Verse 213 of Surah Al-Baqarah, akin to an illuminating beacon on the path to understanding fundamental social, religious, and philosophical issues, offers a comprehensive framework for analysing social order and managing human conflicts. This verse, by elucidating the initial unity of humanity, the role of the prophets in guidance, the revelation of the divine scripture for adjudicating disputes, and leading towards the straight path, functions as a roadmap for the realisation of justice and social cohesion. In this exegesis, employing a scientific and systematic approach, the content of the verse is analysed point by point, enriched with supplementary explanations and semantic connections to provide an exalted and profound text suitable for specialised audiences and academic environments.
كَانَ النَّاسُ أُمَّةً وَاحِدَةً فَبَعَثَ اللَّهُ النَّبِيِّينَ مُبَشِّرِينَ وَمُنْذِرِينَ وَأَنْزَلَ مَعَهُمُ الْكِتَابَ بِالْحَقِّ لِيَحْكُمَ بَيْنَ النَّاسِ فِيمَا اخْتَلَفُوا فِيهِ ۚ وَمَا اخْتَلَفَ فِيهِ إِلَّا الَّذِينَ أُوتُوهُ مِنْ بَعْدِ مَا جَاءَتْهُمُ الْبَيِّنَاتُ بَغْيًا بَيْنَهُمْ ۖ فَهَدَى اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لِمَا اخْتَلَفُوا فِيهِ مِنَ الْحَقِّ بِإِذْنِهِ ۗ وَاللَّهُ يَهْدِي مَنْ يَشَاءُ إِلَىٰ صِرَاطٍ مُسْتَقِيمٍ
People were a single community, then Allah sent forth the prophets as bearers of glad tidings and warners and revealed with them the Book in truth so that He might judge between the people concerning that wherein they differed. And none differed concerning it except those who were given it after clear proofs had come to them out of envy among themselves. Then Allah guided those who believed to the truth concerning that wherein they had differed by His permission. And Allah guides whom He wills to a straight path.
Verse 213 of Surah Al-Baqarah, emphasising the original unity of humanity and the role of the prophets in guidance, serves as a foundation for analysing social theories regarding conflict management and the establishment of cohesion in pluralistic societies. This verse, by providing a divine framework for legislation and dispute resolution, underscores the necessity of a governance system based on justice. From the perspective of religious sociology, it addresses fundamental issues of social order and offers divine solutions for managing human conflicts.
The concepts within this verse act as a key to unlocking social challenges such as ideological, political, and cultural disputes. Emphasis on returning to divine principles for resolving conflicts demonstrates the high capacity of Quranic teachings to provide solutions to social issues. From a political philosophy standpoint, this verse underscores the necessity of divine legislation for realising social justice.
In many Islamic societies, rather than attending to fundamental religious principles such as justice, guidance, and unity, attention is diverted towards marginal and subsidiary issues. This neglect resembles losing the destination amid secondary paths, impeding the realisation of exalted Islamic goals. From the viewpoint of religious sociology, such an approach results in dispersion of intellectual and social resources, hindering the formation of an ideal Islamic society.
The concept of Tanzil in the Holy Quran denotes a wise process of clarifying and simplifying divine revelation for human comprehension. This process elevates the revelation from a transcendent realm to a level accessible to mankind, analogous to rain descending from the sky to nourish the earth. From the perspectives of philosophy of language and theology, Tanzil signifies divine wisdom in adapting celestial messages to the intellectual and spiritual capacities of humans.
The purpose of the revelation of the divine book, particularly the Quran, is to adjudicate between people in their disagreements. This arbitration establishes God as the supreme legislator who, through revelation, provides a just standard for resolving conflicts. From the perspective of legal philosophy and political theology, this principle underscores the necessity of a transcendent authority for legislation.
