Verse 87 of Surah Al-Baqarah, emphasising the affirmation of Jesus, peace be upon him, by the Spirit of Holiness, opens a gateway towards profound Quranic concepts such as sanctity, purity, and the spiritual connection of the righteous servants with the cosmos. This verse, while elucidating the exalted status of the Prophets and the Awliy (Saints) within the Divine guidance system, draws a distinction between knowledge and craft, and highlights the pivotal role of truthfulness, purity, and piety in forging bonds with both the material and immaterial realms. This exegesis, adopting a profound analytical approach encompassing philosophical, theological, mystical, psychological, and sociological dimensions, presents a faithful and systematic scientific analysis of these concepts. The objective is to comprehensively elucidate the verses role in guiding humanity towards Divine truth and light, with an emphasis on the role of piety and purity in establishing connection with the unseen realm.
وَلَقَدْ آتَيْنَا مُوسَى الْكِتَابَ وَقَفَّيْنَا مِنْ بَعْدِهِ بِالرُّسُلِ ۖ وَآتَيْنَا عِيسَى ابْنَ مَرْيَمَ الْبَيِّنَاتِ وَأَيَّدْنَاهُ بِرُوحِ الْقُدُسِ ۗ أَفَكُلَّمَا جَاءَكُمْ رَسُولٌ بِمَا لَا تَهْوَىٰ أَنْفُسُكُمُ اسْتَكْبَرْتُمْ فَفَرِيقًا كَذَّبْتُمْ وَفَرِيقًا تَقْتُلُونَ
And indeed We gave Moses the Book, and thereafter We appointed messengers in succession. And We gave Jesus, the son of Mary, clear proofs and supported him with the Spirit of Holiness. Do you then, whenever a messenger comes to you with that which your souls do not desire, become arrogant? Yet a party you deny and a party you kill.
This verse, referring to the granting of the Book to Moses, the continuation of the mission through subsequent messengers, and the special confirmation of Jesus by the Spirit of Holiness, addresses the unique status of the Prophets in Divine guidance and the varied human responses towards Divine messages. The following sections analytically and profoundly examine these concepts.
Sanctity, as an inner light, manifests within the existence of righteous servants, guiding them to an exalted rank. From a mystical perspective, this sanctity represents a connection between the human soul and the unseen realm, transcending material limitations. Psychologically, purity and truth contribute to mental and spiritual health, shielding the individual from inner turmoil. This concept, akin to a pristine spring, flows forth from the human heart, leading one towards truth.
This existential phase acts as a bridge linking the human being to the cosmic order. Philosophically, this connection reflects harmony between the human soul and the cosmic system, as if humanity, like a wave in the ocean of existence, resonates with the entire cosmos. Mystically, this bond results from Divine piety, which opens the gates of the unseen to the individual. The Prophets and Awliy, by virtue of their inner purity, attain this rank and maintain a dynamic connection with both material and immaterial realms.
The cosmos is replete with spiritual connections, forming an invisible network linking all beings. Theologically, this abundance is a manifestation of Gods boundless mercy facilitating guidance for His servants. Psychologically, such connections activate latent potentials within the human soul, directing it towards perfection. Comprehension of these connections necessitates inner clarity and heart purity, as if only through a purified vision can this luminous network be perceived.
The concept of sanctity, as a Divine light, manifests within the righteous servants and connects them with the unseen realm. This connection, originating from purity and truth, elevates humanity beyond material constraints and harmonises it with the cosmic order. Prophets and Awliy, by virtue of these qualities, occupy an exalted station through which they establish profound links with both material and immaterial worlds.
This distinction reflects the difference between the external and internal dimensions of knowledge. Philosophically, the discourse on truthfulness relates to theoretical and external skills, whereas the truthfulness itself refers to inner illumination and personal transformation. Mystically, such illumination guides the individual towards Divine truth, as if true truthfulness is a torch illuminating the dark path of the soul.
Due to their inherent truthfulness, Prophets and Awliy transcend external skills and reach inner reality. Theologically, this truthfulness denotes the rank of infallibility and Divine guidance, distinguishing the Prophets as Divine intermediaries. Psychologically, this purity manifests in behaviour influencing society and followers profoundly, as pure hearts reflect Divine light like mirrors.
The distinction lies in inner determination. Methodologically, this difference separates theoretical from practical knowledge; the mystic lives the truth within, while the scholar only reads the vocabulary. Mystically, the true mystic is one who has actualised the truth in their being and attained Divine illumination.
Craft is limited to external competencies such as carpentry, rhetoric, or classical text teaching, whereas knowledge depends on inner light and Divine revelation. Philosophically, this is the difference between external form and inner essence, with craft being the shell and knowledge the core. Theologically, knowledge relates to Divine will and guidance illuminating the hearts of the righteous servants.
Teachers of texts like Sads Golestn or Mon who teach without thorough study exemplify craft holders. Educationally, this indicates the limitations of purely technical approaches, akin to artisans skilled in tools but deprived of true knowledge essence. Psychologically, such crafts lack profound impact on the soul, remaining superficial.
True knowledge is Divine light, bestowed by Gods will within the hearts of His servants. Mystically, this light entails inner revelation and opening of knowledge gates, with the believers heart reflecting Divine light like a mirror. Theologically, this knowledge depends on Divine wisdom, distinct from imitation and superficial skills.
The concept of 'common people', in its traditional meaning, leads to disparagement and a decrease in self-confidence. From a sociological perspective, this critique points to the necessity of revising social concepts, as if the term 'common people', like an erroneous label, distances individuals from their existential truth. From a psychological perspective, this term results in a reduction of self-awareness and self-confidence.
