The Holy Quran, akin to a boundless ocean, conceals profound and multilayered knowledge, each layer requiring deep contemplation and rigorous methodological precision. Verse 139 of Surah Al-Baqarah, by addressing the topic of disputation regarding divinity, opens a window towards understanding the essence of monotheism and the critique of erroneous beliefs. This treatise, adopting a scientific and specialised approach, analyses this verse and, by utilising refined allegories and spiritual references, endeavours to elucidate its meanings for scholarly audiences and researchers in the fields of theology and philosophy. The structure of this examination, founded upon key points the lectures and detailed analyses, is systematically designed to manifest the comprehensiveness and profundity of the Quranic content.
The Holy Quran is a book encompassing diverse aspects and perspectives, ranging from interpretation and elucidation of meanings to divination, philosophy, power, and the unseen. This multiplicity renders its exegesis a complex and specialised task, necessitating precise differentiation among these dimensions. The intermingling of these facets can lead to misunderstanding and deviation in interpretations. For instance, interpreting a verse such as verse 139 of Surah Al-Baqarah, which deals with disputation concerning divinity, demands heightened care from theological and philosophical perspectives to accurately clarify divine truths.
One of the neglected dimensions of the Holy Quran is the utilisation of its verses for istikhrah (seeking guidance). This approach regards all Quranic verses as divine forms for guidance in decision-making processes. By formulating the rules of istikhrah, it becomes possible for even non-specialists to independently benefit from this method. This system, relying on the comprehensiveness of the Holy Quran, seeks to provide a method through which all individuals may receive divine guidance.
The Holy Quran, with over two thousand verses related to power, is an unparalleled source for analysing this concept in individual, social, and metaphysical dimensions. These verses, addressing topics such as the strength of faith, divine sovereignty, and human capabilities, have been neglected among Muslims. This neglect stems from the lack of attention to the practical application of these verses in daily life and Islamic societies.
The exegesis of the Holy Quran faces numerous challenges, amounting to several thousand interpretative difficulties. Due to their sensitivity and potential hazards, these challenges require precise and systematic responses. The answers provided, through a scientific and critical approach, assist in clarifying ambiguities and reinforcing trust in the Holy Quran.
The Holy Quran encompasses knowledge concerning the unseen or metaphysical matters, including unseen news, prophecies, and metaphysical realities. This aspect of the Quran necessitates profound investigation and integration of theological and philosophical approaches with modern scientific methods.
The concept of the Thousand Cities of the Quran as a creative idea refers to the establishment of multiple centres for the education and propagation of Quranic knowledge. These centres, resembling intellectual cities, could assist in the global dissemination of Quranic scholarship. Implementation of this idea requires meticulous planning and collaboration between academic and religious institutions.
Religious science, in certain cases, has neglected various dimensions of the Holy Quran, such as the unseen, supplication, and claims, and has become occupied with quotidian matters. This neglect underscores the necessity of revising religious educational systems to place Quranic knowledge at their core.
لَا رَطْبٍ وَلَا يَابِسٍ إِلَّا فِي كِتَابٍ مُبِينٍ
There is no moist nor dry [thing] but that it is recorded in a clear Book.
This verse from Surah Al-Anm (Verse 59) emphasises the comprehensiveness of the Holy Quran, demonstrating that all truths of existence, both material and immaterial, are recorded in this divine book. This comprehensiveness renders the Quran an unparalleled source for understanding reality.
The interpretation of the Holy Quran, beyond the mere repetition of traditional exegeses, must endeavour to discover the unrevealed and unspoken facets of this divine scripture. This approach, emphasising innovation, seeks to adapt the Quranic knowledge to contemporary needs.
Precision in recording information, including even the minutiae of personal life, can lead to deeper and more authentic analyses in Quranic interpretation. Although this feature is personal, it underscores the importance of meticulous attention to detail in Quranic research.
قُلْ أَتُحَاجُّونَنَا فِي اللَّهِ وَهُوَ رَبُّنَا وَرَبُّكُمْ وَلَنَا أَعْمَالُنَا وَلَكُمْ أَعْمَالُكُمْ وَنَحْنُ لَهُ مُخْلِصُونَ
Say: Do you argue with us concerning Allah while He is our Lord and your Lord? For us are our deeds, and for you are your deeds; and we are sincere to Him.
Verse 139 of Surah Al-Baqarah introduces a theological principle that God does not engage in disputation with anyone; rather, He proclaims the truth. This principle attributes the disputation to the falsehood of the opposing party and underscores the absolute veracity of the Divine. In this verse, God commands the Prophet (peace be upon him) to reject argumentation concerning divinity, since the Divine truth is monotheism and any debate against it is invalid.
This verse critiques the belief in the Trinity and, through the phrase وَهُوَ رَبُّنَا وَرَبُّكُمْ (He is our Lord and your Lord), emphasises the oneness of God. Those who believe in the Trinity have, in reality, distanced themselves from monotheism, whereas God is the Lord of all, and the truth of divinity is His singularity.
Although, historically, some religions preceded Islam, the sequence رَبُّنَا وَرَبُّكُمْ in this verse indicates the precedence of the truth of monotheism over historical antiquity. Truth is always prior to history because the Divine reality transcends time and place.
In the phrase وَلَنَا أَعْمَالُنَا وَلَكُمْ أَعْمَالُكُمْ, the precedence of لَنَا over لَكُمْ signifies the authenticity of the deeds of the believers. Actions founded upon monotheism possess intrinsic value, while deeds based on falsehood lack genuineness.
The expression وَنَحْنُ لَهُ مُخْلِصُونَ underscores the sincerity of believers in worship. Sincerity is the principal criterion distinguishing truth from falsehood and guides believers towards pure devotion.
False certainty, formed without logical or rational foundation, is the source of significant misguidances such as the actions of the Khawarij and extremist groups. Instead of guidance, this certainty leads to prejudice and violence. Emphasising doubt and questioning as a means of epistemic humility can prevent such misguidance.
Faith, whether investigative or imitative, is valid, and undue strictness in this regard may result in alienation from religion. Acceptance of imitative faith, especially among the general populace, serves as a means for propagation of religion and alleviation of unnecessary pressures.
Hadiths alone do not constitute conclusive evidence and must be corroborated with the Ahl al-Bayt. In the absence of the Ahl al-Bayt, meticulous scrutiny of hadiths concerning their origin, circumstances of issuance, and intention (whether earnest or precautionary) is imperative. This challenge calls for a reconsideration of methods for evaluating hadiths.
In the absence of the infallible Imam, obedience to the just mujtahid, as a form of spiritual benefit and out of necessity, is recommended. Such obedience is conditional upon possessing authentic evidence and reasoning and reflects the significance of scholarly and ethical foundations in religious authority.
Religious deviations, especially claims of truthfulness without substantiation, have been subject to criticism. Truthfulness belongs solely to God, and every claim must be supported by valid evidence.
The exegesis of verse 139 of Surah Al-Baqarah, through a scientific and systematic approach, elucidates the theological, philosophical, and ethical dimensions of this verse and presents Quranic knowledge in a refined and compelling manner. This study, by stressing the veracity of monotheism, critiquing the Trinity, and highlighting sincerity, invites a deeper understanding of the Divine reality. Concepts such as the "Thousand Cities of the Quran" and the reexamination of verses on power and the unseen assist in promoting Quranic knowledge and addressing contemporary needs. The critique of false certainty and the acceptance of imitative faith foster epistemic humility and facilitate access to religion. This composition, preserving the comprehensiveness and authenticity of Quranic content, can serve as a foundation for subsequent research in theology, philosophy, and jurisprudence.
