Surah Al-Imran, like a radiant gem in the constellation of the Holy Qur'an, opens the path of guidance towards humanity through a profound examination of social, religious, and civilisational issues. Verses 3 and 4 of this Surah, with deep and meaningful expression, speak of the revelation of the divine scriptures, the continuity of the heavenly religions, and the exalted status of the Holy Qur'an. This treatise, relying upon precise and scientific analyses, elucidates these verses and, with a comprehensive perspective, examines the connection between the celestial books and their role in guiding humanity. Like a mighty tree rooted in the soil of divine revelation, this exegesis endeavours to extend the branches of knowledge towards the sky of truth and, with a clear language, convey the lofty meanings of these verses to seekers of knowledge and wisdom.
نَزَلَ عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ بِالْحَقِّ مُصَدِّقًا لِمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ وَأَنْزَلَ التَّوْرَاةَ وَالْإِنْجِيلَ
Translation: He sent down to you the Book with truth, confirming what was before it, and He sent down the Torah and the Gospel.
مِنْ قَبْلُ هُدًى لِلنَّاسِ وَأَنْزَلَ الْفُرْقَانَ ۗ إِنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا بِآيَاتِ اللَّهِ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ شَدِيدٌ ۗ وَاللَّهُ عَزِيزٌ ذُو انْتِقَامٍ
Translation: Beforehand as guidance for mankind, and He sent down the Criterion. Indeed, those who disbelieve in the signs of Allah will have a severe punishment, and Allah is Mighty, the Avenger.
One of the prominent points in the discussed verses is the semantic and linguistic difference between the terms نَزَلَ (nazala) and أَنْزَلَ (anzala). The word نَزَلَ, derived from the verb form tafl, connotes a gradual, majestic, and weighty descent. This term, used for the revelation of the Qur'an, indicates the prophetic process of divine inspiration which descended gradually over twenty-three years upon the heart of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him). In contrast, أَنْزَلَ, derived from the verb form ifl, refers to an instantaneous and simple descent, applied to the Torah and the Gospel. This distinction, akin to two separate paths within the realm of revelation, highlights the qualitative difference in the mode of descent of these celestial scriptures.
This linguistic distinction, like a light that gradually shines down from the heights of the sky upon the earth, underscores the special status of the Holy Qur'an. The gradual revelation of the Qur'an enabled dynamic interaction with social conditions and human needs, transforming it into a living and vibrant book.
The usage of the word عَلَيْكَ (alayka) instead of عِلَيْكَ (ilayka) in the verse denotes the supremacy and grandeur of the revelation's descent upon the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him). In Arabic literature, عَلَيْكَ carries a lofty and elevated connotation, whereas عِلَيْكَ implies a more ordinary and superficial meaning. This choice of word, like a crown upon the head of the Seal of the Prophets, signifies his exalted rank in receiving the divine revelation.
This attribute, similar to a pure spring bubbling forth from a single source, signifies the exclusivity of divine revelation to the Seal of the Prophets, identifying him as the central axis of human guidance.
The term الْكِتَابَ in the third verse carries a broad meaning and is not limited solely to the Holy Qur'an, but encompasses all heavenly scriptures including the Torah, the Gospel, the Psalms, and the Qur'an itself. This term, like a deep ocean, contains the entirety of divine revelation and emphasises the comprehensiveness of the Holy Prophets (peace be upon him) mission.
This comprehensiveness, akin to the foliage that envelops all branches of the tree of revelation, signifies the unparalleled role of the Seal of the Prophets in gathering and perfecting divine guidance.
The phrase مُصَدِّقًا لِمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ denotes the role of the Qur'an in affirming the previous scriptures. This affirmation acts as a bridge linking the divine religions, presenting the Qur'an as the completer and rectifier of any potential distortions.
This attribute, like a pristine mirror reflecting truth without blemish, underscores the role of the Qur'an as the ultimate criterion distinguishing truth from falsehood.
The Torah and the Gospel were revealed prior to the Holy Qur'an to guide mankind. This guidance, like a lamp in darkness, illuminated the path for humanity, with the Qur'an perfecting this path.
This continuity resembles interlinked chains connecting the missions of the prophets and manifesting the unity of the divine religions.
The term الْفُرْقَان in verse 4 means that which separates truth from falsehood. It refers to the Holy Qur'an, which is not only a guide but also provides the criterion for discerning truth from error.
This characteristic, like a sharp sword, cleaves through the darkness of falsehood and reveals the light of truth.
The Holy Qur'an employs various appellations to refer to the heavenly scriptures: "Kitab" (Book) appears 230 times, "Qur'an" 58 times, "Tawrat" (Torah) 18 times, "Injil" (Gospel) 12 times, and "Furqan" 7 times. This variety, like diverse colours on a divine canvas, illustrates the differing roles of these scriptures in guiding humanity.
Each title plays a unique role in the symphony of divine guidance: "Kitab" referring to the body of revelation, "Qur'an" to recitation, "Tawrat" to law, "Injil" to glad tidings, and "Furqan" to the discerner of truth from falsehood.
Understanding the earlier scriptures, including the Torah, Gospel, and Psalms, is essential for a complete comprehension of the divine religion. The absence of such knowledge in some religious scholarly circles resembles a rupture in the chain of knowledge, impeding recognition of the continuity of divine religions and the status of the Holy Qur'an as their confirmer and completer.
This necessity is akin to a key that opens the doors of knowledge and facilitates a deeper understanding of the divine religion.
The heavenly scriptures, like streams flowing into one sea, are not contradictory but parts of the divine religion. The Holy Qur'an, by affirming the earlier scriptures, emphasises the unity of the divine religions.
This unity is like the warp and weft weaving the fabric of the divine religion, preventing division and separation.
The claim of distortion of the prior heavenly scriptures should not prevent their study and scientific examination. The Holy Qur'an, as the criterion of truth, is capable of discerning distortions, and scientific scrutiny of these scriptures assists in strengthening the unity among the divine religions.
This approach resembles a torch that disperses the darkness of misunderstanding and lights the way for interfaith dialogue.
Surah Al-Imran, with a comprehensive view of social and civilisational matters, is a civil and scientific Surah emphasising progress, innovation, and the management of the religious community.
This Surah is like a precise map for constructing a divine society, charting the course for progress and cohesion.
The "Book" as the document of divine revelation holds centrality. Every religious claim must be substantiated by reference to this document.
This authority is like a steadfast pillar that sustains the edifice of the divine religion.
The teaching of the heavenly scriptures, including the Book, Wisdom, Torah, and Gospel, is conducted by God. This teaching emphasises Gods role as the ultimate guide.
This teaching resembles a stream flowing from the source of divine wisdom, nourishing the souls of humanity.
The Torah and Gospel, as documents that foretold the coming of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), represent the identity of Islam. Denying them amounts to disregarding a part of Islams religious identity.
This identity is like a certificate authenticating the genuineness of a precious jewel, displaying the exalted nature of Islam.
Verse 4, by referring to الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا بِآيَاتِ اللَّهِ ("those who disbelieve in the signs of Allah"), draws a clear boundary between faith in the heavenly scriptures and disbelief. Disbelief denotes denial of all the divine signs, including the Torah, Gospel, Criterion, and Qur'an.
This delineation is like
