Introduction
The verse 168 of Surah Al-Baqarah, as one of the pivotal verses of the Holy Qur'an, addresses all humanity ("Nas") and invites them to partake in lawful and pure blessings. It opens the door for deep reflections in the religious, philosophical, theological, and social domains. This verse, beyond a mere jurisprudential command, is an ethical and social charter that redefines the relationship between humans, God, nature, and society. The vastness of the subject matter, ranging from Islamic jurisprudence and religious commandments to profound philosophical discussions on free will and the conflict between reason and law, makes it an apt subject for interdisciplinary research. In this work, by consolidating the content of lectures and scientific analyses, various dimensions of this verse are examined to provide a comprehensive guide for researchers and educated audiences.
Section 1: The Scope and Importance of Ayah 168 of Surah Al-Baqarah
Unique Features of the Verse
The verse 168 of Surah Al-Baqarah, with its unparalleled scope, is recognized as one of the comprehensive verses of the Qur'an, holding a distinguished place in various sciences, including jurisprudence, theology, philosophy, and sociology.
Key Point: Due to the broad address to all people ("Nas") and the introduction of the concepts of "lawful" and "pure," this verse offers a multidimensional foundation for interdisciplinary research, encompassing practical issues such as lawful consumption and theoretical reflections on reason and law.
Unlike many verses that focus on specific rulings or limited ethical issues, this verse, due to its general address and engagement with diverse topics, philosophically addresses human free will and their relationship with nature. Theologically, it discusses the potential conflict between law and reason in interpreting the concepts of "lawful" and "pure." From a sociological perspective, the general address of this verse signifies the inclusivity of religion in all cultures and societies. These features make the verse a suitable topic for interdisciplinary research, spanning fields from jurisprudence and ethics to ecology and psychology.
Text and Translation of the Verse
Arabic: يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ كُلُوا مِمَّا فِي الْأَرْضِ حَلَالًا طَيِّبًا وَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا خُطُوَاتِ الشَّيْطَانِ إِنَّهُ لَكُمْ عَدُوٌّ مُبِينٌ
Translation: O mankind! Eat from what is on the earth, [that which is] lawful and pure, and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.
Conclusion of Section
Ayah 168 of Surah Al-Baqarah, with its broad thematic scope and relevance to various sciences, is not merely a jurisprudential command but a call to reflect on the relationship between humanity, nature, and society. This verse, through the concepts of lawful and pure, provides a foundation for deep philosophical, theological, and social discussions.
Section 2: The Addressees of the Verse and Its Inclusivity
Distinction Between the Addressees in Ayah 168 and Ayah 172
The verse 168 of Surah Al-Baqarah, with the address to "Nas" (all people), has a wide scope, whereas verse 172 of the same surah addresses a specific group of people, namely "those who believe" ("Al-Ladhina Amanu"). This distinction reflects the strategy of the Qur'an in addressing different groups: a general address for broader principles and a specific address for more particular rulings.
Key Point: The address to "Nas" in Ayah 168 demonstrates the universality of religion in all cultures and societies, while the address to "Muminun" (believers) in Ayah 172 refers to the specific characteristics of the believing group.
It is noteworthy that "Muminun" in Ayah 172 is interpreted as a present participle (faith in a specific moment) rather than a nominal adjective (permanent and unchanging faith). This interpretation highlights the dynamic nature of faith in the Qur'an, indicating that faith is a dynamic and time-dependent state.
Sociological Analysis of the Address to "Nas"
The use of the term "Nas" indicates the inclusivity of the verse and attention to all of humanity, regardless of religion or belief. From a sociological-religious perspective, this general address suggests that fundamental religious principles, such as benefiting from lawful and pure blessings, are shared by all humans. This inclusivity leads to profound sociological discussions on whether any human can exist without religion or if every human inherently possesses some system of values (a religion).
Two views are presented in this context: First, no human can be without religion, as every individual follows some tradition, habit, or custom that shapes their value system. Second, it is possible for people to live without a formal religion, but even these individuals may have distinctions about lawful and unlawful actions (in a general sense), such as preferences for certain actions or avoidance of others. This topic requires historical and sociological research to determine whether "Nas," as humanity itself, inherently has a system of lawful and unlawful actions.
Conclusion of Section
The address to "Nas" in Ayah 168 of Surah Al-Baqarah reflects the universality of religion in all cultures and societies and provides a basis for examining human value systems. The distinction between the general and specific addresses in verses 168 and 172 illustrates the Qur'anic strategy of guiding humanity with consideration for the diversity of its audience.
Section 3: The Concept of "Kulu" and Ownership of Divine Blessings
Meaning of "Kulu" and Its Distinction from "Ishraboo"
The word "Kulu" in Ayah 168, unlike the literal meaning of "eating," refers to a broader concept of "taking possession" of earthly resources. The absence of the term "Ishraboo" (drink) in this verse suggests that the Qur'an intends to generalize the concept of consumption to all forms of interaction with natural, economic, and social resources.
Key Point: "Kulu" in this verse signifies the permissibility of possessing resources from the earth, not just eating, and this interpretation is reinforced by the absence of "Ishraboo."
Jurisprudential Perspective on "Kulu" and the Critique of Abstinence
From a jurisprudential perspective, this interpretation links "Kulu" with "permissibility of possession" (permission to use). This meaning contrasts with restrictive viewpoints that condition every form of possession on explicit religious permission.
Conclusion of Section
The concept of "Kulu" in Ayah 168 refers beyond mere eating to the possession and responsible utilization of God's blessings. This invitation critiques excessive asceticism and emphasizes the importance of balance in consumption, urging humanity to appreciate blessings and engage positively with their environment.
Section 4: Critique of Traditional Views and Defense of the Principle of Permissibility
Critique of "Aslat al-ar" (Principle of Prohibition)
The traditional view of "Aslat al-ar" (principle of prohibition) posits that all engagement with resources is subject to explicit religious permission. This view, both socially and philosophically, is flawed because it contradicts verses like "He has subjected to you what is in the heavens and on the earth" (Qur'an 45:13), which emphasize the permissibility of benefiting from divine resources.
Key Point: "Aslat al-Iba" (principle of permissibility) aligns better with the Qur'anic spirit of human freedom within religious law, as evidenced by Ayah 168's invitation to use earthly resources responsibly.
Conclusion of Section
The principle of "Aslat al-Iba" supports human freedom within religious law and provides a more balanced and comprehensive interpretation of the Qur'anic directives compared to "Aslat al-ar."
Section 5: The Concept of "Mimma Fi al-Ard" and Balanced Consumption
The Meaning of "Mimma Fi al-Ard"
The word "Mimma" (from that which) in Ayah 168 indicates selectivity, suggesting that only certain portions of the earth's resources should be consumed, highlighting the need for moderation and responsibility in consumption.
Conclusion of Section
The concept of "Mimma Fi al-Ard" in Ayah 168 encourages balanced consumption, underscoring humanity's responsibility to utilize divine blessings in a balanced and moderate manner.