of Nekounam, (Session 968)
Verses 47 and 48 of Surah An-Nisa in the Holy Quran, like a shining beacon, guide humanity towards true faith and away from the distortions of polytheism. These verses, with a clear address to the People of the Book and profound warnings to all believers, emphasise the necessity of accepting Divine revelation and abstaining from major sins, especially polytheism. In this discourse, through a profound and analytical perspective on these two verses, an endeavour has been made to elucidate their lofty meanings and noble messages with clear and dignified expression. This exposition, utilising the lectures of religious scholars, is structured to maintain a deep connection with the Quranic text while also addressing contemporary questions concerning faith, polytheism, and human responsibility before the Divine command.
O you who were given the Scripture, believe in what We have sent down confirming that which is with you, before We efface faces and turn them backward or curse them as We cursed the Sabbath-breakers. And the command of Allah is always executed. (Surah An-Nisa 4:47)
Verse 47 of Surah An-Nisa, with an explicit address to the People of the Book, namely Jews and Christians, summons them to faith in the Quran. The phrase those who were given the Scripture signifies receiving Divine trust, not merely possession of a book. This trust, like a precious gem, imposes upon its bearers the responsibility of faith in the content of the heavenly scriptures and acting upon them. The invitation to faith in the Quran is not a mere request but a Divine duty, whose acceptance signifies commitment to this trust. The Quran, like a clear mirror, affirms previous scriptures and, by endorsing common principles of the Abrahamic religions, paves the way for unity in faith.
This invitation, like a breeze blowing upon the branches of faith, underscores the interconnectedness of Divine religions. The Quran not only confirms earlier scriptures but, by rectifying and completing them as the seal of the heavenly books, serves as the ultimate guide for humanity. This affirming role reflects the unity in the essence of Divine messages and invites the People of the Book to contemplate this exalted reality.
This bond among the heavenly scriptures, like an unbreakable thread, emphasises the unity of Divine religions. The Quran, by affirming the Torah and the Gospel, calls upon the People of the Book to abandon sectarian prejudices and turn towards the sublime truth of Divine revelation. This invitation encourages comparative study of the scriptures and stresses the necessity of sincerity in faith and avoidance of fruitless disputes.
The first part of this treatise, focusing on the invitation to faith in verse 47 of Surah An-Nisa, emphasises the grave responsibility of the People of the Book concerning Divine trust. The Quran, as the final Word of God, not only confirms previous scriptures but, with its comprehensiveness, serves as the true guide for humanity towards genuine faith. This invitation, like a light in the darkness, stresses the necessity of unity in faith and avoidance of sectarian prejudices, calling the People of the Book to reflect upon Divine truth.
Verse 47 of Surah An-Nisa, in a warning tone, introduces two types of Divine punishment for those who reject the invitation to faith: before We efface faces and turn them backward or curse them as We cursed the Sabbath-breakers. The effacement of faces signifies the obliteration of both outward and inward identity. This punishment, like a wave that demolishes fragile foundations, eradicates an individuals social and spiritual standing. The phrase We turn them backward refers to regression and paralysis in lifes progression, as if the person moves backward towards failure and ruin.
The punishment of curse, exemplified by the story of the Sabbath-breakers, is a more severe and enduring penalty. The Sabbath-breakers, due to their disobedience of the Divine command to abstain from fishing on the Sabbath, suffered a punishment that affected not only their bodies but also their souls and faith. The curse, like a storm uprooting the foundations of faith, signals distance from Divine mercy and entrapment in doctrinal and moral deviations.
Amid these events, the distinction between sincere believers and others becomes evident. In the history of the prophets, such as Noah and Saleh, true believers were spared from punishments, but in the present era, the scarcity of genuine faith and the prevalence of hypocrisy expose even the devout to Divine chastisement. This point, like a profound admonition, underscores the necessity of sincerity and true faith.
The phrase And the command of Allah is always executed at the conclusion of verse 47 acts as a seal affirming the certainty of the execution of Divine decree. It points to Gods absolute dominion over the universe, demonstrating that no power can hinder the realisation of Divine will. This truth, like a steadfast pillar, invites humanity to submit to God's command and accept the call to faith.
This section, focusing on the warnings of verse 47 of Surah An-Nisa, emphasises two forms of Divine punishment, namely the effacement of faces and the curse. These punishments, referring respectively to annihilation of identity and sustained distance from Divine mercy, serve as warnings for mankind to return to true faith. Modern calamities, as manifestations of these punishments, reflect the consequences of collective sins. The concluding phrase of the verse underscores the inevitability of Divine command and calls for reflection on human responsibility before God.
Indeed, Allah does not forgive associating others with Him but forgives what is less than that for whom He wills. And whoever associates others with Allah has certainly fabricated a tremendous sin. (Surah An-Nisa 4:48)
Verse 48 of Surah An-Nisa, in a resolute tone, declares polytheism as an unforgivable sin: Indeed, Allah does not forgive associating others with Him. Polytheism, implying assigning partners to God in Divine matters, whether explicit (such as idol worship) or implicit (such as ostentation in deeds), destabilises faith from within. Unlike disbelief, which entails outright denial of God and cannot coexist with faith, polytheism can infiltrate the hearts of believers and coexist with outward faith. This characteristic renders polytheism a hidden and more dangerous sin, necessitating continual self-examination.
Polytheism, like a shadow cast upon the light of faith, manifests in believers varied behaviour across different circumstances. For instance, when the quality of worship differs in solitude compared to public gatherings, this signals hidden polytheism. Such discrepancy, often stemming from ostentation and showmanship, testifies to a lack of sincerity in faith.
Verse 48, with the phrase forgives what is less than that for whom He wills, emphasises the possibility of forgiveness for sins subordinate to polytheism. These lesser sins refer to those committed without deliberate
