the Lectures of Nokounam, (Session 821)
The Holy Quran, akin to a profound and boundless ocean, presents divine knowledge to humanity through clear and systematic verses. Verses 11 and 12 of Surah Al-Imran, with eloquent and profound expression, elucidate the wise system governing the universe and the lawful consequences of human actions. These verses, by referencing the fate of previous nations and warning the disbelievers, emphasize the reality that every human deed, whether good or evil, carries consequences within a mechanical and wise framework. This treatise, adopting an analytical and in-depth approach, examines the concepts of theology, sin, punishment, and the systematic order of the world within these verses and expounds these teachings in clear and solemn language for audiences interested in Quranic knowledge. The objective of this work is not only a more precise understanding of the verses but also an invitation to reflect on the divine wisdom system and the necessity of reconstructing religious knowledge on scientific and logical foundations.
Theology, as the most fundamental pillar of faith, requires a precise, rational, and systematic approach. When this understanding is accompanied by scientific and logical profundity, it can bring about a tremendous transformation in the domains of knowledge and human societies. Such an approach elevates faith from the level of imitative and superficial beliefs to a status of deep-rooted and conscious cognition. Scientific theology not only aids in a more accurate comprehension of the concept of divinity but also guides humans towards committed and wise action and belief.
Key Point: Scientific theology serves as a bridge between reason and faith, which, relying on logic and wisdom, instils a robust and truth-bound cognition within the hearts of believers.
Many common beliefs about God, rather than being rooted in precise and logical knowledge, are limited to vague and groundless imaginations. These notions, which are sometimes reduced to mere linguistic clichs, lack genuine depth and meaning. In such views, God not only loses His divine majesty and grandeur but becomes an incoherent concept that has no practical or spiritual effect in human life. This deficiency in conception reduces faith to a level of ineffectiveness, wherein humans neither fear God nor place hope in Him.
According to Islamic logic, the fundamental principle "affirmation is dependent on conception" emphasises that true belief in any concept relies on an accurate and clear understanding of that concept. Without a correct conception of God, faith in Him cannot have a firm foundation. This principle highlights the necessity of revising religious education so that theological concepts are presented to seekers of knowledge with scientific and logical precision. The absence of such accurate conception renders faith a hollow slogan that fails to influence personal and social life.
The diversity in methods of worship and the varying interpretations of the concept of God stem from the lack of a unified and correct conception of divinity. This variety sometimes results in the emergence of multiple gods in peoples minds, each possessing attributes distinct from the others. Such fragmentation in divine understanding not only harms faith unity but also paves the way for doctrinal and practical deviations. Remedying this deficiency requires elucidating the concept of divinity based on Quranic and logical principles.
Certain logical and philosophical viewpoints confine God within general or particular concepts, whereas God transcends these classifications. These views, occasionally found in the marginal notes of previous scholars works, arise from a weakness in understanding the transcendence of divinity. God is neither general nor particular but an existence that surpasses all rules of formal logic. This critique emphasises the necessity of revisiting logical and philosophical education within religious sciences.
Acts of worship founded solely on imitation and blind submission lack epistemological and scientific backing. Although such practices may appear superficially acceptable, they cannot lead to firm and effective faith. Strengthening the cognitive dimension in religious deeds is imperative to elevate worship from a superficial level to a rank of profound and conscious comprehension.
Theology, as the foundation of faith, requires a scientific and logical approach that distances itself from vague and imitative conceptions. This section of Surah Al-Imrans verses, by emphasising the necessity of precise understanding of divinity, critiques superficial and slogan-like beliefs and stresses the truth that true faith is rooted in a clear and logical conception of God. This knowledge not only aids in reforming individual beliefs but also lays the groundwork for transformation in educational and social systems.
The Holy Quran depicts the universe as a mechanical and wise apparatus in which every action, whether good or evil, results in lawful consequences. This system, rooted in divine wisdom, functions like a precise mechanism; just as a vehicle starts when the ignition is turned, human deeds also produce outcomes within an orderly framework. This perspective absolves the universe from any randomness or disorder and emphasises Gods justice and wisdom as the Creator of this system.
Key Point: The universe operates as a wise mechanism based on systematisation and lawfulness, and the consequences of human actions, like the output of a precise mechanism, return to the individual.
The term "Dhanb" in the Holy Quran refers to sins that are attached to a person, like the tail of an animal adhered to its body. This attachment signifies that sin is an inseparable part of the consequences of wrongful deeds. "Punishment" (iqb) denotes the repercussions of these sins, which may manifest in this world or the hereafter. These two concepts together demonstrate the systematic consequences of actions; sin (Dhanb) paves the way for punishment (iqb), and this punishment is a natural and unavoidable outcome of human conduct.
In the linguistic analysis of the Quranic text, "Dhanb" refers to sins that cling to the individual and whose effects return to them, whereas "Ithm" connotes sins that are qualitatively base and defective. This differentiation reveals the depth and precision of Quranic language, which employs each term with a specific and accurate meaning. "Dhanb" emphasises the connection and continuity of sin to the person, while "Ithm" points to the vile and defective nature of the sin.
Supplication and worship, like other human actions, exist within the framework of divine wisdoms system. Just as drinking water alleviates thirst and produces distinct physical effects, supplication and worship also yield spiritual and lawful consequences. These acts cannot affect outcomes randomly or arbitrarily but must be understood within the divine system. This perspective elevates supplication from a mere formal act to a spiritual and wise engagement.
The term "Jahannam" in the Holy Quran denotes a narrow, dark, and suffocating place which is the natural consequence of humans wrongful deeds. This place is introduced not as a divine threat but as a lawful outcome of sins. Jahannam, like a narrow and defective pit, reflects the consequences of the actions of the disbelievers who, within the mechanical system of the universe, are gathered therein.
This section of the verses, by emphasising the systematic nature of the universe, demonstrates that every action, from good to evil, possesses lawful and unavoidable consequences. The concepts of "Dhanb", "iqb", and "Jahannam" clearly elucidate this system and stress the reality that the universe, under divine wisdom, functions like a precise mechanism. This perspective invites humans to reflect on their deeds and be conscious of their outcomes.
Common popular beliefs concerning the forgiveness of sins, which sometimes attribute it to a random and unregulated will of God, originate from weak conceptions of divinity. Sin is like a poison whose destructive effects are inevitable within the divine system. Divine forgiveness also occurs within the framework of Gods wisdom and justice, not randomly or without order. This perspective liberates humans from the illusion of arbitrary forgiveness and guides them towards responsible action.
Key Point: Sin, like poison within the divine system, carries lawful destructive effects, and divine forgiveness is realised only within the bounds of His wisdom and justice.
Many prevalent conceptions in religious sciences, especially
