of Nokounam, may his sacred spirit be sanctified (Session 1247)
The Holy Quran, the divine book of guidance, was revealed within the historical and social context of its time, addressing the spiritual and practical needs of the early Islamic communities with eloquent and articulate language. However, the passage of time along with profound cultural, social, and economic transformations has highlighted the necessity for re-examination and reinterpretation of this sacred text to align it with the requirements of the modern world. This treatise, focusing on verse 144 of Surah Al-Anm, examines the historical contextualisation of this verse and its limitations in responding to the needs of contemporary society. Employing a critical and historical approach, it endeavours, whilst preserving the essence and principal message of the Holy Quran, to propose solutions for the dynamism of exegesis and jurisprudential reasoning. This study not only analyses the content of the verse but also critiques existing interpretations and offers suggestions for updating Quranic knowledge, so that this divine book continues to serve as a beacon of guidance in todays world.
Verse 144 of Surah Al-Anm was revealed in a context where rural life and animal husbandry constituted the core of the livelihood and culture of the society. This verse, by referencing the creation of animal pairs such as camels and cattle, manifests a sign of divine power. The text of the verse is as follows:
This verse, in a society where animals played a central role in subsistence, was revealed as a sign of divine power and a critique of the superstitions of the polytheists. However, in the modern world where industrial production has replaced traditional animal husbandry, such references appear less tangible and practical. Just as a cool breeze refreshes shepherds in a lush plain but has little effect in todays bustling cities, this verse derives its meaning from its historical context and requires reinterpretation for the present world.
From a divine perspective, no distinction exists between rural and urban life, since all creatures are governed by Gods infinite wisdom. Nevertheless, the language and content of this verse, which corresponds with an agricultural and pastoral society, seem inadequate for contemporary urban and industrial audiences. Similar to a river flowing through a plain but reduced to a confined stream within a city, Quranic verses require fresh currents within the context of the era.
The verses of Surah Al-Anm, revealed approximately two millennia ago, addressed the needs of their society at that time. Yet in todays world, dominated by urban life and industrial production, these verses require reconsideration. Dynamic jurisprudence serves as a bridge connecting past and present, much like a passage that links childhood dreams with adult realities. For example, a sixty-year-old individual who dreams of their childhood requires a conduit to relate that dream to their current circumstances. Similarly, a jurist must transfer the verses from their historical context into the present age.
The absence of dynamic jurisprudence and historical constraints have hindered the comprehensive elucidation of religious knowledge. Political and social pressures on religious leaders have limited opportunities for holistic explanation of the faith. Since the Major Occultation (year 260 AH), spanning over 1,200 years, scientific and profound studies of the Holy Quran have been scant, and many existing commentaries have settled for literal translations or repetition of traditional concepts. This situation resembles a garden deprived of water for years, its fruits dried, whilst timely irrigation could have revived its yield.
Although the efforts of some scholars in translating and interpreting the Holy Quran are commendable, they are sometimes insufficient. For instance, a translation requested by a religious scholar, despite being approved, was judged inaccurate due to alterations in the structure of verses, such as reversing the order of the verse Fa-inna maal-usri yusra:
Changing the order or meaning of a verse, even with the intention of completion, can lead to deviation from the divine purpose. This critique acts as a warning against diverting the course of a mighty river into a misleading stream.
Some scholars, due to deficiencies in the instruction of Quranic sciences, have even refrained from employing the Holy Quran for Istikhrah (seeking guidance). This indicates profound shortcomings in the comprehension and teaching of Quranic knowledge. Like a star shining in the sky whose light does not reach the earth, the Holy Quran is accessible, yet deep understanding remains absent among many scholars.
Verse 144 of Surah Al-Anm, by inviting the polytheists to provide scientific evidence for their claims regarding the prohibition of certain animals, emphasises rationality. The concluding part of the verse alludes to this matter:
This call to reasoning is like a light that dispels the darkness of superstition and paves the way for rationality and the pursuit of truth.
The polytheists, by attributing baseless claims to God, misled people. Falsehood, whether deliberate or born of ignorance, stems from lack of knowledge. This misguidance casts a heavy shadow over society, depriving people of the light of guidance.
Updating the Quran, meaning its reform and adaptation to modern needs, differs from distortion. However, fear of accusations such as apostasy or corruption on earth has obstructed this reconsideration. Like a gardener who refrains from planting a new sapling for fear of a storm, scholars have avoided innovation in Quranic interpretation.
Some propose that verses such as verse 144, due to their lack of conformity with the modern world, be omitted or rewritten. This suggestion, though controversial, is akin to an invitation to reconstruct an ancient edifice so that it remains robust and functional. Nevertheless, such an action requires theological backing and religious consensus.
The abrogation of certain verses during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), due to changing temporal circumstances, reflects the religions flexibility in response to transformations. This principle acts like a key that unlocks closed doors and could serve as a paradigm for updating verses in the modern era.
Some Quranic verses, such as Indeed, Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people, remain effective due to their generality and are applicable in all times. However, contextualised verses, such as verse 144, focusing on rural life, are less relevant in modern society. This distinction resembles the difference between fixed stars in the sky and transient clouds on earth.
Changes in culture and lifestyle in the modern world are like a sea that has transformed ancient shores. Verses concerning cattle, camels, and sheep have become intangible and impractical for societies where animal husbandry is absent. This cultural gap constitutes a chasm requiring a bridge of dynamic jurisprudence.
Narratives regarding rural behaviours, such as removing shoes in a bus or unfamiliarity with urban etiquette in a carpet-weaving factory, illustrate the cultural divide between traditional and modern societies. These stories act like mirrors reflecting profound cultural differences and demonstrate the necessity of aligning religion with modern culture.
The religious community, due to lack of updating, has been deprived of fully utilising the Holy Quran. This sacred text, without dynamic interpretation, is ineffective for the poor, the polytheist, or the philosopher alike. It is like a treasure hidden in a locked chest, requiring a key for opening.
The examination of verse 144 of Surah Al-Anm with a critical and historical approach reveals the verses contextualisation within a rural and agricultural society. This verse, emphasising the permissibility of divine blessings and critiquing polytheistic superstitions, was meaningful in its time but requires a dynamic interpretation in the contemporary urban-industrial world. The analogy of the jurist as a passage in a dream underscores the necessity of dynamic jurisprudence to transfer verses from their historical contexts to present-day needs. Challenges such as fear of accusations of distortion, lack of scholarly courage, and the need for theological support remain principal obstacles to this reconsideration. While general verses like Indeed, Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people remain effective, contextualised verses such as verse 144 have become antiquated due to cultural mismatch. To revive the standing of the Holy Quran in todays society, organised collaboration, scholarly bravery, and dynamic jurisprudence are essential so that this divine book does not remain a dim light but continues to guide humanity in the present age.
Supervised by Sadegh Khademi
