This treatise explicates verses 252 and 253 of Surah Al-Baqarah from the Holy Quranverses that serve as a gateway to profound comprehension of the cosmic order, the hierarchical ranks of the Prophets, and the role of revelation in conveying divine laws and principles. This exegesis, employing philosophical, theological, and hermeneutical methodologies, explores the concepts within the divine verses, the truthful recitation, the position of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) among the messengers, and the differing ranks granted by God to the Prophets.
Within this framework, laws, rules, and parables are examined as fundamental pillars of the cosmic system, alongside a constructive critique of the limitations inherent in traditional religious sciences. Emphasis is placed on the scientific and social capacities of the Quran and the necessity to reconstruct religious sciences with a modern perspective. The structure of this work is systematically designed to provide thematic sections, specialised subheadings, and precise conclusions, thereby furnishing a coherent framework for erudite audiences.
تِلْکَ آیَاتُ اللَّهِ نَتْلُوهَا عَلَیْکَ بِالْحَقِّ ۚ وَإِنَّکَ لَمِنَ الْمُرْسَلِینَ
Translation: These are the verses of God which We recite to you in truth, and indeed, you are among the messengers.
تِلْکَ الرُّسُلُ فَضَّلْنَا بَعْضَهُمْ عَلَىٰ بَعْضٍ ۘ مِنْهُمْ مَنْ کَلَّمَ اللَّهُ ۖ وَرَفَعَ بَعْضَهُمْ دَرَجَاتٍ ۚ وَآتَیْنَا عِیسَى ابْنَ مَرْیَمَ الْبَیِّنَاتِ وَأَیَّدْنَاهُ بِرُوحِ الْقُدُسِ
Translation: These are the messengers; We have preferred some of them over others. Among them, there is he whom God spoke to, and We raised some of them in degrees. And We gave Jesus son of Mary clear proofs and supported him with the Holy Spirit.
These verses, serving as the conclusion to the narrative of Talut and Jalut in Surah Al-Baqarah, elucidate the philosophical and theological foundations of the cosmic system. Verse 252 emphasises the role of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) as the recipient of revelation and divine messenger, whereas verse 253 clarifies the ranks of the Prophets and the particular attributes of some, such as Jesus (peace be upon him).
The discussed verses encompass three fundamental dimensions: laws (the theoretical infrastructure of the cosmic system), rules (the operational structures of this system), and parables (the concrete instances manifesting these laws and rules). Laws serve as overarching principles governing existence, shaping the theoretical framework. Rules represent the practical mechanisms implementing these principles within the world. Parables are historical and tangible exemplifications appearing before and after the verses, such as the story of Talut and Jalut or the ranks of the Prophets.
Parables in these verses manifest in two forms: preceding the verses, the story of Talut and Jalut is cited as an example of the execution of divine laws and rules throughout history. Following the verses, reference is made to the nations (وَلَوْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ مَا اقْتَتَلَ الَّذِینَ) and the ranks of the Prophets, such as Jesus (peace be upon him). These parables concretely reveal the theoretical and practical wisdom of the Divine.
Verses 252 and 253 of Surah Al-Baqarah present a comprehensive blueprint of the cosmic order wherein laws, rules, and parables serve as foundational pillars manifesting divine order. These verses, with emphasis on the truthful recitation and the position of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) as the messenger, highlight the role of revelation in transmitting this system to humanity.
In this interpretation, divine verses are defined as the adornments, judgments, characteristics, and singularities of entities. Every particle in existence possesses an existential code that distinguishes it from others. These codes, akin to plaques, determine the external and internal domains of entities so that any mixing or fusion of particles is impossible due to the precise divine order.
Existence is likened to ashes whose particles rest adjacently without mixture, arranged and ordered. This order is so exact that no particle precedes another except according to the nature and context decreed by God. This image points to cosmic harmony in which each component holds a unique place and specific movement.
To illustrate this order, an analogy is presented of two aircraft refuelling midair: without physical connection, they proceed synchronously with precise regulation of motion, as if bound together, although they are neither connected nor stationary. This analogy elegantly demonstrates the dynamism and precision of cosmic order.
Any apparent friction or disturbance in the universe is superficial and results from human perceptual limitations rather than faults in the cosmic system. The cosmos operates within a harmonious and flawless framework, as indicated in the Quran:
"Do you see any fault in the creation of the Most Merciful?" (Al-Mulk: 3)
This verse points to the perfection of creation and the limitations of human cognition.
The
