Introduction
Surah Al-Baqarah, as one of the most comprehensive chapters of the Holy Quran, encompasses a cohesive set of divine laws, knowledge, and guidance. Verse 187 of this Surah, centered around the relationship between spouses and the mutual role of husband and wife as garments for each other, not only presents a legal injunction but also delves into the epistemological and psychological structure of this relationship. This verse, by emphasizing the health of marital relationships, serves as a foundation for ensuring security, chastity, and the alleviation of loneliness, offering guidance towards achieving a healthy society. This exegesis, through a scientific and critical approach, examines the jurisprudential, psychological, and social dimensions of this verse, analyzing the challenges in familial relationships and the social factors affecting them. The goal of this writing is to provide a comprehensive view of verse 187 of Surah Al-Baqarah and to elucidate solutions for improving familial and social relationships in line with Quranic ideals.
Meaning of HUNNA LIBASUN LAKUM WA ANTUM LIBASUN LAHUNN
The key point: The phrase HUNNA LIBASUN LAKUM WA ANTUM LIBASUN LAHUNN refers to the reciprocal relationship between spouses as a form of cover and protection, which not only implies physical protection but also suggests the provision of emotional, psychological, and spiritual security.
Verse: It has been made lawful for you to approach your wives during the nights of fasting. They are your garment and you are their garment. Allah knows that you were deceiving yourselves, so He turned to you in mercy and forgave you. Now, have relations with them and seek that which Allah has decreed for you, and eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct to you from the black thread of night. Then complete the fast until the night. And do not approach them while you are in I'tikaf in the mosques. These are the limits of Allah, so do not approach them. Thus Allah makes clear His verses to the people that they may become righteous.
The concept of "LIBAS" in this verse functions as a cover that not only protects the body from heat and cold but also serves as a shield that ensures the psychological and emotional security of an individual. This metaphor introduces the marital relationship as the foundational element for alleviating loneliness, securing chastity, and addressing human deficiencies. Garment, in this sense, symbolizes closeness and intimacy that is found only in the marital bond. This closeness leads to the creation of a safe space for the growth and perfection of both parties.
Garment in the marital relationship helps to fulfill three fundamental human needs: security, chastity, and the alleviation of loneliness. This function identifies the relationship between spouses as one of the primary pillars of psychological and social health. Security is achieved through the creation of a private and trustworthy environment; chastity is maintained by directing desires in lawful channels; and loneliness, which is a profound affliction for ordinary humans, is overcome through the companionship of spouses.
Verse 187 of Surah Al-Baqarah, by employing the metaphor of garment, introduces the marital relationship as a foundation for psychological and societal health. This metaphor not only emphasizes the physical aspects of the relationship but also pays attention to its emotional, psychological, and spiritual dimensions. The concept of garment, as a symbol of intimacy and closeness, underscores the necessity of establishing a healthy and balanced relationship where each spouse serves as a shield for the other against the deficiencies and harms of life.
Loneliness: The Greatest Affliction for Ordinary Humans
Key Point: Loneliness is the greatest harm for ordinary humans, leading them to temptations of the devil and the self, but for strong and thoughtful individuals, it presents an opportunity for spiritual growth and enlightenment.
Loneliness, like a heavy shadow, weighs upon the soul of the ordinary human, and nothing is more damaging to them than this. By their nature, humans are social beings, seeking companionship with others. This need is addressed in verse 187 of Surah Al-Baqarah, which emphasizes the relationship between spouses. For ordinary humans, loneliness leads to the temptations of the devil and the self, placing them at risk of psychological and moral harm.
The prophets, saints, researchers, and scholars, due to their unity with knowledge, wisdom, and connection with the Divine, are immune to the harms of loneliness. These individuals, like stars in the sky of knowledge, transform loneliness into an opportunity for spiritual growth and nearness to God. A narration from Usul al-Kafi states:
علامة قوة الفکر الوحدة
Translation: The sign of a strong intellect is the ability to benefit from solitude.
This narration points to the difference between ordinary people and thinkers in dealing with loneliness. The thoughtful individual, in solitude, attains contemplation and knowledge, while the ordinary individual falls into harm.
For ordinary people, loneliness is disliked, as it leads to the temptations of the self and the devil. However, for thoughtful, believing, and spiritual individuals, loneliness is not only not disliked but is recommended and virtuous. This difference reflects the variety of jurisprudential rulings subject (ordinary person or strong individual). A person can evaluate their strength or weakness of soul through solitude: if they are harmed in loneliness, they are weak; and if they find solace, they are strong.
Loneliness, as one of the fundamental challenges for humans, is addressed in verse 187 of Surah Al-Baqarah by presenting the relationship between spouses as a garment. This verse, by emphasizing the companionship of spouses, helps to alleviate loneliness for the ordinary person, while for the strong, loneliness serves as an opportunity for spiritual growth. Quranic jurisprudence, by recognizing the difference in subjects, provides various rulings on loneliness, reflecting its dynamic nature in responding to human needs.
Alienation and Reduced Interest in Spousal Relations
Key Point: Alienation, secrecy, and reduced interest in ones spouse stem from deviating from the Quranic model of "HUNNA LIBASUN LAKUM," which is influenced by social and psychological factors.
In todays society, marital relationships are sometimes characterized by alienation, secrecy, and diminished interest in ones spouse. Unlike the Quranic model, which regards spouses as garments for each other, many familial relationships
