Exegesis of Quranic Verse 2:98: A Reflection on the Concept of Divine Enmity and Its Social Implications

Exegesis of Quranic Verse 2:98 A Reflection on Divine Enmity and Its Social Consequences

of Nokounam (May His Soul Rest in Peace), Session 368

Introduction

The exegesis of Verse 98 of Surah Al-Baqarah, addressing the theme of enmity between mankind and the Almighty God and the divine response to this enmity, constitutes one of the profound and challenging topics in Quranic sciences. This verse, by posing a fundamental question regarding the nature of divine enmity and its relationship to Gods perfection and majesty, opens a gateway toward philosophical, theological, and social reflections.

At first glance, enmity is a concept interwoven with deficiency, weakness, and grievance. However, ascribing such a notion to the Sacred Divine Essence, which is devoid of any imperfection or deficiency, presents complex questions to scholars. This treatise, adopting a scientific and systematic approach, endeavours to explore the meanings of this verse and its social consequences, presenting precise and coherent responses in an elevated, academic language appropriate for high-level doctoral audiences.

The structure of this work comprises principal sections with specialised subtitles, each addressing an aspect of the verse and related analyses. Independent conclusions follow each section to guide the reader toward a comprehensive and profound understanding.

Section One: The Concept of Enmity in Verse 98 of Surah Al-Baqarah

مَنْ كَانَ عَدُوًّا لِلَّهِ وَمَلَائِكَتِهِ وَرُسُلِهِ وَجِبْرِيلَ وَمِيكَالَ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ عَدُوٌّ لِلْكَافِرِينَ
"Whoever is an enemy to Allah, His angels, His messengers, Gabriel and Michael then indeed, Allah is an enemy to the disbelievers."

This verse explicitly and decisively speaks of reciprocal enmity between humans and God. Yet, due to the ontological distinction between Creator and created, this enmity cannot be comprehended in its apparent and conventional sense. The fundamental question arises: How is it possible that God, who embodies perfection and majesty, harbours enmity against disbelievers? This inquiry lays the groundwork for a profound exploration of the meaning of divine enmity.

Enmity in the conventional sense is accompanied by notions such as rancour, weakness, and grievance. Attributing such a concept to God, who is exempt from all imperfection and deficiency, requires an interpretation consistent with divine perfection.

Ordinarily, enmity arises from weakness, deficiency, or injury. Humans may harbour enmity due to defeat, humiliation, or harm. However, Gods essence is free from any deficiency or imperfection. How, then, can God possess enmity? This apparent paradox directs us towards a deeper understanding of divine enmitys meaning.

The phrase فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ عَدُوٌّ لِلْكَافِرِينَ appears to indicate reciprocation; however, due to divine perfection, it cannot signify enmity in the conventional sense. The historical context of the verses revelation further deepens this question. Certain groups, such as the Jews of Medina, extended their enmity toward Gabriel and the prophets to God Himself. This verse, by emphasising divine enmity, offers a decisive response to these groups, yet the meaning of this enmity necessitates precise elucidation.

Verse 98 of Surah Al-Baqarah, by presenting the concept of reciprocal enmity, raises a fundamental question whose answer requires a profound understanding of the essential difference between created enmity and divine enmity. The verse invites us to transcend the apparent meaning of enmity and move toward an interpretation congruent with divine perfection and majesty. Subsequent sections will elaborate this meaning grounded in theological analysis and traditions.

Section Two: The Essential Difference between Created Enmity and Divine Enmity

Created Enmity: Rooted in Deficiency and Weakness

Enmity among creatures generally originates from deficiency, weakness, grievance, or failure. Humans, owing to their existential limitations, may harbour enmity due to humiliation, harm, or frustration. This hostility may manifest covertly as rancour or overtly as aggressive behaviour. Can such a characteristic be ascribed to God? The answer lies in the essential difference between Creator and created.

Created enmity arises from deficiency and weakness; however, God, who embodies beauty and majesty, is devoid of all deficiency and imperfection. Therefore, divine enmity cannot be of the same nature as created enmity.

Tradition: Weakness in Manifesting Enmity

A tradition states: "The weakest of enemies is the one who openly displays his enmity." This tradition considers manifest enmity as a sign of weakness, since a capable and magnanimous individual conceals his enmity or does not harbour enmity at all. This principle applies more profoundly to God, who is free from any weakness or deficiency. Accordingly, divine enmity cannot be akin to created hostility but must be interpreted in harmony with divine perfection.

The essential distinction between created enmity and divine enmity is the key to understanding Verse 98 of Surah Al-Baqarah. Created enmity stems from deficiency and weakness, whereas divine enmity, due to Gods absolute perfection, must be comprehended within a distinct framework. This framework, interpreting divine enmity as deprivation, will be explored in the next section.

Section Three: The Meaning of Divine Enmity as Deprivation

Deprivation: The Absence of Mercy and Guidance

Divine enmity in Verse 98 signifies deprivation or exclusion from divine mercy and guidance rather than conventional hostility grounded in rancour or deficiency. This deprivation is the natural consequence of the disbelievers