of Nokounam, (Session 1156)
Surah Al-Anam, a resplendent jewel within the treasury of the Holy Quran, by focusing on the elucidation of monotheism and the negation of polytheism, guides humanity towards contemplation of the grandeur of creation and the recognition of Gods boundless attributes. This Surah, through the repeated invocation of the term Qul (Say) and the call to testify to the oneness of God, functions as a luminous beacon, facilitating the path of guidance for seekers of truth. The present writing, by undertaking an in-depth examination of the verses of this Surah alongside mystical and philosophical analyses, endeavours to reflect the exalted concepts of monotheism, divine omnipotence, and Gods wisdom in a fluent and dignified manner. Employing allegories and literary allusions, it strives to convey the spirit and message of this Surah to readers in a clear and effective fashion.
The Holy Quran introduces God as Al-Qhir (The Subduer), an attribute that signifies His absolute authority and supremacy over all creatures. This omnipotence, like a crown upon the pinnacle of existence, demonstrates Gods unquestioned dominion over all beings, from humans to stones, clay, and bricks.
وَهُوَ الْقَاهِرُ فَوْقَ عِبَادِهِ ۚ وَهُوَ الْحَكِيمُ الْخَبِيرُ
And He is the Subduer over His servants, and He is the Wise, the Acquainted. (Surah Al-Anam, 6:18)
The term Qhir in this verse does not connote harshness or violence, but rather denotes strength, elevation, and divine authority. This attribute places God in a loftier station above all creatures, akin to a lofty summit. Divine omnipotence is also explicated in other Quranic verses, such as Surah Ghfir (40:16), portraying absolute dominion over all existence. This concept aligns with the verse from Surah l Imrn (3:83) which references the submission of all creatures to God.
All entities within the cosmos, from the smallest speck of dust to the most radiant star, serve as manifestations of Gods infinite attributes. This mystical viewpoint, rooted in the doctrines of eminent mystics such as Ibn Arabi, perceives the universe as a mirror reflecting divine light. God, as the Subduer, remains above these manifestations, yet each entity, as a sign of Him, possesses a divine identity and spirit. This notion is profoundly linked to Surah l Imrn, verse 190, which highlights the divine signs in the creation of the heavens and the earth.
Divine wisdom, like a firm thread, binds all components of creation together. This attribute, termed Al-akm in Surah Al-Anam (6:18), signifies impeccable order and purposeful design in creation. God, through His wisdom, has established the criteria and conditions of things so firmly that no flaw may enter therein. This idea is consistent with Surah Luqmn (31:2), which alludes to the wisdom of divine signs.
The attribute Al-Khabr, mentioned alongside wisdom in Surah Al-Anam (6:18), refers to Gods complete awareness of both the outward and inward aspects of creation. This knowledge, like a light penetrating darkness, encompasses all hidden and manifest facets of the universe. Distinguished from the attribute of knowledge, which pertains predominantly to the inner essence of things, acquaintance denotes Gods cognisance of the external realities. This concept is semantically connected to Surah l Imrn (3:7), which speaks of Gods knowledge concerning the interpretation of verses.
Surah Al-Anam, by repeating the term Qul, like a compassionate teacher, commands the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to convey the message of monotheism and the repudiation of polytheism. This repetition serves not only for the Prophet but also as a lesson for the entire community in recognising Gods unity and abstaining from all forms of associating partners with Him. Verse 19 of this Surah culminates this instruction with clarity:
قُلْ أَيُّ شَيْءٍ أَكْبَرُ شَهَادَةً ۖ قُلِ اللَّهُ ۚ شَهِيدٌ بَيْنِي وَبَيْنَكُمْ ۚ وَأُوحِيَ إِلَيَّ هَٰذَا الْقُرْآنُ لِأُنْذِرَكُمْ بِهِ وَمَنْ بَلَغَ ۚ أَئِنَّكُمْ لَتَشْهَدُونَ أَنَّ مَعَ اللَّهِ آلِهَةً أُخْرَىٰ ۚ قُلْ لَا أَشْهَدُ ۚ قُلْ إِنَّمَا هُوَ إِلَٰهٌ وَاحِدٌ وَإِنَّنِي بَرِيءٌ مِمَّا تُشْرِكُونَ
Say: What thing is greatest in testimony? Say: God is witness between me and you. This Quran has been revealed to me that I may warn you thereby and whomever it reaches. Do you indeed bear witness that with God there are other gods? Say: I bear no witness. Say: He is but one God, and truly I am free from what you associate. (Surah Al-Anam, 6:19)
This verse, emphasising Gods testimony as the greatest witness, commands the Prophet to proclaim His unity. The command Qul, like a loud bell, resounds the message of monotheism in the ears of the community. This aligns with Surah l Imrn (3:20), which highlights the Prophets mission in promulgating monotheism.
The word Thing (shai) in verse 19 of Surah Al-Anam opens a broad gateway encompassing all creatures of the world, from humans and animals to stones and soil. Even God, in this sense, is a thing, but l kl-shay (not like other things), devoid of created attributes. This universality extends monotheism to all manifestations of creation, so that every entity is a sign of Gods infinite essence. This notion bears a profound connection to Surah l Imrn (3:191), which calls for contemplation on creation.
The Holy Quran, as a celestial gem, was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through revelation. This revelation, realised via intermediaries such as the Angel Gabriel, constitutes the Prophets mandate and superiority over his nation. The passive verb iya in verse 19 of Surah Al-Anam indicates the distance between God and the process of revelation, underscoring divine grandeur. This corresponds with Surah l Imrn (3:44), which addresses revelation to the prophets.
Verse 19 of Surah Al-Anam poses a decisive challenge to polytheists, questioning the existence of other deities and commanding the Prophet to reject polytheism and assert Gods unity. This disavowal of polytheism, raised like a banner, manifests the Prophets commitment to monotheism. This corresponds deeply with Surah l Imrn (3:64), which invites to monotheism and critiques polytheism.
The divine unity, expressed in Surah Al-Anam (6:19) by the phrase Innam huwa ilhun wid (He is but one God), denotes an absolute, non-composite unity. This unity, like an unsetting sun, eradicates any form of polytheism and places Gods oneness at the core of Islamic belief. This corresponds with Surah l Imrn (3:2), which emphasises Gods oneness.
Surah Al-Anam, like a comprehensive book, intertwines monotheism and criticism of disbelief, guiding humanity towards Gods unity and avoidance of polytheism. By emphasising the instruction of monotheism and rejection of polytheism, this Surah stands as a firm pillar strengthening the foundations of Islamic creed. This centrality links profoundly with
