This writing is dedicated to an in-depth and comprehensive examination of verses 31 and 32 of the Noble Surah At-Tawbah. These verses, revealed within a particular historical and semantic context, address themes such as monotheism, polytheism, and the status of genuine religiosity in opposition to intellectual and practical deviations. From a profound perspective, they guide the leaders and seekers of the Divine Path towards the ultimate truth. This work aims to elucidate the exalted meanings of these verses and link them to the fundamental issues of religion and society by exploring the apparent and inner layers of the Divine Word. By utilising the viewpoints of religious scholars, this text endeavours to portray the Qur'anic concepts for the seekers of knowledge and truth with clear and firm language, as if a mirror reflecting the light of revelation into eager hearts.
They took their scholars and monks as lords besides Allah, and [also] the Messiah, son of Mary; but they were commanded only to worship one God there is no deity except Him. Exalted is He above whatever they associate with Him.
The noble verse 31 of Surah At-Tawbah refers to one of the most subtle and profound issues of religiosity, namely the danger of polytheism in worship. Polytheism, which is explicitly condemned in this verse, does not only pertain to the worship of apparent idols but extends to any deviation in intention and action that diminishes Gods unique position. This verse, by pointing to the behaviour of certain People of the Book, especially Jews and Christians, who elevated their scholars and monks to the status of divinity, serves as a warning to all believers to avoid any form of non-divine attachment or dependence. This verse, like a shining lamp, separates the path from the deviation and calls the believer towards pure monotheism.
The noble verse explicitly mentions the scholars (abr) and monks (ruhban) who, instead of guiding people towards God, became the focus of obedience and worship themselves. This phenomenon indicates a risk that may arise in any religious community: when religious scholars, rather than reflecting the Divine truth, themselves become the centre of attention and obedience. This deviation, like a heavy shadow, can dim the light of truth within the hearts of believers. Accordingly, the verse emphasises that the primary duty of religious scholars is to lead towards the one God, not to attain a godlike status themselves.
Verse 31 of Surah At-Tawbah, with clear and explicit language, invites believers to reflect on the true meaning of monotheism and to avoid all forms of polytheism, whether apparent or concealed. By referring to the deviation of some People of the Book, it warns all religious communities against the transformation of scholars and leaders into objects of worship. This section, by elucidating the concept of polytheism and the role of religious scholars, prepares the ground for a deeper understanding of the following verse.
They want to extinguish the light of Allah with their mouths, but Allah refuses except to perfect His light, even if the disbelievers dislike it.
Verse 32 of Surah At-Tawbah points to the futile attempts of the disbelievers to extinguish the Divine light. This light, which is the manifestation of the truth of religion and Divine guidance, resembles a sun whose radiance no storm can extinguish. The efforts of the disbelievers to quench this light, elegantly expressed by the phrase with their mouths, illustrate their attempts through baseless speech and propaganda to conceal the truth. However, Divine will insists on the perfection of this light. This verse acts as a glad tidings for believers that no force can stand against the will of Allah and the expansion of the true religion.
This verse emphasises the overpowering will of Allah that no obstacle can hinder. The expression and Allah refuses except to perfect His light denotes the certainty and absolute power of Allah in fulfilling His promises. This will, like a rushing torrent, breaks through every barrier and paves the way for the spread of truth. This part of the verse calls the hearts of believers to assurance and tranquillity, offering them the promise that the truth of religion will ultimately prevail even against the most arduous challenges.
Verse 32 of Surah At-Tawbah, with eloquent and firm expression, speaks of the inevitable triumph of Divine light over the darkness of disbelief and hypocrisy. This verse, depicting the futile endeavours of the disbelievers and the overpowering will of Allah, invites believers to steadfastness in the path of truth and trust in Divine promises. This section, by explicating the concept of Divine light and Allahs will, establishes a profound connection with the preceding verse and emphasises the importance of monotheism and perseverance against deviations.
This writing, by reflecting on verses 31 and 32 of Surah At-Tawbah, examined two fundamental concepts: monotheism and the victory of Divine light. The first verse, by warning against polytheism and deviation in worship, directed believers towards pure monotheism and abstention from non-divine attachments. The second verse, by emphasising the irresistible will of Allah and the triumph of the light of truth, instilled profound certainty and hope in the hearts of believers. These two verses, like two wings, guide the believer towards knowledge and righteous action, protecting them from the dangers of deviation and despair. This work, with a deep and comprehensive perspective on these verses, endeavoured to depict the light of revelation within the mirror of the Divine Word and illuminate the path for seekers of truth.
Under the supervision of Sadegh Khademi
