teachings of Nikoonam (may his soul rest in peace), Lecture (545)
Introduction
The verses 192 and 193 of Surah Al-Baqarah, as part of the moral and legal system of the Holy Qur'an, provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the laws of war, the removal of sedition, and divine forgiveness. These verses emphasize the variable conditions, the necessity of both physical and spiritual preservation, and the avoidance of enmity, offering guidance on how to confront social and political challenges in the context of faith and justice. This interpretation adopts a multidisciplinary approach, utilizing Islamic anthropology, political jurisprudence, and sociological analysis to clarify these verses and explore the role of Shia scholars in safeguarding spiritual independence and defending the people. By employing elegant metaphors and a refined style, this text seeks to present profound Qur'anic concepts in an academic format, aiming to benefit researchers and educated audiences alike.
Section 1: The Qur'anic Framework of War and Sedition
1.1. The Variable Conditions of War Laws
Key Point: The laws of war in the Holy Qur'an depend on specific, variable conditions and are not absolute, demonstrating the comprehensiveness and flexibility of Shariah.
فَإِنِ انْتَهَوْا فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَحِيمٌ
Translation: "But if they cease, indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful."
The laws of war in the Qur'an, particularly in verse 192 of Surah Al-Baqarah, are contingent upon specific and momentary conditions. These restrictions point to the flexibility of Shariah in responding to social and political changes. From a jurisprudential perspective, this variability is a sign of the realism and comprehensiveness of the laws, which adapt to the changing needs of societies. This principle, like a melody that remains harmonious even as the musical key changes, keeps Shariah firm in the face of the storms of time.
1.2. The Innate Principle of Preservation
Key Point: Preservation is an innate principle that runs through all creatures, from humans to plants and minerals, and forms the basis of the laws of war in the Qur'an.
Every living being, from humans to plants and even minerals, strives for its survival. This innate principle, like a flowing current in the natural world, underpins the laws of war in the Qur'an. From the perspective of natural philosophy, this struggle for preservation is rooted in divine wisdom, which directs creatures toward stability. In Islamic jurisprudence, this principle serves as the foundation for the legitimacy of defense, as humans are compelled to react in order to preserve their lives and values.
1.3. Types of Preservation: Physical and Spiritual
Key Point: Preservation is divided into two types: physical (the preservation of the body and society) and spiritual (the preservation of ideals), both of which justify war.
In the Qur'an, preservation is classified into two types: physical and spiritual. Physical preservation refers to the safeguarding of the body, society, and the essential needs of humans, while spiritual preservation refers to the protection of divine ideals and values. From the perspective of Islamic anthropology, these two types of preservation are like the two wings of a bird that carry the human being toward perfection. War is only legitimate when it serves these two goals, not for selfish desires or pride.
1.4. The Prohibition of Meaningless Wars
Key Point: War for unnecessary purposes, such as selfishness or pride, is illegitimate as it threatens the preservation of society.
Wars fought for unnecessary purposes, such as selfishness, pride, or the assertion of superiority, are considered illegitimate in the Qur'an. These wars, like a storm that destroys the foundations of society, lead to the annihilation of both human beings and values. From an ethical standpoint, war must have a lofty goal, and from a political philosophy perspective, meaningless wars are tools of domination and imperialism that have tainted human history.
1.5. War as Eating Carrion
Key Point: War, like eating carrion, is only permissible in situations of necessity for the preservation of life.
The Qur'an compares war to eating carrion: an act that is only permissible in emergencies to preserve life. This comparison, like a mirror revealing the truth, shows that war is a last resort for survival. From a jurisprudential perspective, this principle refers to the rule "Necessities make the forbidden lawful," meaning that war is conditional upon necessity and the absence of alternative solutions.
Conclusion of Section 1
The verses on war in Surah Al-Baqarah provide an ethical and legal framework for dealing with conflicts. The variable conditions, the principle of innate preservation, and the distinction between physical and spiritual preservation demonstrate the depth and comprehensiveness of Shariah. The avoidance of meaningless wars and the comparison of war to eating carrion emphasize the necessity and legitimacy of limited war. This framework, like a light in the darkness, illuminates the path for understanding divine laws.
Section 2: Sedition and Societal Purification
2.1. Sedition as Social Contamination
Key Point: Sedition, like a microbe that corrupts society, requires war for purification.
وَقَاتِلُوهُمْ حَتَّىٰ لَا تَكُونَ فِتْنَةٌ وَيَكُونَ الدِّينُ لِلَّهِ ۖ فَإِنِ انْتَهَوْا فَلَا عُدْوَانَ إِلَّا عَلَى الظَّالِمِينَ
Translation: "And fight them until there is no more sedition and religion is for Allah. But if they cease, then there is no aggression except against the oppressors."
Sedition in the Qur'an is likened to a microbe that corrupts and contaminates society. Fighting to remove sedition is like cleaning a house that suffers from pollution. This metaphor, like a mark on stone, underscores the importance of preventing social corruption. From a sociological perspective, sedition leads to division and instability, and its removal is essential for the health of society.
2.2. War for Societal Purification
Key Point: War to remove sedition leads to societal purification and the establishment of divine religion.
War in the context of sedition is justified to purify society and protect the worship of Allah. This purification is like a process of refining gold, where the impurities are removed to reveal the true essence. From an Islamic political theory perspective, the establishment of divine law is paramount, and removing sedition is a means of achieving this goal.
Conclusion of Section 2
Sedition and its removal are central to the maintenance of order and the purity of divine law. The metaphor of purification and the need to fight until peace is restored reflect the importance of preserving the integrity of society and religion. The Qur'anic approach to sedition calls for a nuanced and just response to challenges, emphasizing both the need for societal purification and the supremacy of divine law.