Derived from the scholarly lectures of Nekounam (may his sanctity be preserved) Session 1363
The Surah Al-Arf, akin to a profound ocean, encompasses deep monotheistic and philosophical knowledge within itself. Verses 191 to 193 of this Surah, articulated with lucid diction and clear expression, engage in a critique of polytheism and extend an invitation towards monotheism. These verses, revealed in the Makkan context, summon humankind to contemplate the impotence of the partners (shirk) and the return to the One Creator. The present treatise, relying on erudite lectures and profound reflections, endeavours to elucidate these verses from a comprehensive and epistemological perspective. Structured methodically and expressed in elegant language, it explores the concepts of monotheism, the negation of compulsion in religion, and the critique of social deviations, guiding the reader towards a deeper understanding of the Quranic truth.
أَيُشْرِكُونَ مَا لَا يَخْلُقُ شَيْئًا وَهُمْ يُخْلَقُونَ
Do they associate with Him that which creates nothing, while they themselves are created?
This verse explicitly and eloquently challenges polytheism. The partners, whether lifeless idols or humans ensnared in illusions of power, are themselves created beings and utterly incapable of creating any phenomenon. This statement, like a clear mirror, lays bare the truth of monotheism in divine creatorship and negates any independent power except God. This principle constitutes the foundation of monotheistic knowledge, which leads humanity from captivity in illusions towards freedom under the shelter of the One Creator.
وَلَا يَسْتَطِيعُونَ لَهُمْ نَصْرًا وَلَا أَنْفُسَهُمْ يَنْصُرُونَ
And they cannot give them any help, nor can they help themselves.
The second verse, with concise and forceful language, alerts to the incapacity of partners in rendering assistance. This expression strikes like lightning upon the illusions of polytheists, revealing the absolute impotence of the idols and humans who are worshipped before the divine power. This truth resonates with the expression l awla wa l quwwata ill billh (There is no power nor strength except with God), directing humanity towards reliance upon the One Creator.
These two verses, with clear language, demolish the foundation of polytheism and invite humankind to contemplate the impotence of partners and the grandeur of the Creator. The negation of creative power and assistance from anyone other than God acts as a guiding light illuminating the path of monotheism, leading humanity from captivity in illusions to freedom under the shelter of divine unity.
وَإِنْ تَدْعُوهُمْ إِلَى الْهُدَى لَا يَتَّبِعُوكُمْ سَوَاءٌ عَلَيْكُمْ أَدْعَوْتُمُوهُمْ أَمْ أَنْتُمْ صَامِتُونَ
And if you call them to guidance, they do not follow you; it is the same for you whether you call them or remain silent.
This verse, like a celestial call, proclaims the futility of inviting the partners to guidance. Partners, whether the lifeless idols to whom the address is virtually directed, or humans engulfed in illusions of polytheism, do not respond to the call of truth due to their remoteness from reality. This statement invites humans to reflect on the limits of invitation and the importance of free will in accepting guidance.
The phrase sawun alaykum adawtumhum am antum mitn (It is the same for you whether you call them or remain silent) acts as a precise scale, equating the two poles of invitation and silence. Although calling to guidance is a divine duty, it becomes fruitless in the face of those who lack the will to accept the truth. Silence, while reducing conflict and confrontation, may be construed as negligence in religious propagation. This duality, like two paths before the seeker, each with its merits and demerits, encourages contemplation on the manner of inviting to truth.
The Quran, by emphasising the futility of inviting the polytheists, strengthens the principle l ikrha f al-dn (There is no compulsion in religion, Quran 2:256). Compulsion in religion, like a seed cast into barren soil, not only fails to yield fruit but leads to resistance and estrangement from truth. Guidance, as a precious gem, only flourishes in the soil of human will and choice.
This section, based on verse 193, elucidates the futility of inviting the partners to guidance and the equivalence of calling and silence. This discourse summons humanity to wisdom in invitation, avoidance of compulsion, and attention to the role of will in guidance. These verses, like a glowing torch, illuminate the path of monotheism and liberation from polytheistic delusions.
Coercion to impose religion resembles a fierce wind that breaks delicate branches; instead of guidance, it leads to deviation and resistance. Imposing religious beliefs, such as forcing prayer or excessive rigor, contradicts the merciful spirit of the Quran. Such behaviour, like a dam blocking the flow of guidance, distances humans from truth.
Authoritarian and domineering behaviours act as thorns in the foot of society, resulting in individuals estrangement from religion and community. Rooted in alienation from Quranic knowledge, these behaviours conflict with the principle of human dignity and divine mercy. A society dominated by coercion is like a garden without water, heading towards desiccation and decay.
Repeated admonition and compulsion, especially in child-rearing, resemble torrential rain that destroys rather than refreshes. Psychologically, such behaviours induce feelings of reproach, resistance, and alienation from religion. Invitation to faith should be like a gentle breeze, accompanied by love and wisdom, opening hearts to truth.
Freedom in the family environment, akin to fertile soil, provides the ground for proper growth and education. Forcing children to leave home or imposing excessive religious strictness leads them towards unhealthy behaviours. Freedom combined with wise guidance acts as a light in the darkness, facilitating spiritual growth.
This section, by critiquing coercion, male dominance, and compulsion in religion, emphasises the necessity of returning to Quranic teachings. These verses invite humans to avoid behaviours contrary to divine mercy and to recognise the role of love and wisdom in guidance.
Practical polytheism, like a dark shadow, even roots itself among those who consider themselves believers. Oppression, lying, and theft, originating from ingratitude and distancing from monotheism, lead to spiritual impurity. This deviation acts as a poison within the soul of society, weakening faith.
Sins such as lying, oppression, and theft stain the mirror of the heart with spiritual impurity. According to traditions, a true believer does not lie: l wallh, l wallh, l wallh. This statement acts like a sharp sword, separating truth of faith from hypocrisy.
Habitual sin acts as a veil over the eyes of the perceptive heart, preventing recognition of spiritual impurity. This habit, akin to a chronic disease, deceives a person into imagining purity and bars reformation.
Repentance is like a
