Surah Al-Anm, one of the Meccan chapters of the Holy Quran, centres upon the doctrine of monotheism, the critique of disbelief and polytheism, and the examination of the consequences of denying the divine verses. It invites humankind to reflect upon the essence of religion and its role in life. This surah, emphasising the destruction of those who turn away from Gods signs and the profound effect of intimate engagement with the Qurn on psychological and spiritual wellbeing, provides a foundation for a deeper understanding of the relationship between human beings and their Creator.
In this treatise, selected verses from Surah Al-Anm are examined alongside analogous themes from Surah l Imrn. Employing a scientific and spiritual approach, the analysis explores human behaviour in response to divine revelation. The purpose of this work is to present a comprehensive and coherent exegesis of these verses, elucidating Qurnic, mystical, and psychological concepts in clear and dignified language for the readers.
This writing, by linking profound Qurnic analyses with the realities of life, calls upon the individual to reconsider their theological and ethical responsibilities, as if the light emanating from the divine verses opens a path toward hearts thirsty for truth.
The Noble Quran in Surah Al-Anm, verse 21, explicitly introduces the most oppressive individuals. This verse considers those who deny the divine verses and fabricate falsehoods against God as the epitome of injustice. Yet, this oppression harms not only the Creator but also the entire human society. The denial of revelation destabilises the foundations of religion and paves the way for polytheism and disbelief. This behaviour is akin to a poisonous wind that destroys not only the individual but endangers the spiritual health of the community.
When a human denies divine revelation, it is as though they close the windows of guiding light upon themselves and others. This denial, according to the Quran, is not out of enmity toward God but is the most oppressive act due to its extensive consequences in destroying goodness and human values. This concept is deeply connected to verse 99 of Surah l Imrn, which forbids the People of the Book from the way of God, indicating the impact of individual actions on collective wellbeing.
And who is more unjust than he who forges a lie against Allah or denies His signs? Indeed, the wrongdoers will not succeed.
In verse 25 of Surah Al-Anm, the Quran refers to a particular group who, although they listen to the verses, are impeded by the heaviness of their hearts and ears from understanding and believing. This group likens the divine verses to the myths of their forefathers and turns away from accepting the truth.
And among them are those who listen to you, but We have placed coverings over their hearts so that they do not understand it, and deafness in their ears; and when they see every sign, they do not believe in it. Until, when they come to you to argue with you, those who disbelieve say: "This is nothing but legends of the former peoples."
The impurity of the heart is like a dust settling upon the mirror of the soul, obstructing the reflection of the light of truth. This notion corresponds with verse 7 of Surah l Imrn, which mentions certain groups failing to comprehend the allegorical verses. These people, due to inner defilements, are deprived of perceiving the inner reality of the verses, and even upon witnessing divine signs, they remain unbelieving. This condition results from erroneous choices and accumulated sins that distance the heart from the light of guidance.
Verse 26 of Surah Al-Anm addresses those who forbid others from the divine verses while themselves turning away from them. This conduct leads solely to the destruction of the individual, as though a person who turns away from the light of revelation immerses themselves in the darkness of ruin.
And they forbid others from it and keep themselves away from it, but they destroy none except themselves, and they perceive it not.
The destruction of the self is a direct consequence of distancing oneself from divine verses. This concept harmonises with verse 177 of Surah l Imrn, which refers to the loss of the disbelievers. By denying revelation, a human seemingly cuts off their spiritual roots, advancing towards annihilation without awareness of the depth of their calamity. This lack of awareness, derived from the root "shar" meaning insight, indicates an absence of subtle understanding of the truth, like a hair decaying and falling apart.
Religion, particularly in the form of intimacy with the Holy Quran, plays an unparalleled role in the psychological and spiritual wellbeing of a human being. The absence of religion is like losing a lamp in darkness, directing a person towards misery and destruction. This idea is deeply connected with verse 19 of Surah l Imrn, which points to the monotheistic religion as a path of guidance. Intimacy with the Holy Quran is like clear water that cleanses the heart and soul and brings tranquility.
Were there a laboratory to measure the impact of faith and disbelief on the human soul, it would undoubtedly demonstrate that faith, like a refreshing breeze, strengthens the heart, while disbelief, like a deadly poison, leads the soul to ruin. This concept aligns with verse 139 of Surah l Imrn, which mentions the strengthening of the believers. Faith acts as an energising capsule that preserves the soul from decay and guides humans toward perfection.
Intimacy with the Holy Quran, like companionship with a faithful friend, soothes the heart and refines the soul. This intimacy, even in its simplest form, such as carrying the Holy Quran in daily life, saves a person from destruction and generates spiritual energy. This notion corresponds with verse 191 of Surah l Imrn, which encourages contemplation upon divine verses. The Holy Quran, like a guardian protecting the human spirit, is ever a guide.
Intercession through the Pure Imams, peace be upon them, especially Lady Fatimah, peace be upon her, is like a key that unlocks the locks of difficulties. This intercession saves the human being from destruction and directs them towards guidance. This concept is linked to verse 35 of Surah Midah, which refers to intercession as a means of drawing near to God. The Imams are like stars in the sky of guidance, illuminating the path for humankind.
Verse 27 of Surah Al-Anm poignantly refers to the regret of the disbelievers on the Day of Resurrection. This regret is the result of ignorance in this world and denial of the divine verses. It is as if, in the moment of facing the fire, the human being realises the depth of their loss.
