the Lectures of Nokounam, (Session 1002)
This composition is devoted to the elucidation and interpretation of verse 105 of Surah An-Nisa, centred upon the divine revelation of the Quran in truth, the role of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) in equitable judgement, and the prohibition against conflict with the treacherous. The objective is to present a profound and coherent analysis of this noble verse, articulated in a fluent and dignified language to illuminate its exalted concepts for audiences interested in Quranic knowledge. This interpretation, employing literary metaphors and allusions, endeavours to convey the spirit and message of the verse in a clear and impactful manner, while preserving a scholarly and well-structured framework. The present text encompasses all dimensions of the original lecture and the analyses offered therein, enriched with expansions and supplementary explanations to enhance its semantic depth.
إِنَّا أَنْزَلْنَا إِلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ بِالْحَقِّ
We have sent down the Book to you in truth.
The noble verse begins with the plural pronoun إِنَّا (We), used instead of the singular أنا (I). This usage signifies the grandeur and comprehensiveness of the Qurans revelation process. This pronoun not only refers to the Divine Essence but also indicates the involvement of celestial and terrestrial agents, including the angels and other divine creations, in this exalted process. It is as though the Quranic revelation flows like a mighty river from heavenly sources, accompanied by angels and the causes of existence, towards the heart of the Prophet (peace be upon him). This participation emphasises the high status of the Quran as divine speech, free from any falsehood, endowed with absolute truthfulness.
The Quran, as a book of truth, devoid of any defect or falsehood, was revealed to the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him). This truthfulness, like a radiant sun, casts light upon all realities without any shadow of distortion or deficiency. Although the immediate addressee of this revelation is the noble Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him), its scope of guidance extends to all humanity, expressed in the verse by the word ناس (people). This inclusiveness is like a boundless sea encompassing all mankind, whether believers, disbelievers, or hypocrites, making the Quran a source of guidance for all.
The revelation of the Quran is a divine process involving celestial and terrestrial causes, flowing towards the Prophet (peace be upon him). Due to its unparalleled truthfulness, this book was sent down not only for the Prophet but for all humanity to guide them to felicity and salvation. The plural pronoun إِنَّا and the emphasis on بالحق act as a clear mirror reflecting the grandeur and authenticity of this revelation.
لِتَحْكُمَ بَيْنَ النَّاسِ بِمَا أَرَاكَ اللَّهُ
To judge between the people by that which Allah has shown you.
The noble verse identifies the purpose of the Qurans revelation as establishing equitable judgement among people. The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) is charged with judging based on divine inspiration (بِمَا أَرَاكَ اللَّهُ). This inspiration shines like a divine light within the heart of the Prophet, rendering him independent of any material tools or acquired knowledge. The Prophets judgement, akin to a precise scale, distinguishes truth from falsehood and establishes justice among people.
The Prophets duty is to judge (حكم), not to govern (حكمت). Judgement denotes the provision of an expert opinion based on truth, while its implementation is entrusted to others. This distinction, like a clear line separating two domains, differentiates the Prophets role from that of a political ruler. The Prophet, akin to a wise scholar, proclaims the divine judgement but is not responsible for its enforcement. It is as though he is a judge who states the truth yet leaves the burden of execution to others.
The verses use of the word ناس (people) instead of مؤمنین (believers) stresses the inclusiveness of the Prophets judgement. This inclusiveness, like a vast canopy, encompasses all humanitybelievers, disbelievers, and hypocrites alike. The Prophet is obliged to uphold justice for all without discrimination. This attribute portrays his judgement as a spotless mirror reflecting truth to everyone.
The Prophets judgement is based on بِمَا أَرَاكَ اللَّهُ, meaning direct divine inspiration to his heart. This inspiration, like a pure stream, reaches the Prophets heart without the need for material instruments such as books or registers. It is as if God, the Wise Teacher, has directly implanted His knowledge within the Prophets soul.
The role of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) in judgement is unparalleled and founded upon divine inspiration. He is obliged to judge all people according to truth without bearing the responsibility of enforcing rulings. This judgement, with its global inclusiveness and absolute impartiality, enacts divine justice among humanity.
وَلَا تَكُنْ لِلْخَائِنِينَ خَصِيمًا
And be not a disputant for the treacherous.
The noble verse forbids the Prophet (peace be upon him) from becoming a disputant (خصيم) for the treacherous. Contrary to traditional exegeses which interpret خصيم as support or defence of the treacherous, the more precise meaning is that the Prophet should not engage in personal conflict or enmity with them due to their rejection of divine rulings. This prohibition, like a wise caution, calls the Prophet to maintain impartiality in judgement and avoid personal disputes.
Traditional interpretations which construe خصيم as supporting the treacherous have been critiqued. Such an interpretation obscures the truth. The more accurate meaning is refraining from becoming an adversary to the treacherous owing to their non-acceptance of divine rulings. The Prophet should avoid personal or social conflicts, such as family or tribal disputes, and instead focus on delivering the divine judgement while steering clear of hostility towards those who reject it.
The Prophet must not become entangled in personal disputes arising from social divisions among people, for example between believers and hypocrites or disbelievers. Like an impartial judge, he must pronounce divine judgement and refrain from fostering enmity. This principle, like a steadfast pillar, safeguards the Prophets judgement from emotional and social influences.
The prohibition against becoming a disputant for the treacherous emphasises the necessity of the Prophets impartiality in judgement. He must avoid personal conflicts and hostility with those who reject divine rulings. Critiquing traditional interpretations facilitates a more precise understanding of the verse and underlines the preservation of the independence of divine judgement.
وَاسْتَغْفِرِ اللَّهَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ غَفُورًا رَحِيمًا
And seek forgiveness of Allah; indeed, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
The command to seek forgiveness indicates the possibility of the Prophet (peace be upon him) erring in favouring believers over the treacherous. This error is not an ordinary sin but a slight inclination to support believers in personal matters, which is remedied through seeking forgiveness. This seeking of pardon, like pure water, cleanses the Prophets heart from all bias and restores him to the exalted station of justice.
Contrary to the traditional belief in absolute infallibility of
