This treatise examines and interprets verse 14 of Surah Al-Ma'idah from the Holy Qur'an, with a profound focus on its psychological, theological, and social dimensions. The aim is to elucidate the meanings and messages of this verse within a framework that remains faithful to religious principles while employing scientific perspectives to clarify the connection between human behaviour and the divine covenant. This work, organised systematically and expressed in clear and dignified language, analyses the verse's content and the consequences of violating the divine covenant in both individual and collective life. Inspired by the lectures of religious scholars, this composition endeavours to present Qur'anic concepts in a manner that guides readers seeking deeper understanding of divine knowledge.
وَمِنَ الَّذِينَ قَالُوا إِنَّا نَصَارَىٰ أَخَذْنَا مِيثَاقَهُمْ فَنَسُوا حَظًّا مِمَّا ذُكِّرُوا بِهِ فَأَغْرَيْنَا بَيْنَهُمُ الْعَدَاوَةَ وَالْبَغْضَاءَ إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ ۚ وَسَوْفَ يُنَبِّئُهُمُ اللَّهُ بِمَا كَانُوا يَصْنَعُونَ
And from those who said, We are Christians, We took their covenant; but they forgot a portion of that of which they were reminded. So We caused among them enmity and hatred until the Day of Resurrection. And Allah will inform them of what they used to do.
This verse is addressed to a group among the People of the Book who identified themselves as Christians. The Qur'an refers to a covenant God took from this people; however, due to their forgetting part of the divine teachings, they were deprived of spiritual blessings and afflicted by consequences such as enmity and hatred. This discourse explores these concepts through psychological and theological lenses.
The verse in question refers to a group among the People of the Book who are categorised into two groups: the common people and the elites. The common people, due to inclinations towards vice, immorality, disbelief, and evasion of religious responsibilities, deviated from the path of truth. This group, instead of adhering to divine rulings, sought fleeting pleasures and avoidance of obligations. In contrast, the elites, comprising scholars and religious dignitaries, engaged in religious profiteering and exploitation of their spiritual status. This distinction illustrates profound differences in behaviour and attitudes between the two groups regarding the divine covenant.
The Holy Qur'an in this verse refers to a covenant taken from those who called themselves Christians. This covenant is a commitment to adhere to the principles of Christianity, which include belief in God, the Prophet, and the divine scripture. This commitment is not merely a spiritual contract but a covenant that guides humanity towards perfection and felicity. However, violation of this covenant signifies turning away from divine rulings and religious values, with profound consequences.
The phrase فَنَسُوا حَظًّا مِمَّا ذُكِّرُوا بِهِ (they forgot a portion of that of which they were reminded) refers to the forgetting of some of the divine teachings. This forgetting is not merely a matter of memory lapse but signifies practical non-adherence to religious rulings and values. Such deviation results in deprivation from divine blessings, perfections, and successes. Just as a flower withers without water, faith without adherence to divine teachings deteriorates.
From a psychological standpoint, distancing oneself from religious practices such as prayer and remembrance weakens the mind and soul. Those who neglect these acts gradually suffer from mental and spiritual forgetfulness, whereas those steadfast in worship enjoy mental health and fluid cognition. Just as exercise strengthens the body, remembrance and worship preserve the soul from decline. This concept establishes a profound link between religious behaviour and mental well-being.
In this interpretation, prayer is likened to a fan that keeps the fire of faith burning. Without this fan, faith extinguishes just as fire dies without oxygen. This simile illustrates the vital role of worship in maintaining the human connection with God. By persistently engaging in remembrance and supplication, the soul is cleansed from the dust of forgetfulness and moves towards perfection.
The Holy Qur'an states, فَأَغْرَيْنَا بَيْنَهُمُ الْعَدَاوَةَ وَالْبَغْضَاءَ (So We caused among them enmity and hatred), indicating that violation of the covenant results in animosity and rancour among the Christians. This enmity not only tarnishes social relations but also causes psychological disturbances such as anger and anxiety. Hatred acts like a fire blazing in the heart, reducing ones peace to ashes.
To clarify the destructive impact of hatred, an example is cited of an eighteen-year-old youth who, due to anger and psychological disorder, assaults others. This behaviour is the result of estrangement from religious values and immersion in hatred and enmity. In psychology, uncontrolled anger can lead to aggression and even physical illnesses such as stroke. This example vividly demonstrates the link between covenant violation and its psychological repercussions.
The verses reference to إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ (until the Day of Resurrection) signifies the persistence of enmity and hatred until the Day of Judgement. This continuation highlights the profound consequences of covenant violation that extend not only in this world but also in the hereafter. Just as the seed of hatred is sown in this world, its bitter fruit is harvested in the Resurrection.
This interpretation differentiates between فعل (simple and sincere action) and صنعت (complex action accompanied by deceit). Sincere acts, such as prayer performed with presence of heart, hold spiritual value, whereas acts tainted with hypocrisy and deceit are as futile as a trace on water. This distinction invites humans towards sincerity and honesty in conduct.
The phrase وَسَوْفَ يُنَبِّئُهُمُ اللَّهُ بِمَا كَانُوا يَصْنَعُونَ (And Allah will inform them of what they used to do) points to the moment when people will be made aware of their deeds on the Day of Resurrection. This disclosure confronts humans with the truth of their actions and unveils their hypocrisy and insincerity. This concept encourages self-examination and commitment to honesty.
To elucidate the concept of artifice, an example is given of a child who improves his behaviour through practicing greetings. This effort represents a non-blameworthy artifice that leads to self-purification and skill acquisition. The example demonstrates the value of striving for behavioural improvement within the framework of religious teachings.
A person must be consistent in both private and public, avoiding hypocrisy and pretense. Honesty acts like a light dispelling the darkness of hypocrisy and guides one towards perfection. This principle aligns with Qur'anic teachings on sincerity and refraining from ostentation.
One recommendation in this interpretation is to pray for ones enemies. This act reflects the utmost knowledge and forgiveness, freeing the individual from hatred and enmity. Just as rain quenches dry earth, prayer for others cleanses the heart from rancour.
This interpretation emphasises the importance of preserving religion and societal tranquillity. One should not rejoice at others misfortunes but rather pray for the welfare of all. This principle corresponds with Qur'anic injunctions to enjoin good and forbid evil.
To demonstrate the impact of faith on tranquillity, examples of calm behaviour in sudden adversities are presented. Such tranquillity is the result of reliance on God and acceptance of divine decree. Just as a tree remains firm during storms, the faithful person endures adversities through trust in God.
This interpretation calls for acceptance of divine decree. Sometimes apparent evil is good and apparent good is evil. Through reliance on God, a person is freed from anxiety caused by the unknown and attains peace.
The interpretation of verse 14 of Surah Al-Ma'idah, through psychological and theological perspectives, explores the profound relationship between the violation of the divine covenant and its consequences at individual, social, and eschatological levels. The verse warns of the deprivation from spiritual blessings and entrapment in enmity and hatred caused by forgetting divine teachings. Worship, especially prayer and remembrance, functions like a fan that keeps faith alive and protects the believer from spiritual decline. Moreover, sincerity, honesty, and reliance on God guide the individual towards tranquillity and perfection. Emphasising accountability for actions, this interpretation calls for self-reflection and adherence to the divine covenant.
