of Nokounam, (Session 1275)
Surah Al-Arf, one of the Meccan chapters of the Holy Quran, addresses fundamental human issues with profound insight, ranging from the fall of Adam and the deceit of Satan to the role of clothing and piety in human life. This treatise, reflecting upon the verses of this Surah, particularly verse 26, and inspired by the discourses of a learned scholar, endeavours to elucidate the deep Quranic concepts within a scientific and methodical framework. The primary themes of this analysis include a critique of humanitys primordial simplicity, the necessity of sociological and psychological knowledge for understanding religion, the distinction between culture, tradition, and superstition, and the significance of piety as an inner adornment. Presented in eloquent language and coherent structure, this work aims to convey Quranic notions with a novel perspective and profound linkage to contemporary social life.
The Holy Quran in Surah Al-Arf introduces Adam as Gods vicegerent, yet his primordial simplicityand that of Evewhich arises from a lack of social experience, becomes the ground for Iblss deception. This simplicity, reflected in Adams forgetfulness in the phrase فَنَسِيَ (Th: 115), indicates humanitys need for social knowledge and experience to resist temptations.
وَلَقَدْ خَلَقْنَاكُمْ ثُمَّ صَوَّرْنَاكُمْ ثُمَّ قُلْنَا لِلْمَلَائِكَةِ اسْجُدُوا لِآدَمَ
We created you, then fashioned you, then commanded the angels: Prostrate before Adam. (Al-Arf: 11)
This verse demonstrates Adams exalted status; however, his forgetfulness, as mentioned in Surah Th, alludes to his simplicity. As a social being, man requires sciences that shield him from Satans deception. In this regard, the emphasis on the necessity of sociology and psychology as tools to better comprehend society and human behaviour is a prominent point of this discourse.
A central point of this discussion is the critique of imitation of scholars lacking sociological and psychological knowledge. The religious scholar, entrusted with guiding society, must, through profound understanding of social and psychological structures, issue rulings appropriate to the communitys needs. Without such knowledge, religious verdicts are not only ineffective but may lead to misguidance. This perspective aligns with the verse:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُوا الرَّسُولَ وَأُولِي الْأَمْرِ مِنْكُمْ
O you who believe! Obey Allah, obey the Messenger, and those in authority among you. (An-Nis: 59)
This verse conditionally commands obedience to the authorities ir competency and awareness.
Human beings, as social entities, require knowledge that safeguards them against Satans deceptions and the complexities of society. Adams simplicity, referenced as forgetfulness in the Holy Quran, serves as a warning to contemporary humanity that without sociological and psychological knowledge, effective societal guidance is unattainable. The critique of blind imitation underscores the indispensability of scientific awareness in religious rulings.
One of the primary calls of this lecture series is the identification and differentiation of cultural phenomena, authentic traditions, and superstitions. Culture is likened to a garment that shapes the collective identity of a society, whereas superstitions are akin to weeds growing within the garden of culture that must be uprooted. For example, saying Salm Alaykum as a cultural practice is widely accepted, whereas beliefs such as combing the head to ward off illness represent superstitions born of ignorance.
The Holy Quran, in the verse:
وَمَا أُوتِيتُمْ مِنَ الْعِلْمِ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا
And you have not been given of knowledge except a little. (Al-Isr: 85)
alludes to the limitations of human knowledge and calls humanity to avoid ignorance and superstition. The humorous example of combing ones hair to repel illness points to unscientific interference in medical matters, which contradicts the Quranic emphasis on rationality as expressed in the verse:
إِنَّ فِي خَلْقِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَاخْتِلَافِ اللَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ لَآيَاتٍ لِأُولِي الْأَلْبَابِ
Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and day are signs for those of understanding. (l Imrn: 190)
The differentiation between culture, tradition, and superstition demands awareness and practice. The Holy Quran, by emphasising rationality and the limitations of human knowledge, invites mankind to eschew superstitions and strengthen authentic cultures. This distinction is particularly imperative for religious scholars to enable societal guidance.
The Holy Quran, in verse 26 of Surah Al-Arf, presents clothing as a divine blessing with two principal functions: the covering of private parts and adornment. This verse examines clothing from both material and spiritual perspectives and introduces piety as the supreme adornment.
يَا بَنِي آدَمَ قَدْ أَنْزَلْنَا عَلَيْكُمْ لِ
