Verse 275 of Surah Al-Baqarah, like a radiant beacon in the firmament of Quranic knowledge, scrutinises usury (rib) and its profound effects on the human psyche and spirit. This verse, employing a profound and elevated diction, speaks of diabolic and metaphysical interactions that plunge man into a vortex of turmoil and confusion. The present exegesis, adopting a scientific and systematic approach, endeavours to elucidate the multifaceted dimensions of this verse and presents its concepts in a refined academic and research-oriented language, suitable for highly educated audiences. Utilising lexical, psychological, philosophical, and metaphysical analyses, it investigates the human connection with supernatural entities, particularly jinn and Satan, and examines the effects of these interactions on human behaviour and psyche. The structure of this work, with clear and precise sections, serves as a guide for a deeper comprehension of the Holy Quranic verses and their linkage to human and religious sciences.
الَّذِينَ يَأْكُلُونَ الرِّبَا لَا يَقُومُونَ إِلَّا كَمَا يَقُومُ الَّذِي يَتَخَبَّطُهُ الشَّيْطَانُ مِنَ الْمَسِّ
Those who consume usury will not stand except as one whom Satan has struck with mas (the imperceptible diabolic influence), causing disarray and agitation.
This verse succinctly and profoundly identifies usury not merely as an economic act but as a factor facilitating satanic infiltration into the human psyche. The term mas here refers to subtle and metaphysical influences exerted by Satan upon man, directing him towards psychological disorder (takhaub).
Man is a composite being of body, nafs, and spirit, each vulnerable to specific harms. Physical and psychological issues are within the purview of natural and psychological sciences; however, supernatural interactions, owing to their metaphysical nature, transcend empirical scientific inquiry. This distinction acts as a boundary separating empirical sciences from revealed sciences. By mentioning mas of Satan, verse 275 underscores the metaphysical influences leading to psychological turmoil.
Modern sciences, especially psychology and psychiatry, due to methodological limitations, either deny human interaction with supernatural beings or suffer from ignorance in this domain. The Holy Quran, as a revealed source, explicitly addresses these interactions and emphasises the necessity of their scientific validation. This ignorance, like a heavy shadow, obstructs a comprehensive understanding of psychological and spiritual influences on man.
To overcome denial or ignorance in modern sciences, supernatural interactions must be investigated through scientific and reasoned methodologies. This endeavour serves as a bridge between Quranic and empirical sciences and requires the development of methodological frameworks integrating revealed sciences with human sciences.
Diabolic interactions with humans arise either from mans innate capacity to attract these forces or through deeds that draw him closer to Satan, actualising this potential. Innate capacity resembles a vessel inclined at times towards good and at times towards evil. Usurious acts, as negative deeds, steer man towards Satan and facilitate the penetration of the mas.
Supernatural interactions can be either positive or negative. Positive interactions, such as the control of jinn for benevolent purposes, require guidance and supervision; negative interactions, like those occurring in usury, lead to corruption and turmoil. Verse 275, by focusing on mas of Satan, stresses the detrimental effects that propel man towards psychological disorder.
Jinn, by virtue of their existential nature, possess greater power and will than humans; nevertheless, man, aided by intellect and knowledge, surpasses jinn in perception and understanding. This difference, akin to two scales, demonstrates human superiority in cognition and vulnerability to supernatural power.
The impacts of Satan upon humans are divided into real and illusory categories. Real effects, such as enmity or illness, are within the realms of psychology and medicine. Illusory effects, such as the mas mentioned in verse 275, result in imperceptible infiltration and psychological disturbance. This bifurcation, like two branches of a tree, reveals the complexity of satanic influences.
The satanic mas can lead to self-destructive behaviours, harm to others, or imbalanced states like itching and anxiety. These conditions, like waves shattering the calm shore of the psyche, dislodge human equilibrium and steer him towards corruption.
Modern sciences, especially psychiatry, are ineffectual in treating supernatural effects such as the satanic mas; their medications merely sedate symptoms. This incapacity forms a towering barrier preventing the root treatment of supernatural disorders.
Many self-proclaimed healers of supernatural disorders pursue financial gain and lack genuine competence. This exploitation, akin to a pernicious weed, has tarnished the credibility of supernatural sciences. Those with authentic abilities have no need to monetise their skills, as these sciences serve religion and humanity.
The Holy Quran and hadiths constitute an inexhaustible treasury and principal sources for explicating supernatural interactions. Despite thousands of hadiths on this subject, adequate utilisation has not been made. This neglect acts as a veil of dust upon the mirror of knowledge, impeding full benefit from Quranic sciences.
The term mas appears 61 times in the Holy Quran and denotes imperceptible and negative influences. Verses such as:
أَنْ يَمَسَّكُمْ قَرَحٌ فَقَدْ مَسَّ الْقَوْمَ قَرَحٌ مِثْلُهُ
If a wound befalls you, a similar wound has befallen the people.
and
إِذَا مَسَّ الإِنْسَانَ ضُرٌّ دَعَانَا لِجَنْبِهِ
When harm touches a man, He (God) calls us while he lies on his side.
allude to immaterial and metaphysical effects distinct from sensory contact.
Mas, unlike tactile contact, is non-sensory and refers to imperceptible influences affecting human psyche and behaviour. These influences, like an invisible breeze, steer man towards distress and anxiety without sensory contact.
Religious sciences, constrained by cultural limitations and fear of accusations such as witchcraft, have neglected supernatural sciences. This limitation acts like a shackle upon the feet of knowledge, diminishing religious sciences capacity to aid society.
Religious sciences must transform into academic and research centres that, through reviving Quranic sciences, address supernatural disorders. This transformation, akin to reviving a dried spring, can attract patients worldwide.
Angels, like divine guardians, protect humans against satanic influences; however, if sin is committed, humans are consigned to the consequential effects of their actions. This acts as a spiritual law emphasising the importance of piety and remembrance.
Remembrances such as the Four Quls and Bismillah serve as spiritual shields protecting humans from satanic influences. These instruments, by strengthening the connection between man, God, and angels, render one immune to the satanic mas.
The Holy Quran describes Satans effects in various forms such as misguidance (alal), confusion (kha), illusion (mas), fear (khawf), whispering (wasws), impurity (rijs), enmity (adwat), and complete possession (istiw). These effects, like a complex network, encompass human psyche and behaviour.
إِنَّ الَّذِينَ تَقَوْا إِذَا مَسَّهُمْ طَائِفٌ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ تَذَكَّرُوا
Indeed, those who fear God, when a group of Satan touches them, remember [Him].
Verse 275 of Surah Al-Baqarah, like a clear mirror, introduces usury as a destructive economic and moral phenomenon that propels man towards satanic infiltration and psychological disturbance. This exegesis, integrating lexical, psychological, philosophical, and metaphysical analyses, elucidated the multiple dimensions of this verse. The necessity of reviving Quranic sciences, integrating them with empirical sciences, and transforming religious sciences into research centres are among the foremost outcomes of this study. Preserving all details of the lectures and analyses presented, this work guides a deeper understanding of supernatural interactions and their role in human life.