Modern society, akin to a complex network, possesses high levels of awareness and intelligence. From a sociological viewpoint, this complexity refers to cultural and social transformations. Psychologically, this awareness contributes to the enhancement of social self-consciousness, as if the modern human, like a mirror, reflects the light of knowledge within themselves.
Lack of trust acts as a barrier that impedes social cohesion. Sociologically, this behaviour results in weakened social bonds. Psychologically, this distrust refers to the influence of fear on human relationships, as if humans, like isolated islands, refrain from sharing the treasures of their existence.
Purely technical approaches in religious sciences prevent access to Quranic realities. From a theological perspective, this critique highlights the necessity of faith in the unseen within religious sciences, as if without the light of faith, religious sciences are like a lamp without oil. From an educational standpoint, this approach emphasizes the limitations of technical instruction and underlines the need for inner transformation.
Social concepts such as 'common people' require revision to align with the complexities of modern society. Religious sciences, to attain truth, must transcend purely technical methods and rely on the light of faith and purity, as if religious sciences are like a tree that bears fruit only with the water of faith.
The confirmation of Jesus (peace be upon him) by the Holy Spirit points to his exalted status within the divine guidance system. Theologically, this confirmation emphasises Jesus's unique role in human guidance. Mystically, the Holy Spirit, like a divine breeze, connects Jesus to the unseen realm and elevates him to a superior rank.
The Holy Spirit, identified as Gabriel, functions diffusely rather than as a singular entity in the realm. Philosophically, this diffusion refers to Gabriels immaterial and expansive nature, as if Gabriel is a light shining across all realms. Theologically, this role emphasises Gabriels mediation in the revelation process.
The difference between humans and angels lies in their existential ranks. Humans, through reproductive generation, are numerically limited, while angels, through existential diffusion, are present across various realms. Philosophically, this distinction pertains to the existential gradations of beings. Theologically, this diffusion highlights the angels role in guiding the universe.
Gabriel, like a diffused light, operates within multiple realms. Theologically, this role points to his mediation in the descent of revelation. Mystically, this diffusion underlines the broad impact of angels in the universes guidance, as if Gabriel is a spring that irrigates all realms.
Jesus (peace be upon him), by virtue of confirmation with the Holy Spirit, occupies a superior rank compared to Moses (peace be upon him). Theologically, this distinction reflects differences in the levels of prophetic guidance. Mystically, this confirmation accentuates Jesuss special status in connection to the unseen realm, as if Jesus shines like a brighter star in the sky of guidance.
When Allah said: O Jesus, son of Mary, remember My favour upon you and upon your mother when I supported you with the Holy Spirit so that you spoke to people in the cradle and in maturity; and when I taught you the Book, wisdom, the Torah, and the Gospel.
Jesuss miracles reflect divine guidances manifestations like a mirror. Theologically, these miracles point to the Holy Spirits role in guidance. Rhetorically, these verses emphasise Jesuss profound influence on society, as if his miracles were like a breeze guiding peoples hearts toward truth.
Jesuss speech in the cradle, as a miracle, constituted a two-way dialogue with people. Theologically, this interaction refers to divine guidance and Jesuss miracle. Psychologically, this interaction stresses his deep impact on his audience, as if Jesus was a clear spring presenting truth to the people.
Jesuss comprehensiveness, through possession of the Book, wisdom, Torah, and Gospel, elevates him to a superior rank. Theologically, this comprehensiveness points to his high status in guidance. Historically, this attribute highlights his broad societal impact, as if Jesus were a mighty tree spreading branches of knowledge throughout the world.
Mosess decisive behaviour, like a thunderbolt, was necessary in his social context. Historically, this conduct relates to the demands of Mosess era. Psychologically, this decisiveness underlines his different influence on society, as if Moses were a steadfast mountain standing against oppression.
Judgement concerning the prophets should be founded on their actions and guidance, not their reputation or names. Ethically, this fairness refers to justice in judgement. Theologically, this approach underscores divine justice in evaluating prophets, as if fair judgement is a scale that reveals truth.
The Nazarenes, by virtue of their composure and spiritual attraction, have exerted greater influence historically than the Jews. Historically, this superiority relates to the cultural and spiritual impact of the Nazarenes. Sociologically, this composure facilitated greater audience attraction, as if the Nazarenes were a delightful breeze drawing hearts toward themselves.
The confirmation of Jesus (peace be upon him) by the Holy Spirit has elevated him to a superior rank within the divine guidance system. His miracles and comprehensiveness attest to his profound societal impact, while his distinction from Moses emphasises the specific requirements of each prophets guidance. Fair judgement about prophets, ir deeds, is an ethical and theological necessity.
Scholars, as the inheritors of the prophets, ought to inherit the truth and inner light of the latter. Theologically, this inheritance highlights the role of scholars in continuing the prophets mission. Mystically, this inheritance emphasises purity and sincerity, as if scholars, like guardians of the torch of guidance, must illuminate the world with the light of truth.
Scholars who depend merely on technical religious skills remain distant from Quranic realities. Theologically, this critique stresses the necessity of faith in the unseen within religious sciences. Educationally, this approach underlines the limitations of technical training, as if religious knowledge without the light of faith is like a rootless tree.
Relying solely on nature is akin to depending on a fragile branch. Theologically, this critique highlights the necessity of divine guidance. Mystically, this connection stresses the human role in interacting with the unseen, as if without ties to the prophets, humans remain lost in the darkness of nature.
The universe is like a stage where angels and demons enact their roles. Philosophically, this interaction points to the complex system of existence. Mystically, this role emphasises humans impact in the unseen realm, as if humans are actors who can influence the universes course through their choices.
Scholars, as inheritors of the prophets, must inherit divine truth and knowledge and transcend purely technical approaches. Exclusive dependence on nature, without connection to prophets, is incomplete and distances humans from truth. The
