The exegesis of verse 200 of Surah Al-Baqarah, examined in this treatise, elucidates one of the most profound Quranic concepts pertaining to the rites of pilgrimage and the divine remembrance. This verse, by exhorting the complete fulfilment of the rituals and profound attention to the Lord, delineates the believers evolutionary journey from merely performing devotional obligations towards an immersive love and annihilation in the Divine Essence. Utilising refined metaphors alongside rhetorical and psychological analyses, this work endeavours to clarify the educational, spiritual, and social dimensions of this verse for a scholarly and specialised audience. The structure of this composition, systematically segmented with detailed expositions, is designed to preserve the integrity of the original content while establishing profound semantic links between Quranic concepts and the quotidian life of believers.
So when you have completed your rites, then remember Allah as He should be remembered by you, or with [greater] remembrance. (Quran 2:200)
The phrase فَإِذَا قَضَيْتُمْ مَنَاسِكَكُمْ (So when you have completed your rites) signifies the flawless and comprehensive completion of the pilgrimage rituals, serving as a prerequisite for entering the stage of unrestrained divine remembrance. This expression reflects the pedagogical approach of the Holy Quran that emphasises discipline and order in performing acts of worship. Completion of rituals not only denotes the fulfilment of devotional duties but also constitutes the spiritual transformation of the pilgrim towards a deeper communion with the Lord. This principle acts as a bridge guiding the believer from obligation to divine love.
The slogan Alaykum bil-Itmam wa at-Tatmim (You must complete and perfect) is a foundational educational principle underscoring the necessity of finishing tasks thoroughly. This motto, highlighted in the lectures as the legacy of the master scholar, profoundly influences the human spirit, guiding one towards discipline and commitment in duty performance. Within the context of the verse, the completion of pilgrimage rituals epitomises this principle by inviting the pilgrim to worship in an orderly manner and avoid negligence. Beyond pilgrimage, this tenet applies universally across all dimensions of a believers lifefrom academic to spiritual mattersemphasising the vital role of discipline in the path of growth.
A forty-year teaching experience in religious sciences shows that rarely are lessons left incomplete. This practical example exemplifies the principle of completion and perfection corresponding to the term قَضَيْتُمْ. Completing lessons, akin to completing rituals, reflects commitment to duties and avoidance of disorder. This establishes a profound link between religious and scientific education and underscores the necessity of continuity in fulfilling responsibilities.
One of the challenges in the religious education system is the abandonment or reduction of students presence by the end of the academic year. This situation contradicts the principle expressed in فَإِذَا قَضَيْتُمْ, as full completion of duties indicates commitment to the path of knowledge and faith. This critique calls for reform in the educational system and strengthening the culture of completion and perfection among students, so that religious knowledge is pursued with greater order and discipline.
The concept of determination signifies a resolute will to complete tasks, standing firm against fleeting whims. Determination resonates with the term قَضَيْتُمْ and reflects planning and commitment to fulfil duties. In contrast, caprice leads to disorder and dispersion, scattering a person like a bird from branch to branch. In the context of pilgrimage, determination implies pure intention and strong will to complete the rituals, guiding the pilgrim towards spiritual perfection.
Half-completed tasks cause disorder, ingratitude, and confusion. These outcomes contradict the completion of rituals in the verse because leaving duties unfinished obstructs achieving the spiritual aims of pilgrimage. This highlights the necessity of fostering a culture of task completion in the religious community to maintain order and coherence in individual and social life.
This section, by elucidating the significance of ritual completion and the principle Alaykum bil-Itmam wa at-Tatmim, emphasised discipline and order in worship and academic matters. Completion of rituals serves as the key unlocking the doors of free remembrance and spiritual transformation. The experience of completing lessons, criticism of unfinished education, and distinction between determination and caprice all signify the importance of commitment and perseverance on the path of faith and knowledge.
The phrase فَاذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ in the verse points to free remembrance following the completion of rituals, which, unlike obligatory remembrance during the rites, arises spontaneously from the depths of the heart and without compulsion. Obligatory remembrance forms part of ritual duties with specific rules, whereas free remembrance constitutes a spontaneous and profound connection with the Lord that draws the pilgrim towards divine love.
Dhikr in the linguistic form refers to verbal utterances such as Bismillah or Astaghfirullah, whereas the reality of dhikr is the inner attention directed towards the Lord. The verses exhortation فَاذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ invites believers to the reality of dhikr, which among the Godwary is manifested as constant remembrance. This reality transcends linguistic forms, flowing in the believers heart and leading them towards spiritual perfection.
