The exegesis of the concluding verses of Surah Al-Baqarah, particularly verse 286, serves as a gateway towards a deeper understanding of the characteristics of true believers and their position within the Divine system. This verse, designed as a meticulously engineered blueprint by the Almighty, delineates three fundamental attributes for the devoted believers: complete faith, authenticity and robustness of character, and social commitment. This discourse, through a precise and systematic rereading of the lectures content, endeavours to elucidate these three traits in a refined language and scientific structure, tailored for an audience of specialised scholars. The focus of this study is on the characteristics of the intermediate believers, who are neither among the rank of Prophets and Infallible Imams nor part of the ordinary or deficient believers. By means of an in-depth examination of the Quranic text and the presented analyses, this work aims to provide a comprehensive depiction of this group.
Faith, as the primary pillar of the believers identity, is described in verse 286 of Surah Al-Baqarah with an emphasis on its comprehensiveness. God states in this verse:
وَالْمُؤْمِنُونَ کُلٌّ آمَنَ بِاللَّهِ وَمَلَائِکَتِهِ وَکُتُبِهِ وَرُسُلِهِ
And all the believers have believed in God and His angels and His books and His messengers.
This verse underscores the completeness and inclusiveness of faith, encompassing the acceptance of all fundamental doctrinal principles, from belief in the Existence of the Lord to angels, heavenly scriptures, prophets, and even belief in the Hereafter and the return to God. Complete faith implies the all-encompassing acceptance of Divine commandments without selection or denial of any part thereof. The devoted believers, contrary to those who accept some tenets of faith while denying others, remain steadfastly committed to the entirety of the religion. This comprehensiveness prevents their faith from being incomplete or unstable.
Incomplete faith, which is criticised in the verse through the phrase نُؤْمِنُ بِبَعْضٍ وَنَکْفُرُ بِبَعْضٍ (believing in some and disbelieving in others), signifies the negation of faith in its entirety. If a believer disbelieves in one of the fundamental tenets, it is as if they have disbelieved in the whole. This point acts as a key that unlocks the door to doctrinal unity and protects the believer from falling into intellectual contradictions.
The second attribute of the devoted believers is possession of authenticity and robustness of character, which is manifest in the supplication:
رَبَّنَا لَا تُؤَاخِذْنَا إِنْ نَسِینَا أَوْ أَخْطَأْنَا
Our Lord, do not impose blame upon us if we forget or make a mistake.
This supplication is a sign of the believers awareness of human frailty and, simultaneously, their steadfastness in the face of shortcomings. The devoted believers, like tempered steel, possess inner strength and do not alter their nature when confronted with hardships and Divine trials.
This trait differentiates the believers from unstable and fragile groups. They are not only free from weakness and frailty but also, relying on faith and awareness, have a resolute character that resists temptations and shortcomings. This steadfastness is like a structure built upon firm foundations of faith, remaining resilient against the storms of life.
The devoted believers, unlike ordinary people who may waver when faced with difficulties, possess stability and firmness that distinguish them as rare gems within human society. This group is neither scattered and aimless nor among those who crumble under the weight of personality weakness in times of hardship.
The third attribute of the devoted believers is social commitment and endeavour towards Divine support, as crystallised in the concluding phrase of verse 286 of Surah Al-Baqarah:
فَانْصُرْنَا عَلَى الْقَوْمِ الْکَافِرِینَ
So support us against the disbelieving people.
This supplication indicates the active presence of the believers within society and their efforts to overcome disbelief and injustice. The devoted believers seek not only their own salvation but also, through social engagement and interaction with friends and foes alike, aim to realise justice and Divine support. This commitment prevents them from falling into isolation or passive living.
The devoted believers, akin to lamps in the darkness of society, spread the light of guidance through their active presence. They attend not only to religious matters but also show sensitivity to social afflictions such as poverty, war, and injustice. This group, informed about global issues and equipped with precise analysis of events, strives for societal reform and the defence of the oppressed, even if these oppressed individuals are non-believers.
Religious scholars, as the vanguard of this group, bear a heavy responsibility. They must acquire updated knowledgefrom history to social sciencesto analyse global issues with accuracy. This awareness acts as a weapon equipping scholars against ignorance and deviations. A lack of knowledge in history, sociology, or global matters may distance scholars from their exalted position.
Religious knowledge, as a precious heritage, requires revision and reform to be responsive to contemporary needs. A lack of awareness regarding history, sociology, and global issues has sometimes deprived religious knowledge of its necessary efficacy. These deficiencies act like dust upon the mirror of knowledge, preventing the truth from shining forth.
Religious scholars must, through meticulous study of history and analysis of global eventsincluding the calamities afflicting neighbouring societiesattain profound understanding of contemporary issues. This awareness acts as a bridge connecting religious knowledge with the genuine needs of society. Neglecting these matters leads scholars into isolation and diminishes their social mission.
A narration states: مَنْ أَصْبَحَ وَلَمْ یَهْتَمَّ بِأُمُورِ الْمُسْلِمِینَ فَلَیْسَ بِمُسْلِمٍ Whoever wakes up in the morning and does not concern himself with the affairs of the Muslims is not one of them. This narration emphasises the social responsibility of scholars and believers alike, urging them to be sensitive to societal issues.
The exegesis of verse 286 of Surah Al-Baqarah, as a Divine blueprint, explicates three fundamental attributes of the devoted believers: complete faith, authenticity of character, and social commitment. These three traits, as the pillars of a believers identity, distinguish them from ordinary humans. Religious scholars, as the standard-bearers of this group, through the acquisition of updated awareness and active social presence, can internalise and propagate these attributes within themselves and others. This verse not only serves as an invitation towards faith and steadfastness but also as a call to societal reform and Divine support.
Under the supervision of Sadegh Khademi
