This treatise is devoted to a profound and philosophical exegesis of verse 253 from Surah Al-Baqarah, which refers to the bestowal of clear proofs and the spiritual confirmation of Jesus, son of Mary, by the Holy Spirit. The interpretation, grounded in a theological and hermeneutical approach, examines the station of divine gifts within the prophetic system, critiques the current status of religious sciences, and underscores the necessity of reviving sacred and prophetic knowledge. The analogy of contemporary religious sciences as a splendid yet unilluminated palace, the absence of divine light in educational curricula, and the significance of glorification and sanctification as spiritual sustenance constitute the central themes of this discourse. The objective is to present a systematic and scholarly perspective that, while faithful to the original content, employs an exalted language befitting an audience of advanced doctoral-level specialists, elucidating the relationship between the terrestrial realm and the divine realms and the role of the Holy Spirit therein.
We gave Jesus, son of Mary, clear proofs, and supported him with the Holy Spirit.
This verse highlights the special position of Jesus, son of Mary, within the prophetic hierarchy and the divine gifts granted to him. The term clear proofs (bayyint) refers to the evident signs and miracles of Jesus (peace be upon him), while the Holy Spirit (r al-quds) denotes the divine empowering force affirming him. These gifts manifest the boundless grace of God towards the prophets, which is conspicuously absent in the current educational system of religious sciences.
The bayyint encompass the miracles and clear evidences God bestowed to substantiate the prophetic mission (cf. Al-Imran: 49). The Holy Spirit is a real and divine entity presented in the Quran as a supportive force for the prophets, referenced also in verse 110 of Surah Al-Ma'idah concerning Jesuss confirmation.
Conclusion of Section One: Quran 2:253, by emphasising the granting of clear proofs and the affirmation by the Holy Spirit, reveals the exalted rank of Jesus (peace be upon him) within the prophetic order. These divine gifts not only signify Gods mercy upon the prophets but also provide a framework for the revival of sacred sciences in religious educational institutions.
Contemporary religious sciences are likened to a magnificent palace that remains unlit; it is filled with verses and narrations yet lacks the divine light and motivating force. This metaphor points to the absence of divine illumination in the educational system, where formal sciences (such as morphology and syntax) dominate over sacred and spiritual sciences.
Formal sciences like morphology, syntax, and jurisprudence exist worldwide and are sometimes more advanced in other educational systems. Although foundational to religious sciences, they do not distinguish prophetic knowledge. The prophetic sciences are rooted in sacred realms (Malakt, Jabart, and Quds) and must constitute the core of religious education.
The occultation and estrangement of religion, especially after the event of Karbala, have led to the loss of divine signs and proofs. This estrangement signifies deviation from the prophetic path and the dominance of formal sciences over spiritual sciences, diverting the religious educational system from its primary mission.
The continuation of the current state of religious sciences results in wasted time and despair among students. Prolonged study (fifty to sixty years) focused on formal sciences without access to prophetic knowledge renders students dispirited and unmotivated, leading to educational loss.
The current educational framework incapacitates students in practical skills. The analogy of inability to cut yoghurt or slice cheese highlights the lack of practical efficacy, rooted in the absence of prophetic sciences.
Students are squandered due to the lack of prophetic sciences in the system. Nevertheless, the survival of religious sciences depends on the continuous influx of new students rather than individuals, indicating generational renewal without spiritual fruitfulness.
Students predominantly originate from rural and pure backgrounds and possess considerable potential for transformation. However, the present educational system neither cultivates nor utilises these talents effectively.
Despite inherent virtue, students fail to achieve the principal goal (prophetic sciences). This failure stems from the deviation of the educational system from the prophetic mission towards formal sciences.
Conclusion of Section Two: The critique of the present state of religious sciences emphasises the lack of divine illumination and the predominance of formal sciences. The analogy of the unilluminated palace, the estrangement of religion after Karbala, and the wastage of students lifetimes demonstrate the necessity for educational reform and revival of prophetic sciences.
The terrestrial realm, owing to its distance from the divine realms (Malakt, Jabart, Quds), is burdensome for humanity. Acceptance of divine truths is difficult for terrestrial humans, although these realms actively govern the terrestrial sphere.
وَنَحْنُ أَقْرَبُ إِلَیْهِ مِنْ حَبْلِ الْوَرِیدِ We are closer to him than his jugular vein. (Qaf:16)
God is nearer to every being than the jugular vein. Yet, many humans, due to heedlessness and blindness, remain distant from God and the divine realms.
إِنَّ أَکْرَمَکُمْ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ أَتْقَاکُمْ Indeed, the most honoured among you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. (Al-Hujurat: 13)
Piety is the factor that reduces human distance from the divine realms and attains Gods honour. The greater the piety and purity, the closer one becomes to God.
According to the Commander of the Faithful (peace be upon him), the divine realms are
