the Lectures of Nokounam, may his sanctity be preserved (Session 1164)
The Holy Quran, like a luminous beacon, guides humanity along the path to recognising the truth and the system of existence. The verses of Surah Al-Imran, especially those related to resurrection and worldly life, constitute a treasury of epistemological wealth, the contemplation of which directs the mind towards fundamental questions concerning existence and the ultimate purpose of creation. This treatise, through a profound examination of verses 28 to 30 of Surah Al-Imran, endeavours to elucidate the sublime Quranic concepts in a coherent and scholarly manner using eloquent and dignified language. The objective is not merely a re-examination of these verses, but rather their linkage with the philosophical and theological inquiries of our era, serving as a bridge between revelation and reason and thereby illuminating the way for seekers of truth.
Explanation of Verse 28 and the Concept of the Linear Nature of Creation
Key Point: The system of creation is progressive and irreversible.
The system of creation, like a flowing river, moves solely towards its destination, and no form of regression or return is conceivable within it. Beliefs such as the suns return or resurrection (Rajah) lack logical and Quranic foundation and, like baseless myths, are deemed invalid from both rational and revelatory perspectives.
وَلَوْ رُدُّوا لَعَادُوا لِمَا نُهُوا عَنْهُ وَإِنَّهُمْ لَكَاذِبُونَ
"And if they were returned, they would indeed return to that from which they had been forbidden, and indeed, they are liars."
This verse, like a mirror, portrays the fixed nature of sinners who, even if returned to the worldly life, by virtue of their ingrained character and habits, revert to the prohibited deeds. This reality attests to a linear and irreversible system of creation, which invalidates any notion of regression, such as the suns return for making up prayers or the concept of Rajah. Such beliefs, akin to fanciful tales, are not only incompatible with Quranic logic but also untenable from the standpoint of reason. The system of creation, like a precise clock, moves exclusively towards the future with no allowance for pause or return.
Critique of Superstitious Beliefs and Emphasis on Religious Rationality
Beliefs like the suns return for making up prayers are considered nothing but superstition and baseless narratives from the Quranic viewpoint. Such narrations, sometimes likened to the tales of Mulla Nasreddin, are not only scientifically unsubstantiated but also conflict with the rational spirit of religion. The noble religion of Islam, like a bright torch, invites humanity towards reason and logic, rejecting any unfounded beliefs. This critique serves as an invitation to reassess traditional beliefs and embrace a rational approach aligned with divine wisdom.
Explanation of Verse 29 and the Concept of Life Being Limited to This World
Key Point: Acceptance of the world and doubt about resurrection.
The existence of worldly life is a reality acknowledged by all, from believers to deniers. However, denying resurrection is a hasty judgment incompatible with rational logic. Instead of denial, one should adopt a stance of lack of knowledge and show humility before the unseen truth.
وَقَالُوا إِنْ هِيَ إِلَّا حَيَاتُنَا الدُّنْيَا وَمَا نَحْنُ بِمَبْعُوثِينَ
"And they say: There is nothing but our worldly life; we shall not be resurrected."
This verse refers to a group who limit life solely to the worldly realm and deny resurrection and the hereafter. This claim consists of two parts: firstly, the acceptance of worldly life, a self-evident and universally agreed reality; secondly, the denial of resurrection, which from a logical standpoint, constitutes an erroneous and premature judgment. The existence of the world, like a shining sun, is accepted by all groups, from believers to materialists and followers of various schools of thought. Yet, denial of resurrection acts like a veil over the truth, resulting from ignorance or prejudice. Instead of asserting we will not be resurrected, it is appropriate for humans to say: I do not know, thus displaying humility before the truth of the unseen.
The Universality of Acceptance of the World and Critique of Resurrection Denial
The reality of the world, like a firm earth beneath human feet, is universally acknowledged. From believers to communists, materialists, and adherents of diverse religions and philosophies, no one doubts the existence of the world. This consensus, as a sign of divine wisdom, attests to the obviousness of material life. However, divergence arises regarding the existence or non-existence of the hereafter. Denial of resurrection stems not from knowledge but prejudice. A rational human, akin to a traveller seeking truth, should adopt a stance of caution and humility towards the unseen and refrain from absolute judgments.
