of Nekounam (May Allah Sanctify His Secret) Session 1043
The Holy Qurn is a pristine spring of guidance and legislation, which, through its illuminating verses, delineates the path of human felicity across all dimensions of life. Surahs An-Nis and Al-Midah, akin to two radiant jewels within this divine treasury, present rulings and teachings whose observance ensures both individual and societal salvation, while neglect leads to misguidance and ruin. This treatise, relying on the discourses of a learned scholar, undertakes an examination and interpretation of the concluding verses of Surah An-Nis and the opening verses of Surah Al-Midah. Its objective is to elucidate the sublime teachings of these two Surahs in a profound and systematic manner, offering a guide for seekers of truth and wisdom.
Surah An-Nis, like a compendium of laws and ordinances, has codified the foundational beliefs, ethical principles, and social regulations for guiding humanity. This Surah, addressing matters related to women, inheritance, and social relations, extends beyond particular topics to present a comprehensive system for human guidance. These laws, as steadfast pillars, establish the edifice of societal felicity and lead humankind from the abyss of error toward the light of salvation.
يَسْتَفْتُونَكَ ۚ قُلِ اللَّهُ يُفْتِيكُمْ فِي الْكَلَالَةِ ۚ إِنِ امْرُؤٌ هَلَكَ لَيْسَ لَهُ وَلَدٌ وَلَهُ أُخْتٌ فَلَهَا نِصْفُ مَا تَرَكَ ۚ وَهُوَ يَرِثُهَا إِنْ لَمْ يَكُنْ لَهَا وَلَدٌ ۚ فَإِنْ كَانَتَا اثْنَتَيْنِ فَلَهُمَا الثُّلُثَانِ مِمَّا تَرَكَ ۚ وَإِنْ كَانُوا إِخْوَةً رِجَالًا وَنِسَاءً فَلِلذَّكَرِ مِثْلُ حَظِّ الْأُنْثَيَيْنِ ۚ يُبَيِّنُ اللَّهُ لَكُمْ أَنْ تَضِلُّوا ۗ وَاللَّهُ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَلِيمٌ
They ask you for a ruling. Say: Allah gives you a ruling concerning the kalllah: If a man dies and leaves no child but has a sister, then to her belongs half of what he left, and he inherits from her if she has no child. And if there are two sisters, then to them belongs two-thirds of what he left. If there are brothers and sisters, then for the male is the equivalent of the share of two females. Allah makes clear to you so that you may not err. And Allah is, of all things, Knowing.
This verse was revealed in response to an inquiry from the Companions and explicates, with unparalleled precision, the rulings of inheritance concerning the kalllah. The kalllah refers to a person who dies without children or parents, leaving only siblings as heirs. Should the deceased have a single sister, she inherits half the estate. If the sister dies childless, her brother inherits the entire estate. When there are two sisters, they collectively inherit two-thirds of the estate, and if both brothers and sisters are present, the male receives twice the share of the female. This distribution, akin to a finely balanced scale, manifests divine justice in the allocation of inheritance.
The distinction in inheritance shares, articulated in the phrase for the male is the equivalent of the share of two females, is rooted in the financial responsibilities of men within the family system. This wisdom, shining like a light in the darkness of ignorance, reflects the Qurns attention to social and economic realities. Moreover, the verses emphasis on Allah makes clear to you so that you may not err highlights that the purpose of these rulings is to prevent misguidance and establish social order.
When half of the estate is allotted to the sister, a question arises regarding the fate of the remaining half. This portion, like a stream springing from a fountain, may be dedicated to charitable causes, almsgiving, or personal expenditures. In Islamic jurisprudence, although some schools advocate the return (rejection) of this portion to heirs, the Shia perspective prioritises its use for public welfare, likened to a flower in the garden of guidance that leads to collective benefit.
