the Lectures of Nekounam, May His Sacred Spirit Rest in Peace (Session 1021)
Faith, like a radiant gem within the realm of human existence, requires continual polishing and perpetual elevation. This discourse, through reflection on verse 136 of Srah An-Nis, explores the profound meanings of faith and the necessity of its advancement in the light of belief in God, the Messenger, the Divine Scriptures, angels, and the Last Day. Employing clear and dignified language, it endeavours to explicate the concepts of this noble verseshining like a guiding light on the path of believers guidancewith a comprehensive and profound perspective. Inspired by Qur'anic teachings and respectful towards all Abrahamic religions, this text is an invitation to contemplate dynamic and practical faith, which not only illuminates the heart but also elevates human conduct and behaviour in daily life.
The Holy Qur'an, in verse 136 of Srah An-Nis, addresses believers with a profound and meaningful call to renew their faith. This invitation is not a denial of prior faith, but rather a summons to refine the essence of faith and increase its brilliance. The verse considers faith not as a static state but as a dynamic flow requiring reconsideration and deepening, akin to a sapling that, through constant watering, grows into a mighty tree.
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا آمِنُوا بِاللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ وَالْكِتَابِ الَّذِي نَزَّلَ عَلَىٰ رَسُولِهِ وَالْكِتَابِ الَّذِي أَنْزَلَ مِنْ قَبْلُ ۚ وَمَنْ يَكْفُرْ بِاللَّهِ وَمَلَائِكَتِهِ وَكُتُبِهِ وَرُسُلِهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ فَقَدْ ضَلَّ ضَلَالًا بَعِيدًا
O you who have believed, believe in God and His Messenger and the Book which He has sent down upon His Messenger, and the Book which He sent down before. And whoever disbelieves in God, His angels, His books, His messengers, and the Last Day has surely gone far astray.
This verse serves as a comprehensive blueprint for faith, inviting believers to believe in God, the Messenger, the Holy Qur'an, previous scriptures, angels, and the Last Day. Denial of any of these pillars is like breaking a link in the chain of faith, leading one into the darkness of misguidance.
Faith in this verse is portrayed as a steadfast edifice with four principal pillars: belief in God, the Messenger, the Book revealed to the Messenger (the Holy Qur'an), and previous scriptures. This comprehensiveness reflects the cohesion and inclusiveness of Islamic faith, which respects not only the Holy Qur'an but also all Divine Scriptures, akin to a garden where every flower reflects a facet of Divine truth.
This verse aligns with verse 285 of Srah Al-Baqarah which states: "The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and [so have] the believers." This concurrence emphasises the necessity of faith in all prophets and Divine Scriptures.
This section, by exploring the Qur'anic invitation to renew faith, demonstrates that faith is a dynamic current requiring deepening. The verses address to believers is an appeal to reconsider and strengthen their beliefs against lifes challenges. This invitation is like a breeze that refreshes the spirit of faith and guides the believer towards perfection.
Belief in the Book sent down before, which includes the Torah, Psalms, and Gospel, signifies the inclusiveness of Islamic faith. The believer, like a gardener who respects every flower in the garden, must honour these Divine Scriptures. Studying these texts is not only legitimate but may lead to a deeper understanding of Divine truths and a fair critique.
This perspective aligns with verse 46 of Srah Al-Midah: "And We sent, following in their footsteps, Jesus, the son of Mary." which underscores the continuity of Divine religions.
Insulting followers of Abrahamic religions, such as Christians and Jews, contradicts the spirit of Islamic faith. Such prejudices act as walls between hearts, hindering unity and interfaith dialogue. The believer must promote unity and empathy with respect for others beliefs, like a bridge connecting hearts.
This notion aligns with verse 62 of Srah Al-Baqarah: "Indeed, those who believed and those who were Jews or Christians...", which recognises the faith of other religions within its framework.
Studying the Torah, Psalms, and Gospel is not forbidden; rather, it can foster deeper comprehension and interfaith dialogue. The believer, like a seeker of truth, may utilise these texts critically or constructively without apathy or insult.
This view aligns with verse 48 of Srah Al-Midah: "And We have sent down to you the Book in truth, confirming that which preceded it."
Preserving and studying Divine Scripturessuch as the Qur'an, Torah, Psalms, and Gospelis a manifestation of practical respect for these Divine sources. This act, like a carefully maintained treasure, demonstrates commitment to faith and reverence for all Divine religions.
This section, by emphasising respect for previous Divine Scriptures, showed that Islamic faith, like a vast ocean, encompasses all Abrahamic religions. Critiquing bigotry and encouraging study of Divine Scriptures is a means to strengthen faith and promote unity among believers, like a melody that draws hearts closer.
Obedience to those who claim to be Divine messengers, such as self-proclaimed leaders, is like misguidance on a dark path. The believer must adhere solely to God, the Messenger, and the Divine Scriptures, like a star guiding in the night.
This concept aligns with verse 31 of Srah At-Tawbah: "They have taken their scholars and monks as lords besides God."
Inter-sectarian strife and bigotry resemble a storm disrupting peace, incompatible with faith. The believer should avoid quarrels and violence, embracing unity and mutual respect, like a gentle stream flowing calmly towards the sea.
This perspective aligns with verse 103 of Srah l Imrn: "And hold firmly to the rope of God all together."
Violence within the family or forcing relatives to part with wealth casts a dark shadow over faith. The believer should strive to improve family relations with gentle advice and contentment, like a breeze caressing flowers.
This is consonant with verse 34 of Srah An-Nis: "And those [wives] from whom you fear disobedienceadmonish them."
In daily life, such as driving, respect for others and avoidance of disputes is an indication of practical faith. This behaviour is like a flower blossoming in the garden of ethics, guiding society towards peace.
This notion aligns with verse 83 of Srah Al-Baqarah: "And when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel."
This section, by critiquing deviations and emphasising practical faith, demonstrated that the believer must avoid bigotry, violence, and greed. True faith manifests in behaviour and daily conduct, like a light dispelling the darkness of prejudice and conflict.
Angels, due to their intrinsic purity and their role in conveying revelation, precede the Messenger and the Scripture as guiding stars of the heavens. Faith in angels is like a key that opens the doors to Divine knowledge.
This concept corresponds with verse 1 of Srah Al-Baqarah: "And they are certain of the Hereafter."
Faith in the Last Day is like a destination that gives meaning to the believers life journey. This belief motivates the believer towards righteous deeds and self-purification, like a seed sown in the soil of faith that bears fruit on the Day of Resurrection.
This view is consistent with verse 177 of Srah Al-Baqarah: "And [they are] those who believe in God and the Last Day."
The verb nazala (نَزَّلَ) refers to the gradual and continuous revelation of the Qur'an, like rain gently nourishing the earth. Conversely, unzila (أَنْزَلَ) applied to previous scriptures, indicates a single descent at a specific past moment, like a light that suddenly illuminates the sky.
This distinction is supported by verse 4 of Srah Ad-Dukhn: "On that Night is made distinct every precise matter."
This section, by emphasising the roles of angels and the Last Day, showed that faith in these pillars is like columns that fortify the edifice of faith. Angels, as intermediaries of revelation,
