The Holy Quran, a pristine fountain of knowledge and guidance, directs humanity towards pure monotheism and liberation from the shackles of polytheism and superstition. Verses 190 and 191 of Surah Al-Araf, like a luminous mirror, depict the reality of monotheism and the futility of polytheism. This treatise, through contemplation upon these radiant verses, undertakes a profound examination of the concepts of monotheism, the incapacity of partners (associates), and a critique of deviations resulting from blind imitation and superstitions. The objective is an invitation to a deep understanding of the Holy Quran and a return to Divine Compassion, which shines like a light in the darkness of ignorance and deviation.
Verses 190 and 191 of Surah Al-Araf respectively refer to human deviation after receiving Divine blessings and the incapacity of partners in creation. These verses, in a lucid expression, invite humanity to reflect on the reality of monotheism and distance from polytheism.
Then when He granted them a righteous son, they set up partners for Him in that which He had given them. Exalted is Allah above what they associate.
Do they associate with Him that which does not create anything, while they themselves are created?
Verse 190 addresses practical polytheism by referring to human ingratitude after receiving Divine blessings. Humanity, like a traveller resting in the shade of Divine favours, sometimes slips towards polytheism instead of gratitude. This polytheism manifests at times in the form of ingratitude, oppression, or blatant extravagance. Verse 191, by emphasising the incapacity of partners in creation, exposes the futility of theoretical polytheism. Partners, whether idols or sanctified humans, are themselves created and possess no power of creation.
The Holy Quran, by emphasising and they are created, considers all beings as created and devoid of independent authority. This principle aligns with the phrase There is no power nor might except by Allah, which, like a radiant flame, illuminates the reality of monotheism. Humans, prophets, and saints are all, in comparison to Divine greatness, like a drop against the vast ocean.
The discussed verses invite humanity to reflect on pure monotheism and avoidance of polytheism. Polytheism, whether in the form of practical ingratitude or belief in the independent power of entities other than God, is incompatible with the truth of monotheism. These verses, like a guiding lamp, illuminate the path towards Divine knowledge.
Practical polytheism appears as a dark shadow in human ingratitude after receiving Divine blessings. The Holy Quran censures this deviation by referring to the children of Adam. Humans sometimes, instead of gratitude, turn towards oppression and extravagance, distancing themselves from the One Creator.
Theoretical polytheism stems from belief in independent authority other than God. Sometimes, humans attribute independent power to prophets or saints instead of God. This belief, like a veil of dust over the hearts mirror, obscures the truth of monotheism. For instance, attributing healing or power to Imams without referring to God is theoretical polytheism.
Humans, in relation to God, are like the neutral (nol) in relation to the phase (faz). The neutral only serves as a medium for power transfer, while the principal power originates from the phase, i.e., God. Human will and action are effective within the framework of Divine will, but ultimate causality returns to God. This analogy, like a golden key, clarifies the relationship between humans and God in monotheism.
Polytheism, whether practical or theoretical, distances humans from the truth of monotheism. By understanding the incapacity of partners and complete dependence on God, humans can progress towards pure monotheism. This section, by critiquing polytheism, paves the way for deeper comprehension of monotheism.
Superstitions such as unlimited intercession equivalent to the grains of the desert have grown like weeds in the garden of religion. These beliefs contradict the Quranic principle of individual responsibility, which states: So whoever does an atoms weight of good will see it. Such superstitions result from cultural deviations and colonial influences that have shifted religion from Divine Compassion towards mere majesty.
Imitation without investigation acts like a chain binding reason, trapping humans in superstition and erroneous habits. Habitual imitation hinders intellectual growth and understanding of the Quranic truth. Humans must proceed towards truth through reasoning and research.
Violent behaviours, such as breaking doors in shrines or unethical acts, result from estrangement from Divine Compassion and improper education. Religion, as a clear spring, is founded on kindness and mercy, but distortions have attributed violence to it.
Superstitions, blind imitation, and violence are all religious deviations that distance humans from pure monotheism. A return to precise understanding of the Holy Quran and avoidance of improper habits is the path to liberation from these deviations.
The Holy Quran is not only for recitation but also for action and contemplation. Precise understanding of the verses and their implementation in life guides humans towards Divine Compassion. The Quran must be practiced, that is, manifested in conduct and behaviour.
God, in the phrase In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful, introduces Himself with the attributes of compassion and mercy. These attributes, like two wings of flight, lead humanity towards kindness and Divine guidance. Distortion of these attributes towards mere majesty is incompatible with Quranic truth.
Some attribute the Quranic speech to the Prophet through pseudo-scientific arguments. This view contradicts the revelatory principle of the Quran. The Holy Quran is Divine speech revealed through the Prophet (peace be upon him), whose authenticity is confirmed by historical and epistemological evidence.
Understanding and acting upon the Holy Quran saves humans from superstitions and deviations. Divine Compassion, as a guiding light, illuminates the path to pure monotheism and a life founded on kindness.
Verses 190 and 191 of Surah Al-Araf, like a blazing torch, illuminate the reality of monotheism and the futility of polytheism. These verses invite humanity to reflect on the incapacity of partners, complete dependence on God, and avoidance of superstitions and blind imitation. Pure monotheism, through acceptance of There is no power nor might except by Allah and adherence to the Holy Quran, guides humans from the darkness of ignorance and deviation towards light. Critique of practical and theoretical polytheism, superstitions, and violence underscores the necessity of returning to Divine Compassion and precise Quranic understanding. This treatise, through contemplation on these verses, facilitates a deeper comprehension of religion and human responsibility.
Supervised by Sadegh Khademi
