This treatise, through reflection on the luminous verses of Surah Al-Imran, especially verses 74 to 76, seeks to elucidate the concept of Muqatala (striving or combat) in the path of God, the social responsibility of the faithful, and the necessity of supporting the oppressed. These verses, like a radiant beacon, guide those who pursue eternal felicity and the establishment of justice on earth. By deeply contemplating these verses, an endeavour has been made to present the divine messages in a coherent framework and clear language, inviting the reader to reflect upon their duties towards God and His creation. Inspired by the lectures of religious scholars, this work is crafted to preserve the depth of Quranic meanings while providing a practical roadmap for faithful living in the contemporary world.
The Glorious Quran in verse 74 of Surah Al-Imran, with eloquent expression, summons the believers to engage in Muqatala in the path of God:
"Then let those who sell the life of this world for the Hereafter fight in the cause of God; and whoever fights in the cause of God and is killed or achieves victory, We will grant him a great reward."
Sabl Allh (the path of God) is akin to a clear and vast road that leads towards goodness, justice, and divine values. This path encompasses not only military jihad but also every endeavour that promotes virtue and guides creation towards the Lord. Combat on this path may be with the sword, the pen, love, or compassion. This concept, like a flowing river, manifests anew in every age and circumstance.
Muqatala appears in the Quran as a bilateral verb (mufala), indicating active interaction with obstacles and enemies on the divine path. This bilateral nature, resembling a duel between two swordsmen in the arena, requires vigilance and adaptability. In the contemporary world, this struggle can be pursued through education, cultural development, or even through love and kindness, which soften hardened hearts and induce the submission of adversaries.
The Glorious Quran identifies the addressees of this combat as those who sell the fleeting life of this world for the eternal felicity of the Hereafter. This exchange, akin to selling an invaluable gem of the Hereafter in return for the trivial goods of the world, demands steadfast faith and a lofty perspective. The true believer, like a wise merchant, prioritises divine values over material pleasures and, through this choice, frees themselves from worldly attachments.
Historically, Muqatala was often accompanied by the sword and warfare; however, in the present age, this struggle may be carried out through soft instruments such as love, compassion, and the promotion of human values. This transformation, like the changing of natural seasons, indicates the flexibility of religion in responding to the needs of the time. Fighting oppression today may take the form of education, support for the underprivileged, or even cultural dialogues all of which are within the framework of Sabl Allh.
The Glorious Quran promises that whoever engages in Muqatala in the path of God, whether killed or victorious, will receive a great reward. This recompense is like a brilliant jewel in the divine treasury, surpassing material gains and pointing towards eternal felicity and closeness to the Lord. This promise liberates the believers from fear of defeat and greed for worldly triumph, guiding them towards sincere endeavour in Gods cause.
The Glorious Quran in verse 75 of Surah Al-Imran, with a reflective inquiry, invites the believers to self-accountability:
"And what is [the matter] with you that you do not fight in the cause of God and for the oppressed among men, women, and children who say, 'Our Lord, take us out of this city whose people are oppressors and appoint for us from Yourself a protector and appoint for us from Yourself a helper'?"
This verse, like an awakening bell, urges believers to ponder their weak faith. How many believers are prepared to sacrifice their lives for the reward of the Hereafter? This question, like a mirror before the believers conscience, challenges attachment to the world and seeks true faith based on trust in divine promises.
The oppressed, like birds caught in the trap of tyranny, include men, women, and children suffering injustice and calling upon God for rescue. Their prayer is a heartfelt cry that summons the believers to respond. This invocation reveals the depth of the oppresseds suffering and emphasises the believers duty to support them. In the contemporary world, this responsibility can mean aiding refugees, the impoverished, and war victims.
The Glorious Quran sternly condemns indifference to the suffering of others and highlights universal responsibility for societal challenges. This principle, like an unwritten law in Islamic sociology, stresses that if no one bears the burden of problems, all become culpable. Every individual, from a helpless old woman in a corner of her home to a strong champion, is responsible according to their capability. This responsibility, like an invisible thread, connects all members of society and prevents indifference.
Verse 76 of Surah Al-Imran invites believers to fight the allies of Satan:
"Those who have believed fight in the cause of God, and those who disbelieve fight in the cause of Taghut (tyranny); so fight against the allies of Satan. Indeed, the plot of Satan has ever been weak."
This verse delineates the confrontation between two fronts, depicting the opposition between Sabl Allh and Sabl Tght. The path of God leads to justice and goodness, while the path of Taghut is the course of oppression and egotism. Believers, with faith and courage, can overcome Satans plots, which are as fragile as a spiders web.
Every action, no matter how small, is like a wave in the ocean, leaving a profound effect. Scholars say even a human breath can stir the Atlantic Ocean. This metaphor underscores the importance of each persons role in effecting change. No deed, however insignificant, is ineffectual, and everyone can contribute to collective good according to their capacity.
Indifference to the suffering of others is a lethal poison that destroys faith. Those who say "there is nothing I can do" are trapped in ignorance and weak faith. This excuse acts like a wall between a person and their divine duty, preventing action in the path of God. The true believer, with sacred anxiety, contemplates fulfilling their responsibilities day and night and flees from negligence and laziness.
One lesson of these verses is the necessity of assuming responsibility even under difficult conditions. An example of individual guarantee with a problematic past illustrates courage in helping others. This act, like planting a seed in hard soil, requires sacrifice and pure intention. The believer steps forward in Gods cause without expecting material reward and carries the burdens of others.
Anxiety and concern for fulfilling ones duty, like a fire in the believers heart, signify living faith. This anxiety motivates action and effort in Gods path and prevents negligence and laziness. A careless believer is indeed distanced from their duty and trapped in ignorance.
This section emphasises the necessity of faithful living in which every individual, from the weakest to the strongest, bears responsibility. This responsibility, like a divine thread, connects all towards goodness and justice. Indifference and excuse-making hinder the fulfilment of this duty, whereas sacred anxiety and living faith inspire action in the path of God.
Verses 74 to 76 of Surah Al-Imran shine like a blazing torch, illuminating the path of believers towards justice, goodness, and support for the oppressed. Muqatala in the path of God is a broad concept encompassing everything from armed struggle to soft endeavours such as love and cultural development. The true believer prioritises the Hereafter over the world, freeing themselves from material attachments and steps forward with courage and wisdom in Sabl Allh. Indifference and excuse-making are signs of weak faith, whereas sacred anxiety and a sense of responsibility denote living faith. These verses offer valuable lessons for faithful living not only for the time of their revelation but for all eras, especially the contemporary world. From supporting refugees to eradicating poverty and injustice, every action along this path is a step towards realising divine will.
Supervised by Sadegh Khademi
