Verse 102 of Surah Al-Baqarah is one of the prominent and profound verses of the Holy Quran, which, by addressing subjects such as sorcery, magic, devils, and the kingdom of Solomon, opens a window towards analysing human powers, the miracles of the Prophets, and the role of disbelief and faith in social behaviours. This verse, as a logical continuation of verses 99 to 101, explains the conduct of a group of corrupt individuals in following devils and sorcery, and examines the philosophical, theological, and sociological complexities of these phenomena. The present writing, with a scientific and systematic approach, reconsiders and analyses this verse, integrating the content of the lectures and exegetical analyses, endeavouring to present its concepts with an elevated language befitting academic environments. The structure of this essay comprises main sections with specialised subheadings, key points highlighted within attractive boxes, and precise conclusions to guide the specialist reader towards a profound understanding of this verse.
Verse 102 of Surah Al-Baqarah holds a distinguished status in the Quran due to its engagement with multiple subjects such as sorcery, magic, devils, and the kingdom of Solomon. This verse is not only recognised and referenced among Islamic societies but also among various peoples and nations. The breadth of topics and the diversity of interpretations have rendered this verse a focal point for deep Quranic discussions.
This verse, by introducing concepts of power and control over nature, teaches us how human powers can be positioned in contrast to the divine miracles, and how faith serves as a shield against deviations caused by these powers.
One of the main challenges in interpreting this verse is the infiltration of Israiliyyat and baseless narrations which, either out of ignorance or with the intent to distort, have led to the corruption of the authentic meanings of the Quran. These narrations, often filled with unreliable storytelling, have diminished the scientific accuracy of exegeses and fostered confusion in understanding the verse.
This critique directs us towards a more precise re-examination of the Quranic text and avoidance of unsupported narrations, enabling the main message of the verse to be understood within a scientific and reliable framework.
Verse 102, under the context of verse 99 (And none deny it except the defiantly disobedient), elucidates the behaviour of a group of corrupt individuals (about five per cent of society) in following devils and sorcery. This verse logically continues verses 100 and 101, which refer to the breaking of covenants and denial of divine signs by the hostile faction. The phrase and they followed (wa-ttaba) is an apposition to they cast aside (naba) in the preceding verses and depicts the conduct of the same corrupt group in following devils.
This hierarchical structure testifies to the precision and order of the Quran, wherein each verse functions as a link in a chain, completing the meaning of the preceding verses.
Verse 102 of Surah Al-Baqarah, due to its distinguished position and multifaceted topics, is one of the key verses of the Holy Quran requiring precise and scientific exegesis. The challenge of Israiliyyat and the structural connection with prior verses underscore the necessity of scientific methodology in interpretation. This verse, by addressing power and sorcery, opens a gateway to deeper understanding of the human role in the cosmic order.
Arabic Text:
وَاتَّبَعُوا مَا تَتْلُو الشَّيَاطِينُ عَلَىٰ مُلْكِ سُلَيْمَانَ ۖ وَمَا كَفَرَ سُلَيْمَانُ وَلَٰكِنَّ الشَّيَاطِينَ كَفَرُوا
Translation:
They followed what the devils recited during the reign of Solomon, but Solomon did not disbelieve, rather the devils disbelieved.
This verse, by referring to the role of devils in sorcery and their effect on the kingdom of Solomon, elucidates the distinction between divine powers and carnal ones.
The Holy Quran acknowledges sorcery and magic as realities within the cosmic order, constituting a kind of carnal intervention in nature. Unlike the miracles of the Prophets, which are divine and independent of tools, sorcery, relying on devils and implements, is often harmful. This verse attributes sorcery to devils and distinguishes it from miracles.
This distinction is analogous to the difference between sunlight and the shadow cast by it; sorcery is the shadow of miracles, wielded by devils towards corruption.
Sorcery differs from sleight of hand and conjuring, which deceive human perception through illusion. Sleight of hand misguides the mind with speed and skill, whereas sorcery, using tools and supernatural forces, enacts real alterations outside the mind.
This distinction is like that between a painting, which is merely visible, and a sculpture that possesses a tangible existence in the world.
In the Quran, sorcery is presented as a systematic and teachable science, transmitted through spells, tools, and cooperation with devils. This knowledge was prevalent during Solomons time and later, in various societies, and differs from prophetic miracles which are independent of such aids.
