to its role in spiritual firmness and self-purification. Forty, like a solid foundation, is a period for preparing the heart and mind to receive Divine guidance.
The Holy Quran in verse 51 of Surah Al-Baqarah speaks of "forty nights" and emphasises the night as a vessel of spirituality rather than the day or daylight.
أَرْبَعِينَ لَيْلَةً
Translation: Forty nights.
Analysis: The night, like a retreat for the people of the heart, provides a space for tranquillity, unity, and the reception of Divine knowledge.
The night is the locus of mysticism, worship, and knowledge, whereas the day, according to the Quran, is for "nasheatan tawlah" (lengthy activity and effort).
إِنَّ لَكَ فِي النَّهَارِ سَبْحًا طَوِيلًا
Translation: Indeed, for you by day is a prolonged journey.
Analysis: This distinction, like two balanced wings, introduces the night for spiritual progression and the day for material endeavours.
Artificial light, such as electricity, due to psychological and physical impacts, is like tiny grains scattered upon the mind and eyes, causing harm.
Analysis: These harms, including vision reduction, nervous disorders, and shortened lifespan, deprive humans of the spiritual solitude of the night.
Humans should, as far as possible, perform activities in darkness except when necessary to avoid the harms of artificial light.
Analysis: This recommendation underscores the importance of preserving nocturnal tranquillity for spiritual progression and mental health.
Solitude is recommended for the strong and spiritual seekers as it aids in strengthening the faculty of thought and spiritual journey.
Analysis: The tradition "Almah quwwat al-fikr al-wahdah" (Solitude is a sign of strength of thought) emphasises this matter and regards solitude as a spiritual virtue for seekers.
Traditions that deem solitude reprehensible refer to weak individuals who may succumb to satanic whisperings in isolation.
Analysis: This critique highlights the necessity to distinguish rulings for strong and weak individuals and to avoid unscientific generalisations.
The second section, by elucidating the importance of the night in spiritual progress and critiquing the harms of artificial light, emphasised the night as a vessel of tranquillity and mysticism. Solitude, for the strong, is like a key to unlocking the doors of knowledge, while darkness provides the necessary peace for contemplation and worship.
The Children of Israel, after the forty-night promise to Moses, peace be upon him, resorted to calf worship and committed polytheism.
ثُمَّ اتَّخَذْتُمُ الْعِجْلَ مِنْ بَعْدِهِ وَأَنْتُمْ ظَالِمُونَ
Translation: Then you took the calf after that, and you were wrongdoers.
Analysis: This deviation, like misguidance in darkness, was the result of the people's voluntary choice and disregard of the guidance of Moses and Aaron, peace be upon them.
The phrase "وَأَنْتُمْ ظَالِمُونَ" refers to the people's oppression of themselves (through polytheism) and others (disregarding the Prophets).
Analysis: This oppression was the consequence of the free will of the people in accepting the calf instead of God and placed responsibility upon themselves.
The Holy Quran holds the people accountable for the deviation, not the Samaritan or the calf, because they themselves chose this deviation.
Analysis: This viewpoint emphasises the role of human will in misguidance and the necessity of accepting responsibility for ones actions.
Calf worship was the result of the influence of cultural colonialism, not tyranny, as the people voluntarily embraced this misguidance.
Analysis: This analysis refers to the impact of foreign cultures on the deviation of societies and the role of conscious choice in accepting it.
The third section, by elucidating the calf worship of the Children of Israel and their voluntary responsibility for this deviation, pointed to the role of conscious choice and the effects of cultural colonialism. The oppression of the people, like a self-inflicted wound, was the result of disregarding Divine guidance.
The Holy Quran in verse 52 of Surah Al-Baqarah mentions Divine forgiveness before the repentance or seeking of forgiveness by the people.
ثُمَّ عَفَوْنَا عَنْكُمْ مِنْ بَعْدِ ذَٰلِكَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ
Translation: Then We forgave you after that, so perhaps you would be grateful.
Analysis: This forgiveness, like a rain of mercy, cleansed the sins of the people and opened the way to return to guidance.
The pardon granted to the people without the prerequisite of repentance demonstrates the limitless generosity of God, which influences the human heart.
Analysis: This generosity invites humans to gratitude and return towards the truth.
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