The Holy Qur'an, like a guiding lamp, illuminates the path to felicity for humanity and, through clear and sagacious addresses, wards it off from doctrinal and practical deviations. Verse 77 of Surah Al-Maidah, which constitutes the focal point of this treatise, emphatically and unequivocally admonishes the People of the Book against excessive and unjust exaggeration in religion, stressing the necessity of adhering to the path of truth and abstaining from following the desires of those who have gone astray.
This verse, akin to a mirror, reflects doctrinal and practical deviations and warns of the imperative to preserve monotheism and moderation in religion. The present discourse, relying upon the lectures of a learned scholar, endeavours to interpret this verse and analyse its diverse dimensions. In this endeavour, employing eloquent language and a systematic structure, it seeks to elucidate the profound meanings of the verse and its lessons for guiding the contemporary human being.
قُلْ يَا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ لَا تَغْلُوا فِي دِينِكُمْ غَيْرَ الْحَقِّ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا أَهْوَاءَ قَوْمٍ قَدْ ضَلُّوا مِنْ قَبْلُ وَأَضَلُّوا كَثِيرًا وَضَلُّوا عَنْ سَوَاءِ السَّبِيلِ
Say: O People of the Book! Do not commit excess in your religion beyond the truth, and do not follow the desires of a people who went astray before and misled many, and deviated from the right path.
The verse begins with the word "Qul" (Say), which signifies a direct address from the Almighty God to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This term designates the Prophet as the conveyor of divine revelation and underscores the divine authenticity of the message. The address to the People of the Book, who are the addressees in this verse, constitutes an invitation to reconsider their religious beliefs and behaviours.
God, like a wise father, through this address warns the People of the Book against falling into the trap of unjust exaggerations and guides them towards moderation and monotheism.
The verse forbids the People of the Book from exaggeration in religion in an unjust manner. Unjust exaggeration is akin to a deviant branch stemming from the tree of religion, meaning attributing divine status or unreal characteristics to religious figures, which leads to polytheism and deviation from monotheism. This excessiveness, like a river that leaves its main course and reaches a swamp, distances religion from its pure truth.
Conversely, the verse implicitly allows exaggeration in truth. Exaggeration in defending monotheistic principles or exalting divine saints, such as the Pure Imams (peace be upon them), provided it remains within the framework of monotheism, is not only permissible but commendable. This exaggeration is like a flower that blooms in the garden of monotheism, dispersing the fragrance of truth. Nevertheless, this permissibility is conditional upon it not leading to polytheism or deviation.
Every word in the Holy Qur'an is like a key that opens a door to knowledge. The word "ghuluww" (exaggeration) also evokes a concept in the listeners mind, which acquires a specific meaning depending on the context. In this verse, unjust exaggeration points to deviation from truth, while exaggeration in truth signifies strengthening monotheistic beliefs. This distinction is like a dividing line separating the path of truth from falsehood.
One of the deviations criticised in this lecture is the misuse of the concept of exaggeration in truth to justify unethical actions such as lying and slander. Some have mistakenly assumed that since they walk the path of truth, any means to achieve the goal is permissible. This viewpoint, like a thorn in the foot of truth, leads to deviation from the path of religion. The Holy Qur'an, while encouraging defence of the truth, condemns all unethical acts.
The lecture refers to historical examples in which unethical actions were committed under the pretext of defending the truth. For instance, in the case of the book Martyr of Eternity, some resorted to harassing the authors family and, under the justification of defending religious knowledge, engaged in improper conduct. Such behaviours, like a dark shadow over the sunlight of truth, are incompatible with the spirit of the Holy Qur'an.
In another example, a scholar at the Feyzieh Seminary was disrespected and his turban was knocked to the ground. Such actions, committed in the name of defending religious knowledge, demonstrate a deviation caused by misinterpretation of religious concepts.
The lecture points to violent behaviours of certain revolutionaries who, in the name of defending the truth, caused harm to others. For example, breaking the windows of a house due to intellectual differences exemplifies such deviations. These behaviours, like a storm uprooting trees, damage the unity of the religious community.
The text addresses misuse of certain religious edicts, such as the fatwa of Sacred Ardabili, to justify unethical actions. Such misinterpretations, like a fire causing destruction instead of illumination, result in ruin. Proper understanding of fatwas and adherence to divine limits prevent such deviations.
One of the most painful examples mentioned is the inhumane treatment of prisoners in the year 1367 AH (1988 AD). These actions, justified by the defence of religious knowledge, have been strongly criticised and exemplify deviation from the human and ethical principles of Islam. Such deeds, like a deep wound on the body of religion, tarnish human dignity.
The lecture emphasises the human values of various ethnic groups such as the Lors and Turks. These peoples, with their simplicity and sincerity, are like pure springs refreshing the human society. Emphasising unity and benevolence among ethnicities manifests the exalted spirit of religion, which is free from all discrimination and violence.
A notable point in the lecture is the emphasis on religious education for various social classes, even with limited resources. For instance, a girl with minimal literacy taught religious matters to women. This effort is like a seed planted in the fertile soil of knowledge, yielding the fruit of guidance.
The lecture praises the simplicity and sincerity of humble peoples such as the Lors and attributes shortcomings in their guidance to the religious scholars. These people, like a clear mirror, are ready to receive the truth, provided that guides lead them with honesty and wisdom.
The lecture reiterates the prohibition of unjust exaggeration and the permissibility of exaggeration in truth within the framework of monotheism and ethics, as stated in verse 77 of Surah Al-Maidah. This repetition is like the ringing of an awakening bell, calling humans to reconsider their behaviours and beliefs. Reforming religious behaviours and adherence to ethical principles constitute the path to eternal felicity.
The exegesis of verse 77 of Surah Al-Maidah, like a shining torch, illuminates the path of truth and moderation in religion. This verse, by forbidding unjust exaggeration and warning against following the desires of the misguided, emphasises preserving monotheism and adhering to ethical principles. The critique of doctrinal and practical deviations, including the misuse of the concept of defending the truth to justify unethical actions, indicates the necessity of reconsidering religious behaviours. Praising human values of ethnic groups and stressing religious education are other lessons derived from this verse that contribute to unity and guidance in society. This treatise, through precise and comprehensive elucidation of these concepts, seeks to serve as a guide for researchers and seekers of truth.
Under the supervision of Sadegh Khademi
