lessons of Nakounam, Session (527)
Surah Al-Baqarah, being one of the longest chapters of the Qur'an, encompasses a coherent and systematic structure, containing fundamental teachings that address various aspects of human life. This surah, linking social, human, economic, and spiritual dimensions, provides a comprehensive map for human happiness. The focus of this writing is the interpretation of verse 183 of Surah Al-Baqarah, which introduces fasting as an essential pillar in spiritual life. This interpretation, with a profound look at the relationship between fasting and other aspects of life, considers fasting not just as an act of worship but as part of the broader system of human health and happiness. In this journey, through elegant metaphors and references, the concepts have been presented in a scholarly and specialized manner for academic audiences, while maintaining literary appeal and profound meaning.
The Connection Between the Verses and Aspects of Human Life
Surah Al-Baqarah, with its precise and purposeful engineering, addresses human life in its various dimensions. The preceding verses of this surah each deal with an aspect of life: verse 177 addresses social life, verse 179 addresses human life, and verse 180 addresses economic life. These verses, like interconnected links in a chain, lay the foundation for a deeper understanding of verse 183, which is dedicated to spiritual life.
Key Point: Surah Al-Baqarah, with its systematic structure, progresses from social life to spiritual life, introducing fasting as the pinnacle of this sequence.
"It is not righteousness that you turn your faces toward the East or the West, but righteousness is in one who believes in Allah, the Last Day..."
This verse outlines Islams manifesto for social life. Righteousness, beyond outward actions, lies in belief, charity, and adherence to covenants. This verse, like a guiding light, illuminates the path of social justice and emphasizes the need for the reform of collective structures.
"And in retribution there is life for you, O you of understanding..."
Retribution, as a rational law, not only guarantees criminal justice but also preserves human life. This verse addresses intellect and emphasizes the importance of maintaining human order.
Verse 180, dealing with the topic of inheritance and testament, addresses economic and legal life and stresses the fair distribution of wealth. This verse lays the foundation for economic order in the Islamic community.
Conclusion of Part One
The verses of Surah Al-Baqarah, with a cohesive structure, begin with social life and end with economic life, thus providing a suitable foundation for spiritual life. This sequence is like a building, where each layer is one preceding it, and fasting is introduced as the final pillar of this structure.
"O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous."
This verse introduces fasting as a spiritual pillar, with the goal of attaining righteousness. Fasting is like a bridge that guides a person from the bondage of the self toward spiritual freedom.
Key Point: Fasting, by strengthening willpower and self-restraint, leads a person to righteousness and happiness.
Righteousness, meaning self-restraint and voluntary abstinence, is the ultimate goal of fasting. Fasting, through the practice of abstinence, strengthens human willpower and frees the individual from the bondage of the self. Righteousness is like a fruit that grows in the garden of fasting, leading a person to perfection.
Fasting is not only a spiritual act but also a necessity for physical and mental health. Just as the body requires check-ups and servicing, the soul too needs fasting to cleanse itself from the impurities of the self.
If fasting becomes a mere habit, it loses its true meaning. Those who, throughout the day, are preoccupied with the thought of breaking the fast, in mystical terms, are "perpetual eaters," and their fasting holds no spiritual value.
Key Point: True fasting requires willpower and pure intention, and without reliance on Allah, it becomes a meaningless habit.
The Dua of Iftar, "O Allah, for You I fasted, and with Your provision I break my fast, and upon You I rely," mentions fasting, Iftar, and reliance in a specific order. However, reliance (tawakkul), as the main intention of fasting, must precede, for it is pure intention and will that transforms fasting from a superficial act into a spiritual one.
Conclusion of Part Two
Fasting, as a spiritual pillar, finds its meaning in the context of physical, social, and economic health. Righteousness, like a destination, guides the fasting person toward it. Without willpower and reliance, fasting becomes a mere habit and fails to achieve its true goal.
Reason is like a torch that guides a person toward transcendent love. Without reason, love leads to superstition. In Islamic mysticism, "madness" refers to a sublime type of madness that transcends earthly reason.
Key Point: Fasting, by strengthening willpower, brings a person closer to mystical knowledge and transcendent love.
Mysticism, as a specialized knowledge, has its own specific terminology. Words like "wine," "cup," and "cupbearer" in mystical poetry carry sublime meanings and should not be confused with mundane concepts. Understanding these terms requires education and practice.
Some poets, due to unfamiliarity with mystical terminology, have used them incorrectly. In contrast, poets such as Hafez, Saadi, and Rumi, with mastery of these terms, have conveyed their meanings accurately.
Conclusion of Part Three
Mysticism, like a deep sea, requires precise knowledge and practice. Fasting, by strengthening willpower and focus, brings a person closer to understanding mystical knowledge and becomes a foundation for transcendent love.
Without social justice, religious laws cannot yield the desired results. A society devoid of economic and social justice cannot nurture pious individuals.
Key Point: Social justice is the foundation for achieving fasting and spirituality.
Poverty and inequality are the main barriers to true fasting. Families struggling with material difficulties may not be able to fast, as poverty weakens the will.
In societies lacking social and economic health, productivity during Ramadan decreases. This is the result of weak willpower and insufficient infrastructure.
Conclusion of Part Four
Social justice, like fertile soil, provides the foundation for spiritual growth. Fasting, in a society lacking justice, turns into a mere habit and loses its true meaning.
Fasting exists not only in Islam but also in other religions. Verse 183, with the phrase "as it was decreed upon those before you," emphasizes the universality of fasting.
Islamic fasting, with its specific characteristics and rules, distinguishes it from fasting in other religions. This distinction lies in the intention, will, and the goal of righteousness.
Key Point: Islamic fasting, with its emphasis on righteousness and reliance, stands distinct from fasting in other religions.
Conclusion of Part Five
Fasting, as a common practice in religions, reflects humanity's need for self-restraint and spiritual check-up. However, Islamic fasting, with its unique characteristics, guides a person toward righteousness and happiness.
Polytheism, meaning associating partners with God, can even occur among believers. However, the polytheism condemned in the Qur'an is a specific and profound form that contradicts true faith.
Fasting, by strengthening reliance and willpower, guides a person from polytheism to monotheism. It is like a fire that burns away the impurities of the self.
Key Point: Fasting, by strengthening reliance, guides a person from polytheism to monotheism.
Conclusion of Part Six
Fasting, as a tool for strengthening faith and monotheism, removes both hidden and apparent polytheism and guides a person toward happiness.
The interpretation of verse 183 of Surah Al-Baqarah introduces fasting as an essential pillar in spiritual life, which finds its meaning within the framework of social, human, and economic health. Fasting, through strengthening willpower and reliance, guides a person toward righteousness and happiness. Without social justice and physical health, fasting turns into a mere habit, losing its true meaning. This interpretation, with a systematic approach to the verses of Surah Al-Baqarah, sees fasting as part of the grand design of the Qur'an, which frees human beings from the bondage of the self and guides them toward perfection. Fasting is like a bridge that takes a person from the earth to the heavens, provided it is performed with pure intention and in a context of justice and health.
Supervised by: Sadegh Khademi
