The exegesis of the verses of Surah Al-Baqarah in this treatise addresses a unified process within the social and psychological structure of human societies, wherein individuals are categorised ir level of awareness, inclination towards truth or falsehood, and their roles in society. The central axis of these verses is the concept of conscious disbelief as opposed to the knowledge of truth, and the divine curse upon those disbelievers who, with full awareness, deny the truth. This analysis, through a scientific and systematic approach, endeavours to precisely elucidate the content of the verses, employing lofty metaphors and allegories, in order to present the concepts in a clear and compelling manner for specialist audiences.
وَلَمَّا جَاءَهُمْ كِتَابٌ مِنْ عِنْدِ اللَّهِ مُصَدِّقٌ لِمَا مَعَهُمْ وَكَانُوا مِنْ قَبْلُ يَسْتَفْتِحُونَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا فَلَمَّا جَاءَهُمْ مَا عَرَفُوا كَفَرُوا بِهِ ۚ فَلَعْنَةُ اللَّهِ عَلَى الْكَافِرِينَ
And when there came to them a Book from God confirming that which was with them, and they had formerly sought victory over those who disbelieved, but when there came to them that which they recognised, they disbelieved therein. So may the curse of God be upon the disbelievers.
This verse refers to a tripartite process in the encounter of certain People of the Book with the divine truth: initially, an ignorant or prejudiced disbelief; then an inclination towards truth and anticipation of a saviour; and ultimately, a conscious denial of the truth after its emergence. This cycle reflects the complexity of human behaviour towards truth, wherein knowledge of the truth does not necessarily prevent disbelief, but at times, due to obstinacy and arrogance, leads to conscious disbelief.
Cognition denotes a profound and existential comprehension of the reality of things, transcending superficial knowledge. The disbelievers mentioned in this verse had cognition of the truth, yet due to their inclination towards falsehood, they denied it. This distinction illustrates the depth of awareness of conscious disbelievers and the intensity of their enmity.
Verse 89 of Surah Al-Baqarah serves as a mirror reflecting the complexities of human conduct towards truth. Emphasising conscious disbelief, this verse invites the audience to reflect on the role of cognition and its orientation in determining the fate of individuals and societies.
Every human society, regardless of its religious or cultural nature, is divided into five categories:
Awareness is the principal criterion for differentiating individuals in this model. The cognisant of truth, due to their connection with revelation or divine cognition, occupy the apex of society, whereas the cognisant of falsehood, despite their high awareness, proceed in denial of truth owing to their inclination towards malevolence.
The oppressed, because of their lack of cognition, sometimes become instruments in the hands of the cognisant of truth or falsehood. The people of truth support and assist their elevation, while the people of falsehood exploit their ignorance. Hypocrites, due to their infiltrative and dual behaviour, are a destructive element at all societal levels, though in the verses under discussion, the focus is on the cognisant disbelievers and hypocrites have no presence.
This fivefold model functions as a comprehensive map outlining the structure of human societies and demonstrates that awareness not only differentiates individuals but also determines their moral and social orientations. This analysis invites reflection on the role of elites and the impact of awareness on the destiny of societies.
Conscious disbelief is a denial that accompanies full knowledge of the truth. This form of disbelief is distinct from ignorant disbelief and, due to its intentionality, incurs divine curse. The verse in question, emphasising the phrase that which they recognised, points to the depth of the disbelievers cognition.
Sophists, due to ignorance, fall into the category of the oppressed and are amendable, whereas conscious disbelievers, due to obstinacy, are irreformable. This distinction reveals the difference between ignorance and obstinacy.
The disbelievers discussed were initially disbelievers, then inclined towards the truth and awaited a saviour, but with the advent of the truth (the Holy Quran), reverted to disbelief. This cycle indicates the influence of prejudices and personal interests on denial of truth.
Muawiyah, despite full recognition of the virtues of Amir al-Mu'minin (peace be upon him), denied the truth due to personal and political interests, representing a vivid example of conscious disbelief. This example illustrates the depth of enmity against cognition.
Conscious disbelief is akin to darkness formed in the light of cognition. This section, emphasising the consequences of deliberate denial of truth, underscores the necessity of awareness and commitment to truth.
Some critics regard verses like the one discussed as violent due to the repetition of concepts such as disbelief and curse. However, the divine curse in these verses focuses solely on conscious disbelievers and reflects divine justice in punishing deliberate denial.
Religious science must respond to contemporary criticisms with scientific and logical answers. Focusing on current issues rather than abstract debates is essential for preserving religions position in the modern world.
All human misfortunes, from beginning to end, have been engineered by the cognisant, especially the cognisant of falsehood. Ordinary people and the oppressed have merely been the foot soldiers in these processes.
This section, by responding to allegations against the Quran, stresses the importance of awareness and scientific accountability. The divine curse is not an indication of violence but an expression of justice against conscious disbelief.
The exegesis of the verses of Surah Al-Baqarah, serving as an illuminating beacon, elucidates the social and psychological structure of human societies within a fivefold model. This model, emphasising the role and orientation of awareness, demonstrates that conscious disbelief, due to intent and obstinacy, incurs divine curse. Responding to contemporary criticisms through precise elucidation of Quranic concepts and distinction between conscious and ignorant disbelief is imperative. The cognisant, particularly the cognisant of falsehood, bear the principal responsibility for human misfortunes, underscoring the significance of education and awareness-raising in societal advancement. This treatise is an invitation to reflect on the role of cognition and commitment to truth in constructing a more just world.
Under the supervision of Sadegh Khademi