The verse concludes with the phrase And Allah is, of all things, Knowing, underscoring the boundless knowledge of the Divine. This attribute, like an infinite sky, forms the foundation of wisdom and justice in divine legislation, reassuring that the rulings of the Holy Qurn are based upon knowledge without limitation.
Surah An-Nis, through its exposition of the inheritance rulings of the kalllah in verse 176, presents a legal and guiding system for humanity that not only guarantees justice in the distribution of inheritance but also prevents human misguidance through reliance on divine wisdom. This verse, like a clear mirror, reflects the comprehensiveness of the Holy Qurn in addressing jurisprudential and social needs, while emphasising the role of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) in elucidating these teachings.
Surah Al-Midah, revealed towards the latter part of the blessed life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his progeny), comprises a collection of general and universal laws that deem human felicity contingent upon adherence to them. This Surah, like a vast table of divine teachings, encompasses all that is necessary for guidance and salvation. In contrast to certain Surahs which focus on particular issues or social conflicts, Surah Al-Midah centres on general and rational ordinances, which, like stars in the firmament of guidance, illuminate the path for seekers of truth.
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا أَوْفُوا بِالْعُقُودِ أُحِلَّتْ لَكُمْ بَهِيمَةُ الْأَنْعَامِ إِلَّا مَا يُتْلَى عَلَيْكُمْ غَيْرَ مُحِلِّي الصَّيْدِ وَأَنْتُمْ حُرُمٌ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَحْكُمُ مَا يُرِيدُ
O you who have believed, fulfil [all] contracts. Lawful to you are the cattle, except what is recited to you [in the Qurn] not hunting while you are in the state of Ihrm. Indeed, Allah enforces what He intends.
The phrase fulfil [all] contracts functions as a golden key, opening the gates of faith and trust within society. The term contract here refers to any form of covenant or obligation that establishes a firm bond in social relations, whether religious or customary, formal or informal. These contracts act as strong cords that bind the community together and demand steadfastness as a hallmark of faith. Unlike traditional jurisprudence that may consider fulfilling promises desirable in some cases, the Holy Qurn universalises this principle and underscores the necessity of adhering to every commitment.
The verse proceeds to affirm the lawfulness of cattle (bahmat al-anm), save for what is explicitly prohibited. The term encompasses domesticated animals such as sheep, cattle, and camels, which, as divine blessings, provide sustenance for humankind. However, this permissibility is subject to exception during the state of Ihrm (ritual consecration), wherein hunting is forbidden. This exception signifies the divine order, emphasising the importance of observance of ordinances during specified times and contexts.
The phrase Indeed, Allah enforces what He intends serves as a seal affirming the absolute sovereignty of the Divine. Allahs decree, rooted in His infinite will, is independent of any human preconditions. This ruling exists inherently within the Divine essence and manifests through His will. Metaphorically, the divine decree is like a precious gem hidden within a shell, revealed by the will of Allah in the external world. This understanding refines the intellect and strengthens the human will to comply with divine commandments.
Surah Al-Midah, by emphasising the fulfilment of covenants, the permissibility of divine blessings, and the sovereignty of Allahs will, offers a comprehensive system for human guidance. These rulings, flowing like pure streams from the fountain of divine wisdom, illuminate the path to felicity and protect humanity from the abyss of perdition.
Surahs An-Nis and Al-Midah, like two wings of flight in the sky of guidance, direct humanity towards felicity and salvation. Verse 176 of Surah An-Nis manifests divine justice and wisdom in the legal system through its elaboration on the inheritance of the kalllah, while the opening verse of Surah Al-Midah, by underscoring faithfulness to contracts and the dominion of divine will, establishes the foundations of faith and social order. These two Surahs, like twin gems in the crown of the Qurn, offer lessons in justice, order, and guidance that serve as unparalleled guidance for seekers of truth. The connection of these rulings to the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) deepens and clarifies their meanings and highlights their indispensable role in the exposition of the Holy Qurn.
Supervised by Sadegh Khademi