The Infallibles, as intermediaries of divine grace, bear the responsibilities of interpretation and enforcement of divine rulings. Absolute obedience is reserved solely for God, the Prophet, and the rightful leader (Wali al-Amr), whereas obedience to others is conditional upon the framework of Shariah.
The Infallibles function as an ark of salvation and a lamp of guidance, directing humanity towards God. They are not the ultimate goal but intermediaries who facilitate the path to truth. In Shiite mysticism, this status is elucidated as a channel of divine grace.
Natural disagreement arising from diversity in thoughts, cultures, and lifestyles is indicative of human perfection. This diversity, like varied colours on the canvas of creation, contributes to the growth and dynamism of society.
Disagreement born of bughya (envy and ignorance) is akin to a destructive storm threatening social cohesion. The verse emphasises that such discord is caused by those who, despite having received clear evidence, turn away from the truth due to jealousy or folly.
Traditionalist and rigid approaches, such as enforcing uniform dress codes or imposing unwarranted restrictions on attire, act as chains binding social dynamism, hindering innovation and diversity. Acceptance of diversity within the framework of religious principles contributes to social cohesion and the reduction of conflicts.
Excessive interference in individuals personal lives, such as dress and behaviour, leads to mistrust and alienation from religious values. Respect for individual freedoms within ethical boundaries functions as a seed for strengthening social trust.
Simple ignorance (lack of awareness) and compound ignorance (deliberate and conscious ignorance) act as two major barriers against divine guidance. Compound ignorance, due to its intentional denial of truth, is more perilous and, in analyses of social and political behaviours, is recognised as a hindrance to accepting reality.
The Islamic Revolution, as a great iconoclasm, shattered oppressive structures and markedly elevated public consciousness. This transformation represents a leap of more than three centuries in social awareness, laying the groundwork for new demands and social dynamism.
Despite the achievements of the revolution, the full realisation of its objectives requires sustained effort and meticulous social engineering. This process is comparable to preparing a complex meal, necessitating time and planning for society to reach the requisite maturity.
Martyrs and veterans, like the pure soil of society, have played a pivotal role in preserving the achievements of the revolution. As symbols of sacrifice, they have fortified the cultural and spiritual foundations of the community.
Respecting peoples understanding and freedom, while upholding religious principles, serves as a foundation for strengthening social trust and contributes to the success of the Islamic society. Unwarranted strictness, such as interference in dress or behaviour, leads to mistrust and alienation from religion.
Bullying and harsh behaviour, in contrast to a merciful and people-centred approach, act as barriers to religious cohesion. The principle of severity against the disbelievers and mercy among themselves emphasises the necessity of kindness towards believers.
Unfair comparisons between historical figures, such as Cyrus and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), often motivated by political or cultural agendas, stem from ignorance or bias. These comparisons require scientific and reasoned responses.
Defamation of the people, religious knowledge, and social institutions acts like a poison undermining social cohesion. A constructive and positive outlook aids in strengthening social capital and reducing conflicts.
Verse 213 of Surah Al-Baqarah, like a guiding light, provides a comprehensive framework for managing conflicts and realising divine justice. By emphasising humanitys initial unity, the role of the prophets and the divine scripture in resolving disputes, and the position of the Infallibles as intermediaries of guidance, it offers divine solutions to social challenges. Natural disagreements, as signs of human perfection, are acceptable, whereas disputes stemming from bughya (envy and ignorance) are destructive and require divine guidance.
Within the context of the Islamic Revolution, this verse highlights the necessity of respecting peoples understanding and freedom, avoiding unnecessary strictness, and adopting a merciful approach. The Islamic Revolution, by elevating public awareness and dismantling oppressive structures, has prepared the ground for long-term transformations. However, full realisation of its aims demands persistent effort, precise social engineering, and respect for diversity and individual freedoms. Martyrs and veterans, as symbolic assets, have played a crucial role in preserving identity and social cohesion. This exegesis, through a scientific and exalted lens, is an invitation to contemplate these principles for constructing a dynamic, just, and united society.
