The exegesis of verse 275 of Surah Al-Baqarah, which addresses the subject of usury (Riba) and the consequences of accepting or rejecting divine admonition, constitutes one of the profound and multifaceted discussions within the Holy Quran. This verse, by elucidating the Qurans descriptive and advisory approach to social issues, emphasises the significance of divine admonition and its influence on individual and collective behaviour. The present text, adopting a scholarly and systematic methodology, conducts a detailed analysis of this verse, extracting key points in a structured manner and examining its social, economic, psychological, and theological dimensions. The entire original content has been preserved and supplemented with comprehensive explanations, rewritten in a manner suitable for specialised audiences and academic environments. This discourse, employing refined Persian metaphors and allegories, endeavours to maintain scientific integrity while also delivering literary elegance.
فَمَنْ جَاءَهُ مَوْعِظَةٌ مِنْ رَبِّهِ فَانْتَهَىٰ فَلَهُ مَا سَلَفَ وَأَمْرُهُ إِلَى اللَّهِ ۖ وَمَنْ عَادَ فَأُولَٰئِكَ أَصْحَابُ النَّارِ ۖ هُمْ فِيهَا خَالِدُونَ
Then, whoever receives an admonition from his Lord and ceases [from usury], for him is what has passed previously; and his affair is with Allah. But whoever returns [to it]those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide therein eternally.
Verse 275 of Surah Al-Baqarah addresses the social, economic, and scientific aspects related to usury through a multilayered stratagem. This verse not only articulates the prohibition of usury but also references its consequential effects and natural reverberations within society. Usury, likened to a fire that consumes the economic foundations of the community, destabilises social structures. This multilayered nature signifies the comprehensiveness of the Holy Quran in confronting human issues.
The Holy Quran adopts a descriptive and advisory methodology when engaging with social issues, emphasising persuasion and creating awareness in individuals rather than coercion. This approach, respecting human free will, invites one to consciously accept divine ordinances, akin to a gentle breeze guiding the heart towards truth, not a tempest that shatters resolve.
The divine admonition, expressed in the verse as an admonition from his Lord, represents a spiritual and psychological force that induces awareness and internal transformation within the individual. This admonition functions as a key unlocking the hearts barriers, directing the individual towards behavioural reform. Such transformation accompanies a sense of felicity arising from acceptance of truth.
Admonition is effective only when it produces positive actual effects in the recipient. Admonition that leads to weariness or distress is not only non-guiding but may result in deviation. The admonisher must possess the ability to exert positive influence; otherwise, their words are like seeds sown upon rocks, yielding no fruit.
The phrase Then whoever receives an admonition from his Lord demonstrates divine respect for human free will. God presents admonition individually and non-coercively, as though opening the gate of a garden and inviting the person to enter, without forcing them.
The verse envisages two states following the receipt of admonition: ceases (from sin) and returns (to sin). This duality reflects the outcome of individual free choice, as though the human stands before two clear pathslight and darknessand selects their own way.
The word ceases, derived from the form iftl, means voluntary abandonment of sin. This conscious choice is the result of internal awakening and acceptance of admonition, as though the individual breaks the chains of sin by their own will and steps towards the light of guidance.
The phrase for him is what has passed indicates the forgiveness of past sins, contingent upon the individuals renunciation of wrongful behaviour. This forgiveness resembles a merciful rain that washes away previous transgressions and prepares the individual for a new beginning.
The phrase his affair is with Allah signifies entrusting the individuals case to God. This entrustment is conditional upon the persons future conduct, as though God, the Just Judge, evaluates human performance prospectively.
The verse, through the phrase But whoever returns [to it]those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide therein eternally, points to the consequences of reverting to sin. This punishment results from persistence in sin and neglecting divine admonition, as though the individual drags themselves into darkness by their own hand.
The verse, by emphasising for him is what has passed, forbids reckoning for past sins. This principle prevents social unrest and conflicts, as though guiding society from the whirlpool of revenge towards the shore of reform and progress.
Usury, as an instance of rights owed to others (aqq al-ns), requires restitution. However, the verse stresses forgiveness of past sins upon repentance, while financial rights of others must be restored, as though divine justice maintains a balance between forgiveness and restitution.
The actual effects of sin are nullified by repentance. Repentance, like a pure flowing stream, not only cleanses the sin but also neutralises its social and psychological consequences.
The verse, referencing for him is what has passed, draws inspiration from historical precedents such as the behaviour of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) during the conquest of Mecca. The Prophet (PBUH), by declaring a general amnesty, emphasised forgiveness of the past and invited future reform, as though opening a door of mercy calling all towards guidance.
Unwarranted reckoning of past sins leads to social chaos and discord. This approach contradicts the Quranic principle for him is what has passed, which stresses unity and reform.
Instead of punishing sinners, their capacities and abilities should be harnessed for societal reform. This approach aligns with the principle his affair is with Allah, as though society is a garden where every branch can bear fruit if properly guided.
The tyrannical culture, by disregarding respect for people and focusing on self-aggrandisement, stands in opposition to the Quranic approach that emphasises respect and guidance of humans. This culture, like a dark shadow, prevents the flourishing of human values.
Embassies, as centres of espionage, constitute a reality within international relations. This subject demands sociological and political analysis to be managed with wisdom, as though in a global chess game, every move must be executed with care and prudence.
Patriotism, even for non-Muslims, is an ethical value. Betrayal of ones homeland is unacceptable, as though loyalty to the homeland is a covenant that one makes with oneself and society.
The phrase his affair is with Allah indicates that divine behaviour is conditional upon the individuals conduct. God, like a wise gardener, grants humans the opportunity for growth and reform and delivers final judgement ir behaviour.
The exegesis of verse 275 of Surah Al-Baqarah, emphasising divine admonition and the consequences of its acceptance or rejection, reveals the depth of the Qurans descriptive and advisory approach to social and economic matters. This verse, by elucidating concepts such as forgiveness of past sins, conditionality of divine judgement on future behaviour, and the importance of avoiding undue reckonings, proposes solutions for societal reform. Its scholarly analysis enables dialogue with educated audiences and highlights the rationality and comprehensiveness of Quranic ordinances.
Summary: Verse 275 of Surah Al-Baqarah, through a comprehensive and advisory approach, invites humans to reform and guidance, while respecting free will and facilitating societal progress.
Supervised by Sadegh Khademi