Explanation of Verse 30 and the Regret of the Deniers
Key Point: Admission of the truth on the Day of Resurrection.
On the Day of Resurrection, the deniers of resurrection confront the truth and admit its veracity; however, this admission will then be of no benefit to them. Divine justice, like a precise scale, implements the results of deeds without leniency.
وَلَوْ تَرَىٰ إِذْ وُقِفُوا عَلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ ۚ قَالَ أَلَيْسَ هَٰذَا بِالْحَقِّ ۚ قَالُوا بَلَىٰ وَرَبِّنَا ۚ قَالَ فَذُوقُوا الْعَذَابَ بِمَا كُنْتُمْ تَكْفُرُونَ
"And if you could see when they stand before their Lord; He will say: Is this not the truth? They will say: Yes, by our Lord. He will say: Then taste the punishment for that you used to disbelieve."
This verse depicts the scene of Resurrection as a curtain unveiling the truth: where the deniers stand before their Lord and acknowledge the veracity of the resurrection. Yet, this admission is like a key that cannot unlock a broken lock, rendering it futile. Their remorse evidences their erroneous worldly judgment, in which they chose denial over humility. God, like a just sovereign, implements the consequences of deeds with wisdom and precision, refusing baseless excuses akin to seeing but not noticing.
Divine Justice and the Response to Excuses
Divine justice, like an infallible scale, weighs every deed against its outcome. On Resurrection Day, excuses of the deniers will not be accepted because divine wisdom and justice require that each individual taste the fruit of their actions. This reality invites humanity to accept responsibility for their beliefs and deeds, choosing the path of truth with open eyes and an aware heart in this world.
Ineffectiveness of Traditional Proofs in Demonstrating God's Existence
Key Point: Necessity of rethinking religious arguments.
Traditional proofs, such as the argument from design, due to logical shortcomings and inability to provide empirical evidence, have failed to convincingly demonstrate Gods existence and resurrection. Religious knowledge requires a novel approach grounded in practical evidence.
Religious knowledge, throughout centuries, has endeavoured to prove God's existence by means of arguments like the teleological argument; yet, these attempts have resembled a structure built upon a fragile foundation, fraught with flaws and critiques. Instead of enlightenment, these arguments have occasionally led to scepticism. Rather than relying on theoretical reasoning, religious knowledge must move towards the production of practical knowledge and tangible evidence to establish faith firmly in hearts.
Critique of the Misuse of Religion
Some religious institutions, instead of serving the truth, have sometimes exploited religion as a means for personal interests. This misuse, like a thorn in the path of seekers of truth, has distanced religion from its principal mission. Religious knowledge must return to sincerity and service to human values to shine like a pure light guiding humanity.
Personal Experience: Challenges in Teaching Philosophy
A narration of a conversation with a religious scholar reveals the peril of teaching philosophy without proper foundation. Studying works such as Sharh-e Manzumeh has, at times, not strengthened faith but rather instilled doubts in believers' hearts. This experience serves as a warning for religious knowledge to reassess its educational content to preserve the simple faith of believers.
Pure Faith within Society
Key Point: The value of simple and sincere faith.
Pure faith of ordinary people, accompanied by sincerity and meticulous adherence to religious rulings, shines as a precious jewel and model of piety and honesty. This faith holds great value against the complexities of theological and philosophical discourse.
Among the general populace, examples of pure faith can be observed, where careful observance of duties such as Khums (religious tax) manifests piety and sincerity. These individuals, like stars in the sky of faith, demonstrate that piety and honesty are closer to the truth of religion than complex arguments.
Critique of the Concept of a Passive God
The conception of a God incapable of preventing calamities, like a shadow over divine reality, requires redefinition. God must be portrayed as a wise and omnipotent entity who manages the world system with justice and wisdom. This redefinition guides humanity towards a firmer faith.
The Importance of Repentance in This World
Repentance in this world, like a key unlocking the doors of divine mercy, provides an opportunity for rectification and return to the path of truth. However, this chance is lost in the Hereafter, where divine justice, like a burning fire, reveals the consequences of deeds.
The interpretation of verses 28 to 30 of Surah Al-Imran, like a window into truth, invites humanity to reflect on the system of creation, worldly life, and the reality of resurrection. These verses, with clear and firm language, critique superstitions and hasty denial of
