Derived from the lecture series of Nekounam Session 1110
The Holy Qur'an, like a radiant lamp, illuminates the path of guidance before humanity and, with clear expression, delineates the boundary between truth and falsehood. Verse 73 of Surah Al-Ma'idah is among those verses that explicitly and decisively critique theological deviations and affirm the oneness of the Divine Essence. This verse, by condemning belief in the Trinity, extends an invitation towards pure monotheism, which, like a clear stream, quenches the heart and soul of the believer.
In this treatise, relying on invaluable lectures and profound analyses, we have examined this verse and its messages. The objective is to elucidate the monotheistic concepts and theological critiques embedded in this verse with clear and dignified language, so that it serves as a sturdy bridge directing the reader's intellect towards the truth. Along this path, not only are the deviations of the People of the Book addressed, but also their parallels with certain deviations within the Islamic Ummah, in order to reveal the vital importance of preserving monotheism in all aspects of life.
Translation:
Indeed, those who say, Allah is the third of three, have certainly disbelieved. And there is no deity except one deity. And if they do not desist from what they are saying, there will surely afflict those who disbelieve among them a painful punishment.
This verse, with decisive wording, condemns the belief in the Trinity, which has become prevalent in certain Christian sects. The Trinity, which presents God as the third person of three persons (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit), is a clear violation of monotheism. The Holy Qur'an, by emphasising the oneness of the Divine Essence, negates any partner or equal for God and warns that persistence in this belief will result in a painful punishment.
Verse 73 of Surah Al-Ma'idah is inextricably linked with verse 72. In the preceding verse, the Qur'an deems belief in the divinity of Jesus (peace be upon him) as disbelief and condemns it. Verse 73 expands this critique and challenges the belief in the Trinity that places God alongside the Father and the Son. This continuity is like a thread that connects two precious gems and demonstrates the Qur'ans dedication to preserving monotheism against all forms of deviation.
One of the prominent points in this lecture is the critique of dependence on other than God in material and spiritual matters. When a person, instead of relying on Divine providence, becomes dependent on alms, khums, or zakat, they are in reality distancing themselves from monotheism. This dependence is like a shadow that dims the light of faith. Monotheism must be manifest not only in belief but also in action. A person who does not regard God as the Provider and reaches out towards others is practically ensnared in disbelief and polytheism.
This critique teaches us that monotheism is like a tree rooted in the believer's heart, whose branches appear in their behaviour and deeds. Dependence on other than God, whether in material or spiritual affairs, acts as a blight that rots this tree from within.
The lecture beautifully explains that the root of all sins, from theft to murder, lies in disbelief and polytheism. One who lacks faith in God's providence resorts to theft, and one who does not regard God as the absolute Sovereign commits injustice and oppression. These sins are like branches nourished by the root of disbelief and polytheism. The Holy Qur'an, by emphasising monotheism, guides humanity to salvation, as it states: Say, 'There is no deity except Allah' so you may be successful. This declaration is like a key that opens the doors of felicity and frees the heart from the darkness of polytheism and disbelief.
Verse 73 of Surah Al-Ma'idah explicitly regards belief in the Trinity as disbelief. This belief, prevalent among some Christian denominations, designates God as the third person of three persons (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit). This belief is not only polytheism but also leads to disbelief by attributing divinity to Jesus (peace be upon him). The Holy Qur'an, by emphasising Gods oneness, denies any partner or equal and states: There is no deity except the One True God.
This critique acts as a mirror reflecting the truth of monotheism against theological deviations. Jews and Christians, having fallen into disbelief and polytheism, deviated from the path of truth. Disbelief appeared in the belief in the divinity of Jesus (peace be upon him), and polytheism manifested in placing God alongside the Father and the Son.
The lecture points to a profound observation: the theological deviations of the People of the Book have been repeated among some within the Islamic Ummah. Some have exaggerated the status of the infallible Imams, such as Imam Hasan (peace be upon him) and Imam Husayn (peace be upon him), elevating them from the rank of servants of God to a status close to divinity. This exaggeration is like a wind that steers the ship of faith away from the course of monotheism. The Imams are righteous servants of God and guides towards monotheism. Any excessive focus on them, neglecting God, leads to polytheism and disbelief.
Imam Husayn (peace be upon him), who is the beacon of guidance and the ark of salvation, has the purpose of directing humanity towards God. However, exaggeration in his station acts like a veil that obscures the light of monotheism and distances the believer's heart from the truth.
The Holy Qur'an in verse 73 of Surah Al-Ma'idah, by emphasising And there is no deity except one deity, affirms the oneness of the Divine Essence. God is One and has no partner. This principle is like a pillar upon which the edifice of religion stands firm. Any belief in plurality in the Divine Essence, whether in the form of the Trinity or exaggeration regarding the Imams, leads to polytheism and disbelief. Monotheism is like the sun whose light dispels the darkness of polytheism.
The infallible Imams (peace be upon them) are like stars in the sky of guidance, showing the way towards God. They are righteous servants of God, not God or partners of God. Love for the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) is only valuable within the framework of monotheism. The declaration There is no deity except Allah must precede any name, even the blessed names Husayn (peace be upon him) or Ali (peace be upon him). Without God, love for the Ahl al-Bayt is like a flower severed from the root of monotheism, which soon withers.
The lecture explicitly condemns exaggeration among some Shi'a. Belief in the divinity of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) or other Imams is a clear violation of monotheism. This deviation resembles the deviation of the People of the Book regarding the Trinity and is equally distant from the truth of religion. Monotheism is like an ocean in which all values flow, and exaggeration is like a wave that disturbs this ocean.
Verse 73 of Surah Al-Ma'idah warns those who persist in disbelief and polytheism of a painful punishment. This punishment, described by the term Alim (painful), is a pain unimaginable in this world. The painful punishment is like a fire that burns the heart of the disbeliever in the Hereafter, and there is no refuge from its intensity and eternity except with God.
The lecture beautifully explains that worldly punishment, such as a strike or pinch, is comprehensible, but the painful punishment of the Hereafter is so immense that the human mind is incapable of grasping it. This unawareness itself is a form of torment that drives humans towards piety and avoidance of sin.
Worldly punishment, although painful, is limited and finite. However, the Hereafter punishment is like an infinite ocean, eternal and unbearable. The lecture uses a beautiful analogy: a person who sins in this world is like one trapped in a strange bathhouse who endures every punishment, but when facing eternal punishment, realises there is no escape.
The lecture courageously critiques certain jurisprudential deviations that justify sins under the pretext of preserving the system. Consumption of alcohol, adultery, or any other transgression cannot be legitimised under any excuse. Religious knowledge is like a lamp that illuminates the path of truth, and any deviation from it leads to misguidance.
Another prominent point in the lecture is the emphasis on justice in transactions. If a government suffers loss in a transaction, it cannot unilaterally annul it while the other party is deprived of this right. Justice is like a scale that must be observed in all matters, including transactions. Any discrimination is incompatible with the spirit of Islamic law.
