Surah Al-An'am, a luminous gem within the Qur'anic corpus, with its concluding verses (164-165), extends a profound invitation to contemplate divine lordship (Tawhid al-Rububiyyah), individual responsibility, and the divine trial in the presence of blessings. These verses, like a clear mirror, portray the essence of human existence before its Lord and beckon one to reconsider one's beliefs and deeds. In this treatise, through an in-depth examination of these verses, we have endeavoured to elucidate the exalted concepts of monotheism, divine justice, and the critique of polytheism and egoism within a coherent framework and with lucid language. These reflections not only serve as guidance for understanding Quranic knowledge but also constitute an invitation towards self-awareness and inner transformation.
Emphasis on the Absolute Divine Lordship
Key Point: Monotheism as the Foundation of Existence
Divine lordship, like a steadfast pillar, upholds the entire system of existence and negates any partner for God. This principle directs humanity toward recognising the One Lord and deters the worship of self-constructed idols.
"Say: Shall I choose other than Allah as my Lord, while He is the Lord of all things?" (Qur'an, Surah Al-An'am, 6:164)
This verse, like a celestial call, summons the Prophet to proclaim dissociation from polytheism and to adhere to monotheistic lordship. The phrase "He is the Lord of all things" shines forth as a blazing torch, revealing God's absolute lordship over all creationfrom humans to nature and even self-fashioned idols. This emphasis invalidates any claimant to lordship other than God and guides humanity towards true monotheism. The concept of "Lord of Lords" stands as a lofty pinnacle, demonstrating God's supremacy over all pretenders of lordship and considering polytheism a deviation from existential truth. From the perspective of philosophy of religion, this verse underscores the unity of lordship and negates any duality in worship, as if inviting humanity from worshipping imaginary shadows toward the light of truth.
Principle of Individual Justice
Key Point: Responsibility as the Mirror of Actions
Every human being is like a gardener who harvests the fruits of their own deeds. This principle invites the individual to reflect on their conduct and to accept its consequences.
"And no soul earns [evil] except against itself." (Qur'an, Surah Al-An'am, 6:164)
This verse, like a just ruling, stresses individual responsibility for one's actions. Every deed, whether good or evil, is like a seed sown in the soil of human existence, whose fruit returns to its planter. The lecture text emphasises that the deeds of polytheists and unbelievers, due to their estrangement from monotheism, are entirely to their detriment. Even apparently good acts, without the foundation of monotheism, hold no value before God. This principle acts as a clear mirror, inviting individuals to reassess their intentions and conduct. From the viewpoint of moral philosophy, this verse highlights individual justice within the divine system and elevates responsibility as the basis for human spiritual growth.
Divine Justice in Sin and Reward
Key Point: Justice as a Shield Against Excuses
Divine justice, like a precise scale, holds each individual solely accountable for their own deeds and removes excuses from humankind.
"And no bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another." (Qur'an, Surah Al-An'am, 6:164)
This verse, like a decisive ruling, elucidates the principle of divine justice in not imposing the sin of others upon an individual. Each person is responsible only for their own conduct and cannot attribute their sins to others or social circumstances. This principle acts as a key that unlocks the padlock of excuse-making and summons the individual to ethical self-awareness. The lecture emphasizes that even within polytheistic societies, one cannot be held accountable for anothers sins, thereby encouraging acceptance of ones own responsibility. From a theological perspective, this verse refers to free will and individual accountability, guiding humans away from blaming others toward self-reform.
Divine Reckoning and Resolution of Disputes
Key Point: Return as the Ultimate Destination
The world is like a caravan whose destination is the Divine Court. The return to God makes a person aware of the truth of their deeds.
"Then to your Lord is your return; and He will inform you concerning that over which you used to differ." (Qur'an, Surah Al-An'am, 6:165)
This verse, like a divine map, considers the ultimate destination of humanity as the return to the Lord. This world is a temporary provision whose final reckoning occurs in the Hereafter. The disputes among humans regarding idolatry, polytheism, or erroneous beliefs will be resolved before God. The lecture text likens this world to a labourer receiving an advance, with the final account at the end of the term. This metaphor acts as a mirror illustrating the temporality of this world and the certainty of the Resurrection. From the philosophy of eschatology, this verse points to divine justice on the Day of Judgement when all disputes will be fully resolved.
