The Holy Qur'an, like a radiant lamp, illuminates the path of guidance for humanity and directs man towards truth and perfection in its verses. Verse 95 of Surah An-Nis, with profound and wise expression, elucidates the position of jihad in the way of God, distinguishes between mujahideen and non-combatants, and addresses the consequences of faith and righteous deeds. This treatise, reflecting upon this noble verse and the discourse of a religious scholar, examines the deep Qur'anic concepts and their lessons for contemporary life. The objective is to present a comprehensive and precise perspective on this verse to invite the reader to contemplate the value of sacrifice, the necessity of divine guidance, and the avoidance of aimless actions.
لَا يَسْتَوِي الْقَاعِدُونَ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ غَيْرَ أُولِي الضَّرَرِ وَالْمُجَاهِدُونَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ بِأَمْوَالِهِمْ وَأَنْفُسِهِمْ ۚ فَضَّلَ اللَّهُ الْمُجَاهِدِينَ بِأَمْوَالِهِمْ وَأَنْفُسِهِمْ عَلَى الْقَاعِدِينَ دَرَجَةً ۚ وَكُلًّا وَعَدَ اللَّهُ الْحُسْنَى ۚ وَفَضَّلَ اللَّهُ الْمُجَاهِدِينَ عَلَى الْقَاعِدِينَ أَجْرًا عَظِيمًا
Not equal are those believers who sit [at home], except those who are disabled, and the mujahideen who strive in the cause of Allah with their wealth and their lives. Allah has preferred the mujahideen with their wealth and their lives over those who sit [at home] by a rank. And to all, Allah has promised the best [reward]. And Allah has preferred the mujahideen over those who sit [at home] with a great reward.
The Holy Qur'an in this verse, with explicit expression, emphasises the distinction between the mujahideen and the non-combatants (qidn). The phrase "l yastaw" serves as a clear demarcation line between sacrifice and passivity. The mujahideen, who advance in the path of God with their wealth and lives, shine like stars in the firmament of faith. They either expend their wealth to fund jihad, take part in battle with their lives, or at times engage in both. This diversity in participation signifies the inclusivity of jihad and calls upon everyone to sacrifice in the way of God according to their ability.
The noble verse categorises the believers into three groups: the mujahideen, non-disabled non-combatants, and the ul al-arar (those excused due to harm). The non-disabled non-combatants are those who refrain from jihad due to fear or self-interest. Although they are believers, their faith, when tested, becomes fragile like a delicate flower losing its vitality. Conversely, the ul al-arar, exempted from jihad due to illness, injury, or lack of means, rest under the mercy of God. This exception exemplifies divine justice and compassion, taking human conditions and limitations into account.
The Holy Qur'an, by emphasising the superiority of the mujahideen, praises them as being elevated above the non-combatants. This superiority is like a summit attainable only through sacrifice and dedication in Gods cause. Nevertheless, God in His infinite mercy has promised goodness to all three groups. "Al-usn", which includes increased faith, wealth, or reward in the Hereafter, nourishes all believers like a pure spring. This promise signifies the expansiveness of divine mercy, which encompasses even the non-combatants despite their weakness.
The verse, reiterating the superiority of the mujahideen, speaks of a "great reward". This reward, elaborated in the subsequent verses as ranks, forgiveness, and mercy, is a brilliant jewel the fruit of sacrifice and bravery in the way of God. The ranks represent a positive recompense elevating the spiritual status of the mujahideen; forgiveness acts like pure water cleansing sins and deficiencies; mercy, like a merciful rain, showers boundless divine favours upon them. These rewards invite reflection on the value of sacrifice and dedication.
The remarks of the religious scholar, with a critical outlook, address the consequences of wars devoid of divine guidance. Wars originating from conspiracy and mismanagement resemble destructive storms that lead to poverty, corruption, and social harm. This critique acts as a mirror reflecting the necessity for awareness and guidance in collective actions. The Iran-Iraq war, as an example of purposeless conflict, culminated in increased corruption and misery. This experience, like a costly lesson, urges avoidance of unwise actions and emphasises rational diplomacy.
Defence of the homeland against aggression is a legitimate and essential shield. However, imposed wars stemming from mismanagement or unnecessary provocations are like a consuming fire leading to destruction. This distinction compels reflection on the difference between legitimate defence and aimless conflicts. The defence of Khorramshahr exemplifies sacrifice to preserve the homeland, whereas prolonged and fruitless wars result from lack of wisdom and awareness.
Wars act as massive earthquakes disrupting social order and escalating corruption, including immorality. These consequences, observed in war-affected countries, serve as alarms highlighting the necessity for social reconstruction and attention to the aftermath of conflicts. The religious scholar emphasises the importance of rational management and avoidance of prejudice in international relations.
Verse 95 of Surah An-Nis, like a luminous torch, offers profound lessons for contemporary life. This verse, by stressing the value of sacrifice and dedication, calls man to strengthen faith and prioritise sublime values. The critique of aimless wars underlines the necessity of awareness, divine guidance, and rational management in collective actions. In a world where conflicts and crises persist, these lessons signify the reinforcement of diplomacy, social reconstruction, and cultivation of faith to overcome obstacles.
This treatise, reflecting on verse 95 of Surah An-Nis and the discourse of a religious scholar, elucidated the status of jihad, the distinction between mujahideen and non-combatants, and the consequences of aimless wars. The Holy Qur'an, with wise expression, praised the superiority of the mujahideen due to their sacrifice, whilst simultaneously showcasing divine mercy encompassing all believers with the promise of goodness. The critique of unwise wars invites reflection on the necessity of awareness and divine guidance. These lessons, like a guiding light along the path of life, illuminate the way towards a faithful existence and prudent governance.
Supervised by Sadegh Khademi
