Verse 219 of Surah Al-Baqarah, one of the pivotal verses of the Holy Qur'an, addresses ethical and social matters such as wine, gambling, and charity in a concise yet profound manner. By inviting contemplation, it calls the audience to reflect on the divine rulings and knowledge. This verse, which poses inquiries regarding wine, gambling, and charity, not only elucidates divine injunctions but also, through a dual structure, depicts the contrast between the bitterness of sin and the sweetness of benevolence. This exegesis, employing theological, jurisprudential, and philosophical approaches, analyses the verse and its themes, utilising allegories and logical arguments to reveal the Qur'anic depths to those inclined towards reflection. In this treatise, while preserving the entirety of the original lectures content, the points are systematically presented in an elevated and academically appropriate style, complemented by supplementary analyses to enhance the scholarly richness of the text.
Verse 219 of Surah Al-Baqarah, when compared to the extended verses addressing weighty ethical and social subjects such as oppression, killing, and plunder, is considered a concise verse (Qasr). This brevity not only illustrates the diversity of the Qur'ans expressive style but also emphasises the impact of the message within a succinct form. The verse is divided into two segments: the first responds to inquiries concerning wine (khamr) and gambling (maisir), while the second addresses the subject of charity (infq). This dual structure creates a contrast between the bitterness of sin (wine and gambling) and the sweetness of virtue (charity), which, from the perspective of Quranic rhetoric, enhances the appeal and depth of the message.
Key Point: The brevity of verse 219 of Surah Al-Baqarah, alongside its dual structure, manifests the Qur'an's rhetorical artistry in conveying profound ethical and social concepts concisely and effectively.
The first part of the verse, referring to wine and gambling, points to the bitterness of sin and the social harms emanating from them, whereas the second part, emphasising charity (al-afw the surplus), portrays the sweetness of virtue and benevolence. This contrast, akin to the combination of yoghurt and syrup in traditional Iranian cuisine, alludes to the balance between undesirable and desirable matters. Just as plain yoghurt becomes sweetened by the addition of syrup, social sins are mitigated by charity and kindness.
Within traditional Iranian culture, yoghurt and syrup, as a simple and balanced food, symbolised contentment and simplicity. Historically, people subsisted on basic foods such as bread, herbs, and salt, distanced from todays culinary complexities. This allegory indicates the simplicity of ancestral lifestyles and the equilibrium between material and spiritual needs. From a historical sociological perspective, this viewpoint reflects cultural and economic evolutions in Iranian societies transitioning from simplicity to modern complexities.
Verse 219 of Surah Al-Baqarah, through its concise and dual structure, elucidates the rulings on wine, gambling, and charity, and by establishing the contrast between the bitterness of sin and the sweetness of virtue, invites the audience to contemplate profound Quranic meanings. Cultural allegories, such as yoghurt and syrup, aid in comprehending this contrast and signify the deep connection of the Holy Qur'an with culture and quotidian life.
The verse, through the phrase كَذَٰلِكَ يُبَيِّنُ اللَّهُ لَكُمُ الْآيَاتِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَفَكَّرُونَ ("Thus Allah makes clear His signs to you that you may reflect"), underscores the necessity of contemplation in grasping divine signs. This call to reflection propels the audience towards deep and dynamic analysis. Contemplation, as a profound ocean, guides humans from the superficial layer of the verses to their deeper meanings.
Key Point: The Quranic invitation to contemplate guides the reader not only to understand the apparent meanings but also to uncover deeper cognitive and ethical layers of the verses.
According to Hakim Sabzevari in his poetic compendium, contemplation is a mental movement from premises (mabdi) to the desired outcome (murd). This definition aligns with logical syllogism, as exemplified in the logical syllogism: "The world is mutable, what is mutable is created, therefore the world is created." This syllogism exemplifies intellectual movement from premises to conclusion and is applicable in analysing Qur'anic verses.
In verse 219, contemplation leads to comparing lengthy verses (such as those concerning oppression and killing) with the brevity of the verse on wine and gambling. From a hermeneutical methodology viewpoint, this comparison emphasises the
