Preface
The Noble Qur'an, like a radiant lamp, illuminates the path to salvation amid the darkness of hypocrisy and deviation. Verse 60 of Surah An-Nis, with profound and stirring expression, critiques the behaviour of those who claim faith yet succumb to the domination of tyrants in opposition to divine command. This verse, like a clear mirror, reveals the truth of hypocrisy and emphasises the necessity of adherence to practical monotheism and the rejection of any form of non-divine sovereignty. This essay seeks, through an in-depth contemplation of this noble verse, to elucidate its meanings and messages, employing a clear and dignified language to pave the way for reflection on social and religious responsibilities. The aim is not merely comprehension of the divine word but also its connection with social and historical issues to derive lessons pertinent to the contemporary and future Islamic society.
أَلَمْ تَرَ إِلَى الَّذِينَ يَزْعُمُونَ أَنَّهُمْ آمَنُوا بِمَا أُنْزِلَ إِلَيْكَ وَمَا أُنْزِلَ مِنْ قَبْلِكَ يُرِيدُونَ أَنْ يَتَحَاكَمُوا إِلَى الطَّاغُوتِ وَقَدْ أُمِرُوا أَنْ يَكْفُرُوا بِهِ وَيُرِيدُ الشَّيْطَانُ أَنْ يُضِلَّهُمْ ضَلَالًا بَعِيدًا
Have you not seen those who claim that they believe in what has been revealed to you and what was revealed before you, desiring to adjudicate between them by tyrants, although they were commanded to reject them? And Satan desires to lead them far astray.
The noble verse, by introducing the topic of resorting to tyranny, critiques those who, despite their professed faith, deviate from the path of monotheism in practice. Tyranny (ght) denotes any rebellious force that stands against divine ordinances and, through coercion and deceit, prevents humanity from following the right path. This concept acts as a thorn in the side of faith, encompassing not only unjust political regimes but any tendency that propels an individual towards hypocrisy and acceptance of non-divine domination.
The Qur'an employs the term yazumn (they claim) to indicate doubt and scepticism about the sincerity of this groups faith. This claim, like a shadow over the sun of faith, reveals the gap between assertion and actual conduct. A true believer, in all aspects of life, seeks refuge in divine commandments and avoids any recourse to tyranny.
Claimants of faith who profess belief in previous heavenly scriptures and the Qur'an, at the moment of trial, instead of referring to divine judgments, resort to tyrants. This conduct is indicative of hypocrisy, which, like a deep wound, corrodes the fabric of faith. Hypocrisy not only manifests in individual behaviour but also infiltrates social structures, leading society towards misguidance.
Verse 60 of Surah An-Nis, in explicit terms, elucidates the concepts of tyranny and hypocrisy. By unveiling the contradiction between professed faith and resorting to tyranny, it stresses the necessity of adherence to practical monotheism. Believers are mandated to reject all legitimacy of tyranny and, in every matter, seek refuge in a faith-based system.
Throughout Islamic history, particularly in Iran, numerous instances of recourse to tyranny have been observed. Prior to the revolution, due to the absence of a just system, some were compelled to refer to tyrannical courts. While this act might be justifiable under exigent circumstances, it is regarded as a sign of weak faith where alternatives exist. This situation acted as a dark corridor leading believers toward the acceptance of unjust domination.
During this period, some religious scholars, for the sake of legitimacy or due to dependencies, endorsed tyrannical regimes. Such endorsement, at times manifested through praise of kings in historical texts, reflected a deviation from their guiding mission. This relationship, like an unhealthy graft between branch and root, hindered spiritual growth within society.
Resorting to tyranny not only corrupts individual faith but also leads social structures toward corruption. In Iranian history, the mutual support between certain scholars and rulers resulted in the obedience of the former and arrogance of the latter. This nexus, like a poisonous wind, eroded public trust in religious institutions and ensnared society in misfortune.
Following the era of the Imams (peace be upon them), no legitimate government emerged; all authorities transformed into tyranny. These regimes, with force and cruelty, compelled people towards hypocrisy and submission. This state was akin to a deep whirlpool dragging society into a remote misguidance, leaving no trace of religion behind.
The historical analysis of resorting to tyranny reveals the depth of deviation within Islamic societies. The legitimisation of tyranny by some scholars not only compromised faith but also deprived society of justice and progress. This section underscores the imperative of awareness and resistance against tyranny to extricate society from this abyss.
Ignorance among the populace facilitates acceptance of tyranny like a chain. Numerous examples, such as interference by non-experts in medical or social affairs, demonstrate the catastrophic consequences of ignorance. Awareness, like a blazing torch, can break these chains and pave the way for justice and progress.
The Qur'an emphasises rationality and awareness over mere ritualistic observance. Such awareness serves as a strong shield not only against tyranny but also irrational behaviours such as bribery or illegitimate justifications.
Governance, like any profession, requires expertise and knowledge. The example of Prophet Joseph (peace be upon him), who managed reformatively within a tyrannical system, illustrates the possibility of guiding unjust regimes through expertise. However, the absence of expertise is like a fragile structure destined to collapse and give rise to new tyrannies.
In contemporary history, entrusting affairs to unqualified individuals led to social degradation. This condition resembles sowing seeds in barren soil, producing nothing but corruption and chaos.
Awareness and expertise constitute the two wings of liberation from tyranny. Without these, any reform effort ends in deviation. This section stresses the necessity of general education and meritocracy in societal administration to prevent the emergence of new tyrannies.
Although the revolution began with the aim of overthrowing tyranny, the absence of scientific and specialised infrastructure led to the rise of new tyrannies. The lack of law, system, and expert management was like constructing a building without a foundation, resulting in chaos and corruption.
Mismanagement of resources such as water and agriculture exemplifies this inefficiency. This condition, like pouring water into a leaky basket, caused resource wastage and exacerbated crises.
Some religious scholars, due to poverty and social pressures, deviated from their guiding path and even abandoned religious rituals such as prayer. This deviation, like a branch severed from the tree, led to religious contamination and public distrust.
Religious knowledge, which should illuminate societys path, sometimes turned into a tool to justify corruption due to lack of supervision and proper education. Examples like smuggling within prisons reveal the depth of this decline, which, like an old wound, afflicts the body of society.
The revolution, lacking scientific backing and public awareness, not only failed to establish justice but also caused religious and social degeneration. This section stresses the necessity of revising religious sciences and strengthening public awareness to cleanse religion from tyrannical impurities.
Verse 60 of Surah An-Nis, like a clear mirror, depicts the reality of hypocrisy and tyranny. It underscores disbelief in tyranny and steadfast adherence to divine rulings as the pathway to salvation. The history of Islamic societies is replete with examples illustrating how ignorance and lack of expertise lead to the rise of new tyrannies. Public awareness and meritocracy, akin to two wings of flight, can rescue society from this vortex. This exegesis invites reflection on social and religious responsibilities so that through acquiring awareness and expertise, a path toward justice and monotheism is opened.
Under the supervision of Sadegh Khademi
