Verses 149 and 150 of Surah Al-Baqarah, within the framework of the topic of the change of the Qibla, constitute one of the fundamental themes of the Holy Quran. These verses not only refer to the external orientation of the Islamic Ummah towards Masjid al-Haram but also elucidate the spiritual, social, and theological dimensions of this transformation. By emphasising the necessity of attention to the Qibla, its veracity, and Gods omniscience regarding the deeds of His servants, these verses provide a practical and epistemological framework for guiding the Ummah.
The present treatise, adopting a systematic and scholarly perspective, re-examines these verses and, by integrating the content of the lecture and exegetical analyses, endeavours to explicate their profound meanings for an erudite audience and researchers in the fields of Quranic sciences, Islamic theology, and religious sociology. The structure of this work employs refined Persian metaphors and allusions, presented in a coherent academic format so that, while preserving every detail, its literary and scientific richness is maintained.
Verses 149 and 150 of Surah Al-Baqarah, together with verse 151, refer to two foundational symbols of guidance in Islam, namely the Qibla and Prophethood. The Qibla, as the axis of external unity, and Prophethood, as the pillar of internal guidance, are introduced in these verses in such an intertwined manner that the comprehensiveness of the Islamic guidance system becomes manifest. Just as the sun in the sky is a guidepost and illuminates the path, the Qibla in the Islamic worship system constitutes the axis of unity and the orientation of the Ummah towards the Lord.
وَمِنْ حَيْثُ خَرَجْتَ فَوَلِّ وَجْهَكَ شَطْرَ ٱلْمَسْجِدِ ٱلْحَرَامِ ۚ وَإِنَّهُۥ لَلْحَقُّ مِن رَّبِّكَ ۗ وَمَا ٱللَّهُ بِغَٰفِلٍ عَمَّا تَعْمَلُونَ
Translation: "And from wherever you emerge, turn your face towards the Sacred Mosque. Indeed, the truth is from your Lord. And Allah is not unaware of what you do." (Al-Baqarah: 149)
وَمِنْ حَيْثُ خَرَجْتَ فَوَلِّ وَجْهَكَ شَطْرَ ٱلْمَسْجِدِ ٱلْحَرَامِ ۖ وَحَيْثُ مَا كُنتُمْ فَوَلُّواْ وُجُوهَكُمْ شَطْرَهُۥ لِئَلَّا يَكُونَ لِلنَّاسِ عَلَيْكُمْ حُجَّةٌ إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُواْ مِنْهُمْ فَلَا تَخْشَوْهُمْ وَٱخْشَوْنِى وَلِأُتِمَّ نِعْمَتِى عَلَيْكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَهْتَدُونَ
Translation: "And from wherever you emerge, turn your face towards the Sacred Mosque, and wherever you are, turn your faces towards it, so that there will be no argument against you from the people except those who are unjust among them. So do not fear them but fear Me, that I may complete My favour upon you and that you may be guided." (Al-Baqarah: 150)
These verses, by emphasising attention towards Masjid al-Haram as the Qibla, offer a practical and adaptable instruction within the sphere of worship. This directive guides the Islamic Ummah towards both external and spiritual unity, just as a river flows towards the sea. From the viewpoint of Quranic theology, this linkage indicates divine wisdom in presenting a comprehensive system that addresses both social and spiritual needs of humanity.
Conclusion of the Section: Verses 149 and 150 of Surah Al-Baqarah, by elucidating the link between Qibla and Prophethood, provide a framework for guiding the Ummah in which external unity and internal knowledge are harmoniously actualised.
Human beings, due to their external perception and inclination towards the tangible, require palpable symbols to comprehend spiritual concepts. The Almighty God has not negated this innate need and, by designating Masjid al-Haram as the Qibla, has provided a tangible symbol for worship. This symbol, like a lamp in darkness, illuminates the path for seekers on the divine way.
God in the revealed religions has accepted intermediaries such as the Qibla, the Messenger, and the Imam to enable humanity to attain proximity to the Divine through them. These intermediaries, unlike idols worshipped by disbelievers who sought closeness to God through them, are appointed by God and lead to the divine truth. Just as a bridge facilitates crossing a river, these intermediaries ease the path of nearness to the Lord.
Disbelievers worshipped idols as intermediaries to approach God; however, the divine religion has appointed the Qibla and the Messenger as intermediaries who guide humanity towards true knowledge. This distinction lies in the goal of divine proximity, which, like a star in the sky, separates the path of truth from falsehood.
Islam, contrary to some religions that reject the tangible, accepts this aspect and, by designating the Qibla and worshipful acts, utilises it in service of divine proximity. This approach is like a tree rooted in the earth with branches reaching the sky, indicating Islams comprehensiveness in accommodating both material and spiritual human needs.
Some, especially among youth and educated individuals, hold that worship and gratitude to God require neither a Qibla nor specific forms. This viewpoint reduces worship to a personal, unregulated affair. Yet religion, emphasising order and unity, promotes regulated worship to achieve individual cultivation and social cohesion.
Worship, particularly prayer, manifests gratitude towards God as the benefactor. Failure to perform worship signals ingratitude and disrespect towards the Lord, whereas God is independent of the worship of His servants. This is akin to thanking a host who generously provides blessings.
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