of Nokounam, (Session 1253)
The Holy Quran, like a radiant lamp, illuminates the path to felicity and salvation for humanity. Among its verses, 3:152 from Surah Al-Imran, by articulating fundamental ethical and social principles, shines as a brilliant gem guiding a just and responsible life. This verse, with eloquent and sagacious language, calls upon humankind to observe trustworthiness, justice, and the fulfilment of covenants, whilst forbidding approaching the property of orphans except in the best manner. This treatise, relying upon Quranic lectures, elucidates these principles and delves deeply into their ethical, social, and theological dimensions. The objective is to clarify the path leading to the Straight Path, where justice shines like the sun and trustworthiness flourishes like a deeply rooted tree.
The Holy Quran, in one of its most beautiful passages, commands the protection of the rights of orphans:
وَلَا تَقْرَبُوا مَالَ الْيَتِيمِ إِلَّا بِالَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُ حَتَّىٰ يَبْلُغَ أَشُدَّهُ
"And do not approach the property of the orphan except in the best manner until he reaches maturity."
This divine command acts as a steadfast shield defending the rights of orphans against social exploitation. In earlier societies, especially within the Jahiliyyah culture, the properties of orphans were sometimes plundered through marriage to their mothers. This verse, by emphasising the best manner and until he reaches maturity, denotes the necessity of responsible management of the orphans assets and their delivery to them upon attaining adulthood. This principle aligns with the Quranic concept of trustworthiness, as articulated in Surah Al-Muminun (23:8). Trustworthiness, like a pure garment, protects the soul of society from the contamination of injustice.
Historically, numerous instances of exploitation of orphans property have been documented. Sometimes individuals, by marrying orphaned mothers, encroached upon their assets without concern for the childrens future. This act was not only a manifest injustice to the orphans but also undermined the foundations of social trust. The Holy Quran explicitly prohibits such behaviour, emphasising the necessity of preserving this trust.
In the Quranic culture, a significant distinction exists between orphan and latim. An orphan is a child who has lost their father, whereas a latim is one who has lost both parents and thus suffered a deeper affliction. This differentiation highlights the severity of vulnerability among orphans and calls society to extend greater support to this group. The Quran, in Surah An-Nisa (4:2), clearly states the duty of handing over property to orphans. An orphan, like a newly blossomed flower, requires care to thrive under the shade of justice and kindness.
The misappropriation of orphans property is like a fire smouldering beneath ashes that leads to moral and social collapse. The Quran sternly condemns this act in Surah An-Nisa (4:10):
إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَأْكُلُونَ أَمْوَالَ الْيَتَامَىٰ ظُلْمًا إِنَّمَا يَأْكُلُونَ فِي بُطُونِهِمْ نَارًا
"Indeed, those who unjustly consume the property of orphans only consume fire into their bellies."
This verse serves as a striking warning, reminding of the consequences of this grave sin. Historically, examples include seizure of orphans property through opportunistic marriages and mismanagement of endowment assets. Such actions harm not only the orphans but also shatter social trust as if it were fragile glass.
The Holy Quran continues to emphasise justice in trade and transactions:
وَأَوْفُوا الْكَيْلَ وَالْمِيزَانَ بِالْقِسْطِ
"And give full measure and weight with justice."
This command, like a steadfast pillar, reinforces the foundations of a just economy. In rural life, where transactions were based on weight and measure, shortchanging led to distrust and corruption. A childhood anecdote of the narrator, who worked in a shop selling ice and incorrectly filled the measure due to inexperience, testifies to the importance of this principle. Shortchanging, like a deadly poison, damages the body of society and erodes trust.
This principle harmonises with verses such as Surah Al-Mutaffifin (83:1) which condemns those who give less than due. Justice in transactions not only maintains economic order but purifies society from the contamination of corruption like a clear stream.
By infinite mercy, the Quran limits human obligation to the extent of ones capacity:
لَا نُكَلِّفُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا
"We do not burden any soul beyond its capacity."
This principle acts as a compassionate canopy, shielding individuals from overwhelming obligations. Interpretation of this verse emphasises that God, with infinite wisdom, imposes duties not exceeding human ability to facilitate obedience. This concept aligns with Surah At-Talaq (65:7) which stresses the proportionality of duty to human capacity. This divine mercy refreshes the human heart like spring rain.
The Quran stresses justice in speech, even when addressing relatives:
وَإِذَا قُلْتُمْ فَاعْدِلُوا وَلَوْ كَانَ ذَا قُرْبَىٰ
"And when you speak, be just, even if it concerns a close relative."
This command is like a clear mirror, inviting individuals to fairness in speech and refraining from bias. Criticism of unsubstantiated claims regarding justice, such as judgement between historical figures, demonstrates the necessity of practical adherence to this principle. Justice in speech, like a fragrant flower, fills societys atmosphere with the scent of honesty.
This principle is consistent with Surah An-Nisa (4:135) which emphasises fairness in testimony. Just speech forms the foundation of social trust and the avoidance of moral corruption.
The final injunction of this verse concerns fulfilling Gods covenant:
وَبِعَهْدِ اللَّهِ أَوْفُوا
"And fulfil the covenant of God."
The divine covenant, like an eternal pact, binds humanity to accept monotheism and adhere to divine commandments. Criticism of certain theological views that consider covenant fulfilment as recommended rather than obligatory emphasises this human duty. This principle aligns with Surah Al-Araf (7:172) which speaks of humanitys primordial covenant with God. Fulfilment of the covenant is like a strong bridge leading humanity towards felicity.
Belief in the physical presence of the Imams in their graves and certain pilgrimages without rational basis have sometimes fostered superstitions alien to the spirit of the Holy Quran. This perspective is not a denial of the spiritual value of pilgrimage but an invitation to a correct understanding of the Imams station. The Quran, in Surah Al-Imran (3:169), refers to the spiritual life of the martyrs, a life not dependent on physical location. This critique acts like a cool breeze, clearing the mind of superstitious dust and guiding it towards rationality.
The Holy Quran introduces these principles as the Straight Path:
ذَٰلِكُمْ وَصَّاكُمْ بِهِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَذَكَّرُونَ
"That is what He has enjoined upon you so that you may take heed."
These commandments, like stars in the firmament of guidance, serve as a beacon for all humanity, regardless of religion or creed. The Straight Path is like a luminous road leading to justice, trustworthiness, and covenant fulfilment. These principles correspond with the concept of innate disposition (fitrah) mentioned in Surah Ar-Rum (30:30) and underscore the universality of these values.
Failure to observe these principles results in social collapse like a devastating storm. Exploitation of orphan properties, shortchanging, and injustice in speech scatter social trust like fallen autumn leaves. The Quran, in Surah Al-Maidah (5:13), identifies breach of covenant as a cause of corruption. Observance of these principles builds a firm edifice establishing order and justice in society.
Verse 3:152 of Surah Al-Imran, like a precious treasure, teaches the fundamental principles of ethical and social life to humanity. These principlesfrom safeguarding orphans properties to justice in transactions and speech, from proportionate duty to covenant fulfilmentopen a clear path towards felicity. Its critique of superstition and emphasis on rationality transform this verse into a lamp guiding in the modern world. These principles, like steadfast pillars, found a just and elevated society and guide humanity to the Straight Path.
Supervised by Sadegh Khademi
