of Nokounam , Session 1223
The present book, centred upon the exegesis of Qur'an 6:118, examines the dietary rulings, the lawful and unlawful nature of meat, and the role of invoking God's name during the slaughter of animals. This work, through a profound contemplation of the divine wisdom embedded within the order of creation, elucidates the principles of nutrition within Islamic jurisprudence from a scientific and dignified perspective. Employing a discerning critique, it distances itself from ignorance and superstition in understanding religious rulings. The text, articulated in a clear and steadfast language, endeavours to illuminate the nexus between faith, rationality, and a wholesome lifestyle within the framework of Qur'anic teachings. Utilising literary allegories and precise analyses, this treatise serves as a guide for reflecting upon divine ordinances and reforming life paradigms.
Qur'an 6:118 represents a pivotal juncture in the Qur'anic discourse, guiding the reader from theoretical discussions on monotheism and disbelief towards the practical rulings on nutrition. This transition acts as a bridge connecting faith to action, demonstrating that the Holy Qur'an is not merely a book of doctrinal reflections but a manual for daily life. The command فَكُلُوا (Eat) in this verse is an invitation towards a civilised practice wherein nutrition is revered as a sacred ritual, conducted in compliance with both religious and hygienic principles.
The imperative فَكُلُوا in the verse does not imply raw consumption; rather, it necessitates preparation and cooking. This process is analogous to a gardener who carefully tends a tree before benefiting from its fruit. Preparing food signifies civilisation and respect for both body and soul, whereby adherence to hygienic and legal precepts transforms nourishment into a spiritual act.
فَكُلُوا مِمَّا ذُكِرَ اسْمُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ بِآيَاتِهِ مُؤْمِنِينَ
Therefore, eat of that over which the name of Allah has been mentioned, if you are believers in His signs.
Pronouncing God's name at the moment of slaughtering an animal constitutes a fundamental prerequisite for the meat's permissibility. This invocation acts as a key that opens the door to sanctification, elevating the act of nourishment from mere physical necessity to a sacred rite. It manifests faith in God within the mundane instant of daily life.
Fish are exempt from the obligation to invoke God's name due to the absence of slaughtering requirements. This exemption resembles a river joining the sea without the need for a bridge. Nonetheless, emphasis is placed on the fact that not every animal can be consumed with the invocation of Bismillah; the animal must also be lawful from a jurisprudential perspective.
Eating without preparation and adherence to hygienic standards resembles drinking from a contaminated spring. The text, stressing washing and cooking, rejects simplistic views on nutrition and underscores the necessity of knowledge and skill in this domain. This perspective introduces rationality in the implementation of religious rulings as an illuminating beacon.
Invoking God's name alone is insufficient; the animal must be lawful to consume, such as a sheep, and not a dog or cat. This distinction is akin to a boundary line defining the limits of religious order. Observing these boundaries evidences adherence to divine ordinances and respect for divine wisdom.
The text, adopting an inquisitive stance, contemplates the prohibition of pork, which in certain societies enjoys popularity. This question acts as a stone cast into calm waters to stir the waves of truth-seeking. Why is pork forbidden while, according to some, it is nutritious and valuable? This query invites scientific research into the wisdom behind divine rulings.
Referencing a millennium of ignorance, the text censures the lack of investigation into the wisdom behind lawful and unlawful rulings. This ignorance is likened to dust settled upon the mirror of truth, obstructing the reflection of the light of knowledge. This critique challenges religious scholarship to illuminate divine wisdom through research and examination.
A religious scholar, referring to traditional educational methods, criticises endless prohibitions without offering practical solutions. This anecdote mirrors the shortcomings of religious pedagogy and stresses the necessity of practical strategies.
The text questions pork consumption by highlighting obesity in some countries and deems the wisdom behind its prohibition unclear. This critique rings like a bell awakening minds and recalls the necessity of social and hygienic analysis of rulings.
Religion must rest upon a scientific and logical foundation that is defensible and subject to discourse. This viewpoint resembles a tree rooted in rationality with branches extending towards truth. Religious science must respond to contemporary questions through reasoned argumentation and dialogue.
The text critically examines the story of the forbidden fruit in Paradise and regards its existence as illogical unless considered as usurpation. This question serves as a key unlocking contemplation upon religious narrations and distancing from superstition.
The presence of a forbidden fruit in Paradise is subtly rejected with humour, portraying Paradise as a place devoid of prohibition. This perspective resembles a breeze dispelling the dust of misunderstanding from the concept of Paradise and invites a rational understanding of religious notions.
The text emphasises that no fruit is unlawful and all fruits are edible. This freedom resembles a garden whose fruits are accessible to all and signifies divine mercy in nutrition.
Consuming raw vegetables and fruits is approved but not sufficient alone. Consumption of meat and bread is also necessary, comparable to a building requiring multiple foundations. This balance is the key to physical and spiritual health.
Grass and vegetables, when prepared properly, are considered more nourishing than meat. This viewpoint is akin to a carefully filtered spring providing pure waters of health.
Preparation of grass through washing, grinding, and mincing is a sign of expertise in nutrition. This process resembles an artist meticulously creating a novel masterpiece.
An anecdote recounts a diabetic patient who improved through insulin reduction and abstaining from meat and bread. This story serves as a light illuminating the path of lifestyle reform.
The text employs subtle humour to criticise the inefficiencies of conventional medicine while affirming the necessity of expertise in religious knowledge. This critique functions as a warning bell calling for health system reform.
Personal experience in controlling diabetes from 400 to 170 demonstrates the significance of self-care. This experience serves as a map guiding the path towards health.
Overeating is likened to a heavy burden wearing down body and soul. Small and frequent meals constitute a route towards health, which the text urges by emphasizing فَكُلُوا وَاشْرَبُوا (Eat and drink).
The text humorously criticises the consumption of donkey and dog meat in some cultures and reiterates their prohibition. This critique functions as a signpost clarifying the boundaries between lawful and unlawful.
Preferring juice to whole fruit indicates flexibility in nutrition, akin to a stream adapting its course according to conditions.
Legumes and vegetarianism in old age are likened to an elixir restoring youth to the body. Proper preparation of these foods elevates their value above that of meat.
Reciting Bismillah during slaughter signifies respect for the divine rank. Using only Allah alone is analogous to neglecting the etiquettes of a sacred rite. This precision manifests reverence towards the Creator.
Refusal to consume lawful meat with God's name invoked resembles an illogical dispute rooted in obstinacy. This critique invites a wise acceptance of divine ordinances.
The phrase إِنْ كُنْتُمْ بِآيَاتِهِ مُؤْمِنِينَ
refers to faith in divine wisdom in daily life. These verses are like stars illuminating the path of existence.
Eating earth and stones, presented with sagacious humour, alludes to the body's diverse needs. This view resembles a painters canvas completed with varied colours depicting health.
Clover and alfalfa with vinegar symbolise dietary traditions that bring health. This custom resembles a treasure passed down through generations.
The exegesis of Qur'an 6:118 serves as a guide for living under the auspices of divine wisdom. This verse, emphasizing dietary rulings, lawful and unlawful meats, and the invocation of God's name, manifests religious order in daily life. The critique of ignorance, superstition, and overeating, combined with an invitation to rationality, balance, and knowledge in nutrition, transforms this text into a valuable work for reflection upon divine ordinances. Articulated in a lofty and dignified style, this writing invites the reform of lifestyle and attainment of physical and spiritual health within the shadow of the Holy Qur'an's teachings.
Supervised by Sadegh Khademi
