Verse 285 of Srah al-Baqarah, like a brilliant gem in the crown of this chapter, portrays the doctrinal and ethical summation of the believers in response to Divine revelation. This verse, articulated in a concise and profound manner, explicates the faith of the Messenger and the believers in the fundamental pillars of existence: God, angels, scriptures, and prophets. Emphasising unity in the acceptance of the Messengers and practical commitment to obedience, it delineates the path to felicity. The supplication for forgiveness and the awareness of return to the Lord reveal a profound layer of humility and believers accountability. This treatise, adopting a theological, mystical, and epistemological approach, analyses this verse, unfolding its dimensions within a scientific and systematic framework for specialised audiences. The aim is to elucidate the esoteric meanings of the verse and connect them to the ethical and doctrinal system of Islam, thereby illuminating the path of self-purification and proximity to the Truth like a guiding light.
Arabic Text:
أَمَنَ الرَّسُولُ بِمَا أُنْزِلَ إِلَيْهِ مِنْ رَبِّهِ وَالْمُؤْمِنُونَ ۚ كُلٌّ آمَنَ بِاللَّهِ وَمَلَائِكَتِهِ وَكُتُبِهِ وَرُسُلِهِ لَا نُفَرِّقُ بَيْنَ أَحَدٍ مِنْ رُسُلِهِ ۚ وَقَالُوا سَمِعْنَا وَأَطَعْنَا ۖ غُفْرَانَكَ رَبَّنَا وَإِلَيْكَ الْمَصِيرُ
Translation:
The Messenger has believed in that which was revealed to him from his Lord, and [so have] the believers. All of them have believed in God, His angels, His books, and His Messengers, not making any distinction between any of His Messengers. And they said, We hear and obey. Forgiveness is Yours, our Lord, and to You is the final return.
This verse, constructed in an informative structure akin to a declaration, depicts faith as a robust edifice founded upon pillars such as belief in God, angels, scriptures, and Messengers. The phrase لَا نُفَرِّقُ بَيْنَ أَحَدٍ مِنْ رُسُلِهِ demonstrates unity in the acceptance of Divine Messengership, while سَمِعْنَا وَأَطَعْنَا links the believers practical commitment to heartfelt faith. The clause غُفْرَانَكَ رَبَّنَا وَإِلَيْكَ الْمَصِيرُ, through the supplication for forgiveness and reference to the return to God, highlights humility and awareness of ultimate accountability. This structure serves as a precise map, illuminating the path of faith, action, and nearness to the Truth.
Verse 285 of Srah al-Baqarah, in a concise and profound expression, delineates the doctrinal and ethical framework of the believers, presenting faith, obedience, and humility as the three fundamental pillars on the path to felicity. This verse is not only a summation of Srah al-Baqarah but also reflects, like a mirror, the reality of faith and the believers responsibility.
Verse 285 of Srah al-Baqarah resembles a profound ocean, containing esoteric and mystical layers that explicate faith within elevated epistemic ranks. This inner meaning transcends the literal text, pointing to the existential depth of faith that guides the believer towards Divine reality. Faith in this verse is not mere outward acceptance but an inner commitment to the fundamental components of existence, harmonising with the system of creation to lead humanity to eternal bliss.
God, in this verse, affirms the faith of the believers and speaks on their behalf. This affirmation, like a Divine seal of approval, demonstrates the exalted status of believers within the order of creation. Believers do not merely claim faith themselves; rather, God, like a gardener nurturing the sapling of faith, acknowledges it. This underscores the Divine validation of faith and Gods role in guiding believers.
Existence of polytheism, doubt, and ostentation are like dark clouds obstructing the light of faith from shining upon the human soul. Polytheism and doubt originate from epistemological weaknesses rooted in ones beliefs, whereas ostentation and rebellion manifest in the realm of action. These obstacles underscore the necessity of purifying the soul and refining beliefs. The believer, like a farmer cleansing the soil of the heart from weeds, must remove these barriers to allow faith to bear fruit.
The believers in this verse are categorised into three groups: the Prophets, who possess the highest degree of faith; the true believers, who are committed to all pillars of faith; and those whose hearts retain residues of polytheism and ostentation. This classification acts like a ladder, illustrating levels of faith through which individuals can ascend by effort and self-purification towards higher ranks.
The esoteric dimensions of verse 285 depict faith as a mystical journey towards Divine reality. Divine affirmation, obstacles to faith, and classification of believers render this verse an epistemic charter that illuminates the path of self-purification and nearness to the Truth. By cleansing the soul from polytheism and ostentation, the believer can attain an exalted rank where faith and action harmonise completely.
Faith in God constitutes the root that firmly establishes the tree of the believers existence. Angels, as manifestations of the celestial realm, mediate the revelation; faith in them signifies the human connection with the unseen world. This faith serves as a key that opens the doors of knowledge about the order of creation and guides the believer to the understanding of truth.
