Verse 164 of Surah Al-Baqarah, akin to a radiant jewel in the Divine discourse, elucidates the systematic and scientific nature of the creation of the heavens and the earth, the alternation of night and day, the navigation of ships in the sea, the descent of rain and the revival of the earth, and the regulation of winds and clouds. This verse, by inviting contemplation and reasoning, guides its audience towards a profound understanding of the signs of creation. In this treatise, employing a scientific, philosophical, and theological approach, the content of this verse is analysed in a systematic manner and with an elevated academic and refined language. All facetsranging from eloquence and epistemology to theology and biologyare thoroughly examined. The objective is to provide a comprehensive and precise exposition of this verse for erudite readers seeking a deep comprehension of the cosmic order and the role of reason therein. Preserving all details of the original lecture and analyses, this work serves as a bridge between the Holy Quran and modern sciences, inviting the reader to reflect upon the grandeur of creation.
Verse 164 of Surah Al-Baqarah, like a blazing torch, depicts the marvels of creation within a harmonious and precise system. This verse, by explaining the creation of the heavens and the earth, the alternation of night and day, the movement of ships in the sea, the descent of rain, the revival of the earth, the dispersion of living creatures, and the management of winds and clouds, offers a scientific perspective on the cosmic system. From an epistemological standpoint, this verse is an invitation to scientific inquiry into cosmology, biology, and atmospheric sciences, each serving as a sign of Divine wisdom in creation. From a theological viewpoint, these signs manifest the infinite power of God in a meticulously ordered creation wherein every element is placed with mathematical precision.
إِنَّ فِي خَلْقِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَاخْتِلَافِ اللَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ وَالْفُلْكِ الَّتِي تَجْرِي فِي الْبَحْرِ بِمَا يَنْفَعُ النَّاسَ وَمَا أَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ مِنَ السَّمَاءِ مِنْ مَاءٍ فَأَحْيَا بِهِ الْأَرْضَ بَعْدَ مَوْتِهَا وَبَثَّ فِيهَا مِنْ كُلِّ دَابَّةٍ وَتَصْرِيفِ الرِّيَاحِ وَالسَّحَابِ الْمُسَخَّرِ بَيْنَ السَّمَاءِ وَالْأَرْضِ لَآيَاتٍ لِقَوْمٍ يَعْقِلُونَ
Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, and in the ships that sail the sea for the benefit of mankind, and in the water that Allah sends down from the sky, reviving the earth after its death and dispersing therein every kind of living creature, and in the directing of the winds and the clouds obedient between the heaven and the earth, there are signs for a people who reason.
Expounding verses of such magnitude necessitates a scientific and systematic methodology. Traditional methods, such as pulpit discourses or syntactical analyses based on grammatical subject and predicate, fail to convey the depth and scope of this verse appropriately. From an epistemological perspective, this critique addresses the limitations of non-scientific approaches in comprehending Quranic verses. Theologically, the verse merits examination within specialised environments to preserve its sanctity and grandeur. Sociologically, this viewpoint underscores the necessity for transformation in the culture of scientific exegesis within religious societies.
Verse 164 of Surah Al-Baqarah, by scientifically delineating creation, invites the audience to investigate the cosmic system with rationality and precision. This verse is not merely a theological statement but also a guide for scientific analysis of creation, eschewing non-scientific and superficial methodologies.
This verse defines reason not as mere conceptual or imaginary knowledge but as operative and practical knowledge. Practical reason is the capacity for logical deduction and the generation of knowledge that serves action and advancement. Epistemologically, this definition highlights the role of reason in producing applied science. Theologically, this reason is a tool granted by God to guide humanity in understanding the signs of creation. Psychologically, it denotes the harmony between cognition and action.
The verse addresses its audience as "a people who reason" (قَوْمٍ يَعْقِلُونَ), not as the people (النَّاسُ). The term people, derived from the root meaning "to stand," refers to societies interconnected through history, knowledge, and progress. These are not isolated individuals but civilised, rational collectives that engage in logical and scientific inquiry of creation. Theologically, this specificity underscores the importance of reason in faith. Sociologically, it signifies the role of advanced societies in utilising the Holy Quran.
The verse contrasts the rational people with those consumed by takathuran obsession with materialism and numerical proliferation of the deceased. This critique, harmonious with the verse "The mutual rivalry for piling up [the good things of life] diverts you until you visit the graves" (Al-Takathur: 1-2), condemns materialism and arrogance. Theologically, such people are deprived of understanding the signs of creation. Sociologically, the criticism reflects the harms of consumerist culture.
Verse 164 of Surah Al-Baqarah, by emphasising practical reason and its specific audience (a people who reason), calls upon humans to engage in logical and scientific comprehension of creation while eschewing materialism and obsessive accumulation. This invitation is both theological and a guide to building rational and civilised societies.
The verse describes creation as a harmonious and dynamic system governed by mathematical precision. The creation of the heavens and the earth, with unparalleled accuracy, signifies Divine wisdom. Scientifically, this order corresponds to cosmic laws and astronomical predictions. Theologically, it reflects Divine power and wisdom manifested in creation.
A central question posed by the verse is whether creation represents the best possible system or a predatory, tyrannical nature. Nature, with its predation in animal kingdoms, ocean storms, and seasonal deaths, occasionally reveals a harsh visage. Biologically, this predation corresponds to the law of survival of the fittest. Theologically, this violence forms part of Divine testing in creation. Philosophically, the question relates to the discourse on natural evil in existence.
The famous poem "The sons of Adam are limbs of one another", which alludes to unity and empathy among humans, does not align with the harsh realities of creation. At times, this poem has been employed to exonerate oppression and atrocities. It is suggested that this poem be amended to "The sons of Adam are worse than the worst" to reflect the realities of creation. Philosophically, this critique highlights the contradiction between idealism and reality. Sociologically, it points to the misuse of literary texts to justify oppression.
Verse 164 of Surah Al-Baqarah, by delineating the harmonious order of creation, encourages a holistic perspective towards the inquiry of whether creation is best or tyrannical. The verse challenges idealistic views and invites a deeper understanding of existential realities.
The verse, emphasising creation, alternation, and regulation, portrays the universe as thoroughly dynamic and mobile. Concepts such as the creation of the heavens, alternation of night and day, movement of ships, descent of rain, and regulation of winds and clouds all point to the dynamism of creation. Philosophically, this dynamism corresponds to existential continuity. Scientifically, this notion accords with cosmic and natural