The Holy Quran is a divine scripture that serves not only as a spiritual and ethical guide for humanity but also as an unparalleled source for scientific inquiry and civilisational development. This treatise, centred on the exegesis of verse 117 of Surah Al-Baqarah, elucidates the position of the Quran as a pragmatic and guiding book. The objective is to reflect the truth that the Holy Quran transcends being a mere text for recitation and worship; it is a source for scientific production, civilisational self-sufficiency, and global leadership of Islamic societies. This analysis adopts a scientific and academic approach, emphasising the necessity for transformation within religious scientific systems and the establishment of research infrastructures. The structure of this work is systematically designed to present concepts with precision and depth through thematic divisions, utilising refined metaphors and allegories to enrich the literary quality while maintaining a specialised and academic tone.
The Holy Quran is a scripture whose epistemological horizons extend beyond the present time and address future generations with untold insights. Certain verses of this divine book, due to their scientific depth and complexity, have not been comprehended by the current knowledge of humanity and will only attain full understanding through the advancement of science in the future. This characteristic testifies to the eternity of the Holy Quran, which was revealed not only for the era of its descent but for all ages and generations.
The present understanding of Islamic societies regarding the Holy Quran is insufficient due to methodological limitations and the absence of advanced scientific tools. Claiming complete comprehension of the Quranic verses is a sign of ignorance, as this book was revealed to guide the entire universe and the future of humanity. Those who believe they have grasped all Quranic knowledge are, in fact, unaware of the depth and breadth of this book.
Some seekers of knowledge hastily pursue simple and ready answers from the Holy Quran, as if this book were a cup of water quickly quenching their intellectual thirst. This approach obstructs deep and authentic understanding of the verses and neglects the scientific and operational capacities of the Holy Quran. Comprehending the Quran requires patience, contemplation, and research rather than hastiness and oversimplification.
The Holy Quran is an eternal book whose knowledge surpasses current human understanding. Critiquing incomplete and hasty comprehension invites reconsideration of epistemological methods and the acceptance of scientific humility. This section emphasises the necessity of a patient and profound approach to discover the Qurans unrevealed layers.
To approach the Holy Quran and utilise its scientific potentials, religious scientific systems must be transformed. This transformation requires the establishment of organised research structures equipped with scientific tools. Religious students should move away from reliance on traditional methods towards research and experimental activities, donning research aprons and exploring the verses in scientific laboratories.
A passive approach that waits for ready answers, similar to sitting in a caf serving only the tea of knowledge, hinders the realisation of the scientific potentials of the Holy Quran. The religious scientific system should not be content with storytelling and emotional lectures but must progress towards science and technology production.
To utilise the scientific potentials of the Holy Quran, it is proposed that one thousand research centres be established. These centres, like nuclei of light, should be equipped with scientific tools and researchers from within and outside, engaging in exploration of the verses. This initiative will not only enrich Quranic knowledge but also generate substantial revenues for the self-sufficiency of the religious scientific system.
The financial dependency of the religious scientific system on non-independent sources weakens it and impedes progress. The system must become self-sufficient through the production of science and technology, like the date palms of the Commander of the Faithful (peace be upon him), generating wealth and employing it for goodness and service to the poor.
Transformation in the religious scientific system through the establishment of research and experimental infrastructures is an undeniable necessity to harness the Holy Quran. Critique of passive approaches and financial dependency, together with the proposal to establish research centres, paves the way for self-sufficiency and scientific advancement.
كَلِمَةٌ طَيِّبَةٌ كَشَجَرَةٍ طَيِّبَةٍ أَصْلُهَا ثَابِتٌ وَفَرْعُهَا فِي السَّمَاءِ
This verse likens the good word to a good tree with a firm root in the earth and branches in the sky. This metaphor may hold a scientific reality alluding to the connection between the earth and the heavens. The firm roots indicate epistemological stability, while the heavenly branches represent the expansiveness of its influence in the higher realms.
وَيُمْسِكُ السَّمَاءَ أَنْ تَقَعَ عَلَى الْأَرْضِ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِهِ
This verse refers to God's maintenance of the sky, which may signify the preservation of the cosmic order or atmospheric phenomena. This concept demonstrates the complexity of creation and underscores the necessity of scientific investigations in this domain.
وَيُنْزِلُ مِنَ السَّمَاءِ مِنْ جِبَالٍ ف