Ayah 151 of Surah Al-Baqarah, like a brilliant jewel within the Divine Word, vividly portrays the central role of the Messenger of Allahs mission in guiding the Ummah, establishing its connection with the exalted concepts of the Qibla and Imamate. This verse elucidates the Prophets duties in the recitation of the Ayat, purification of souls, teaching of the Book and Wisdom, and imparting of unknown knowledge, thereby providing a comprehensive framework for understanding the system of Divine guidance. This treatise, employing a scholarly and systematic approach, rearticulates the content and profound analyses of this Ayah in a refined and academic manner, offering a valuable resource for researchers in Quranic Studies, Islamic Theology, and the Sociology of Religion. The structure of this work, organised into thematic sections with specialised subheadings, is designed to transmit all details and meanings of the original texts faithfully and meticulously, while enriching the content through literary allusions and metaphors.
Key point: Ayah 151 of Surah Al-Baqarah, by emphasising the completeness of Divine blessing, introduces the Prophetic mission and the Qibla as two wings of guidance that perfect the religious system.
كَمَآ أَرْسَلْنَا فِيكُمْ رَسُولًا مِّنكُمْ يَتْلُواْ عَلَيْكُمْ آيَٰتِنَا وَيُزَكِّيكُمْ وَيُعَلِّمُكُمُ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ وَٱلْحِكْمَةَ وَيُعَلِّمُكُم مَّا لَمْ تَكُونُواْ تَعْلَمُونَ
Translation: Just as We have sent among you a Messenger from yourselves who recites Our verses to you, purifies you, teaches you the Book and wisdom, and teaches you that which you did not know.
This verse, in conjunction with the preceding Ayat (149-150) which refer to the appointment of the Qibla, stresses the completeness of Divine blessing. The Divine blessing manifests in two key dimensions: first, the Prophetic mission and Imamate, which, like a pure spring, secure the spiritual guidance of the Ummah; and second, the Qibla, which serves as an outward axis, establishing social unity and cohesion. The term كَمَآ in the verse denotes a profound link between these two blessings, such that the missionbeing a necessary prerequisiteprecedes the Qibla, yet both function complementarily within the Divine guidance system. From a theological perspective, this completeness signifies the perfection of the Divine guidance framework encompassing both spiritual and social dimensions of humanity, akin to the sun whose light and warmth perfect life.
The completeness of Divine blessing in the connection of the Prophetic mission and the Qibla provides a comprehensive system for human guidance. This linkage reflects the comprehensiveness of Islam in responding to spiritual and social needs, resembling a tree whose roots are deeply embedded in faith and whose branches extend into social unity.
Key point: The mission, like a blazing torch, establishes the foundation of guidance, while the Imamate, as the guardian of this torch, preserves its perpetuity through time.
The Prophetic mission, as the efficient cause, establishes the guidance system through the conveyance of Divine revelation. This system resembles a structure whose architect is the Prophet and whose blueprint is drawn by the Lord. The Imamate, as the sustaining cause, perpetuates this guidance within the community, comparable to a rivulet springing from the source of the mission that irrigates thirsty lands.
The Imamate guarantees the continuation of the mission in its inward and spiritual dimension. This continuity prevents a rupture in religion after the Prophet, much like a bridge connecting two shores across the river of guidance. From the perspective of the philosophy of Imamate, this relationship signifies the necessity of spiritual leadership for the preservation and explication of Divine revelation.
The causal link between the mission and Imamate protects the Divine guidance system from deviation and discontinuity. This connection is akin to a thread linking the gems of revelation and directing the Ummah towards perfection.
Key point: The Qibla, like a raised banner, establishes the outward unity of the Ummah; however, without the mission and Imamate, it devolves into a merely formal act.
The Qibla, as the outward axis of unity, strengthens the intellectual elevation and social cohesion of Muslims. This axis resembles a field where the Ummah congregates and faces the Lord. Yet the mission and Imamate, as the spirit within this unitys body, endow it with meaning and profundity.
Due to their central role in reaching the Lord, the mission and Imamate have precedence over the Qibla. These two, like guiding stars, illuminate the Ummahs path amid the darkness of ignorance. Without this inward orbit, the Qibla becomes a formalistic act, comparable to a building with a beautiful faade but hollow interior.
The distinction between the Qibla and the mission/Imamate reveals the necessity of linking the outward form with the inward reality in the religious system. This connection, like the weaving of warp and weft, produces a strong fabric of faith and unity.
Key point: Without Wilayah (guardianship), religious deeds become formalistic and devoid of spirit, resembling aimless animals circling without purpose.
In Nahj al-Balagha it is stated: إذا لم تکن إمامة فإن