Self-Exaltation as an Obstacle to Monotheism
Key Point: Polytheism as a Veil over Truth
Polytheism is like a mist that clouds the mirror of the heart and deprives a person of the light of monotheism.
The lecture text regards polytheism not only as the worship of material idols but also as egoism and claims of superiority in beliefs. Polytheists, proudly venerating their idols, have distanced themselves from the truth of monotheism. This self-exaltation is like a wind that drags the individual from the safe shore of monotheism to the sea of misguidance. From the standpoint of religious psychology, polytheism is a form of belief narcissism that prevents humility before God. This critique highlights the necessity of self-knowledge and renouncing egoism.
Free Will as a Sign of God's Power
Key Point: Freedom as the Arena of Trial
Human freedom is like a field in which, through their choices, one weaves their own destiny.
The lecture emphasizes human free will in this world alongside God's absolute power in the final reckoning. God has granted humans freedom to perform any action, but the outcomes of these actions are inevitable. This freedom is like a thread by which humans weave their own fate. Unlike human frailty, God does not seize humans immediately but will hold them accountable on the Day of Judgement. From the philosophy of free will, this perspective indicates a balance between human freedom and divine justice.
Divine Caliphate and the Test of Blessings
Key Point: Caliphate as Divine Responsibility
Humanity, as God's vicegerent on earth, is tested with blessings and differences in status to demonstrate their worthiness.
"And He it is Who made you successors upon the earth and raised some of you above others in degrees [of rank] that He may try you through what He has given you." (Qur'an, Surah Al-An'am, 6:165)
This verse regards humans as Gods caliphs on earth, tested through differences in rank (wealth, power, knowledge). These distinctions serve as tools in the hands of the Divine Architect for assessing human merit. The lecture stresses that all creation are Gods deputies, but their ranks differ so that the trial of blessings can measure them. From a social philosophy perspective, this verse alludes to divine wisdom in the distribution of blessings and human responsibility toward them.
Balance Between Punishment and Forgiveness
Key Point: Mercy and Justice as Divine Wings
Divine justice and mercy, like two wings, protect humanity from despair and arrogance, guiding them toward repentance and reform.
"Indeed, your Lord is swift in punishment, and indeed, He is Forgiving and Merciful." (Qur'an, Surah Al-An'am, 6:165)
This verse, like a divine scale, places Gods justice (swift punishment) and mercy (forgiving, merciful) side by side. The lecture highlights that God both recompenses sins and forgives. This equilibrium, like a cool breeze, spares humanity from despair and arrogance and directs them toward repentance and self-improvement. From a theological standpoint, this verse reflects the balance between divine justice and mercy.
Repetition of History and Divine Warning
Key Point: Decline as a Warning Bell
Social decadence is like a fountain that, once filled, topples over. This warning calls humanity to self and societal reform.
The lecture points to the increase of evils in society such as suicide, theft, and injustice, citing the repetition of history and downfall of misguided communities. The example of an individual committing suicide claiming spiritual enlightenment indicates religious and social deviations. This decadence is like a fountain that collapses once overflowing. From a sociological perspective, this critique refers to estrangement from monotheism and moral decline in modern societies, serving as a caution for the reform of individual and collective conduct.
Soft-heartedness as the Key to Faith
Key Point: Soft-heartedness as the Path to Salvation
Soft-heartedness, like a clear stream, cleanses the human heart from hardness and guides one towards God and His creation.
The lecture, referring to human heart's hardness, prays that hearts soften during Ramadan and become compassionate towards God and His creation. This prayer, like a spiritual breeze, encompasses all humanityfrom the righteous to the sinnersand emphasises human unity. From the perspective of religious psychology, soft-heartedness is a prerequisite for faith and divine connection, highlighting the necessity of inner transformation and empathy towards others.
Verses 164-165 of Surah Al-An'am, like a radiant torch, illuminate the path of monotheism, responsibility, and divine trial. These verses, by explicating Gods absolute lordship, individual justice, and return to Him, invite humanity to self-awareness and reform. The critique of polytheism, egoism, and social decadence indicates the necessity to revisit beliefs and behaviours. The prayer for soft-heartedness serves as the key that opens the doors of faith and solidarity. These reflections guide humanity toward a spiritual and responsible life, calling it to contemplate its position before the Lord.
Under the supervision of Sadegh Khademi
