The present book is a representation and reconstruction of a lecture dedicated to the elucidation of verses 46 to 48 of Surah Al-Ma'idah from the Holy Qur'an. These verses, with a profound perspective on the status of the heavenly scriptures and the pivotal role of divine commandments in guiding humanity, emphasize the unity of divine religions and the necessity of adherence to the revealed Shariah. The ensuing text, employing a scholarly approach and an eloquent, dignified style, examines these verses and, through the use of allegories and profound analyses, presents the Qur'anic concepts in a clear and coherent framework. The objective of this work is to clarify the connection among the heavenly religions, critique undesirable social behaviours, and invite obedience to divine laws, as if casting a light of truth upon the darkness of ignorance.
وَقَفَّيْنَا عَلَىٰ آثَارِهِمْ بِعِيسَى ابْنِ مَرْيَمَ مُصَدِّقًا لِمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ مِنَ التَّوْرَاةِ ۖ وَآتَيْنَاهُ الْإِنْجِيلَ فِيهِ هُدًى وَنُورٌ وَمُصَدِّقًا لِمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ مِنَ التَّوْرَاةِ وَهُدًى وَمَوْعِظَةً لِلْمُتَّقِينَ
And We sent, following in their footsteps, Jesus son of Mary, confirming that which was before him of the Torah; and We gave him the Gospel, wherein was guidance and light, and confirming that which was before it of the Torah, and a guidance and exhortation for the righteous.
The noble verse introduces Jesus son of Mary (peace be upon him) as a prophet who was sent in continuity with the mission of previous prophets, particularly in affirming the Torah. This confirmation is a sign of the continuity and unity of the divine religions, whereby each prophet confirms and complements the message of their predecessors, like links in a chain connected to form a steadfast strand of divine guidance. The Gospel, as a heavenly scripture, bears guidance and light; guidance that opens the path towards truth and light that enlightens the hearts of the pious. The God-fearing (muttaqeen), addressed in this verse, are those who, by practising divine commandments, have freed themselves from the darkness of ignorance and misguidance.
وَلْيَحْكُمْ أَهْلُ الْإِنْجِيلِ بِمَا أَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ فِيهِ ۖ وَمَنْ لَمْ يَحْكُمْ بِمَا أَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ فَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْفَاسِقُونَ
And let the People of the Gospel judge by what Allah has revealed therein; and whoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed then it is those who are the defiantly disobedient.
This verse explicitly emphasises the duty of the People of the Gospel to act in accordance with divine injunctions. The implementation of these commandments is not only a religious obligation but also essential for preserving social and spiritual order. Non-adherence leads to 'fisq' (defiance), signifying a departure from obedience to God and rebellion against His directives. This verse follows the preceding verses (44 and 45 of Surah Al-Ma'idah), which relate the abandonment of divine laws to disbelief and injustice, introducing 'fisq' as the third reprehensible characteristic. This sequence illustrates various dimensions of deviation from the divine path: disbelief as denial of truth; injustice as oppression of oneself and others; and defiance as disobedience and transgression of divine limits. These three constitute branches of a pernicious tree rooted in neglect of divine commandments.
وَأَنْزَلْنَا إِلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ بِالْحَقِّ مُصَدِّقًا لِمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ مِنَ الْكِتَابِ وَمُهَيْمِنًا عَلَيْهِ ۖ فَاحْكُمْ بَيْنَهُمْ بِمَا أَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ ۖ وَلَا تَتَّبِعْ أَهْوَاءَهُمْ عَمَّا جَاءَكَ مِنَ الْحَقِّ ۚ لِكُلٍّ جَعَلْنَا مِنْكُمْ شِرْعَةً وَمِنْهَاجًا ۚ وَلَوْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ لَجَعَلَكُمْ أُمَّةً وَاحِدَةً وَلَٰكِنْ لِيَبْلُوَكُمْ فِي مَا آتَاكُمْ ۖ فَاسْتَبِقُوا الْخَيْرَاتِ ۚ إِلَى اللَّهِ مَرْجِعُكُمْ جَمِيعًا فَيُنَبِّئُكُمْ بِمَا كُنْتُمْ فِيهِ تَخْتَلِفُونَ
And We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], the Book in truth, confirming that which preceded it of the Scripture and as a guardian over it. So judge between them by what Allah has revealed and do not follow their inclinations away from what has come to you of the truth. To each of you We prescribed a law and a method. And if Allah had willed, He would have made you one nation [united in religion], but [He intended] to test you in what He has given you; so race to [all that is] good. To Allah is your return all together, and He will [then] inform you concerning that over which you used to differ.
This verse introduces the Holy Qur'an as a comprehensive scripture that not only confirms the previous scriptures but also serves as a muhaymin (guardian and overseer) over them. This attribute portrays the Qur'an as a wise and knowledgeable custodian that bears witness to the heavenly scriptures before it and preserves them within the framework of divine truth. The command to judge by divine revelation and avoid following personal desires is a caution to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and all believers against deviation from the path of truth. The diversity of Shariahs and methods, as mentioned in this verse, reflects divine wisdom in creating distinctions, each acting as a stream of truth leading to the ocean of perfection. This plurality is not intended to cause division but to serve as a divine trial, urging humans to compete in righteous deeds.
One of the main themes of the lecture is the critique of inappropriate behaviours in religious ceremonies, such as certain unconventional mourning practices that compromise dignity and modesty. These behaviours, sometimes coupled with disregard for divine limits, act as thorns in the garden of religion, tarnishing its visage. Instead of religious ceremonies serving as a luminous beacon guiding the way to truth, such acts lead to mockery and weakening of the religion.
The lecture critically addresses religious fanaticism that results in denial of other heavenly religions. These prejudices, which have occasionally culminated in wars and violence, stem from disbelief, injustice, and defiance, and diverge from the true spirit of religion founded on love and compassion. Religion, like a compassionate mother, embraces all her children, whereas fanaticism, like a tall wall, dismantles unity among religions.
The lecture strongly rejects baseless accusations directed at the prophets, particularly those found in some texts attributed to the Torah. Such allegations, lacking valid documentation, are like dust settling upon the pure countenance of the prophets and constitute attempts to undermine their exalted status. Emphasis on the necessity of substantiating claims reflects a scholarly and fair approach to engaging with religious texts.
The lecture employs a beautiful allegory likening the divine religions to successive levels of education. Each religion is like a stage of learning, a prelude to the next level, with the Holy Qur'an as the most complete stage, encompassing all prior commandments and perfecting them. This allegory, akin to light entering a dark room through a small opening, illuminates the unity and continuity of the divine religions.
The lecture uses the metaphor of a modern marketplace to illustrate the cooperation among goldsmiths who, despite competition, engage in commerce with mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. This allegory portrays the divine religions as merchants who, despite their differences, cooperate within the framework of divine truth. Such unity acts as a bridge linking the hearts of believers.
Verses 46 to 48 of Surah Al-Ma'idah, by elucidating the status of Jesus son of Mary (peace be upon him) in confirming the Torah, affirming the Gospel, and the comprehensiveness of the Holy Qur'an, underscore the unity of the divine religions and the necessity of implementing divine commandments. These verses, by inviting abstention from desires and competition in righteousness, define the purpose of religions as human perfection and unity before God. The critique of improper behaviours, religious fanaticism, and baseless accusations against the prophets, alongside the emphasis on documentation and respect for the heavenly scriptures, render this lecture a valuable work for reflection on the truth of religion. This work shines like a lamp in darkness, illuminating the path toward divine truth and love.
Supervised by Sadegh Khademi
