The Holy Quran, like a radiant lamp, illuminates the path of humanity in the realms of knowledge and spirituality. Verses 189 and 194 to 197 of Surah Al-Arf, with sagacious eloquence, address the creation of humankind, the noble purpose of marriage, and a critique of polytheism and superstition. These verses constitute an invitation to contemplate the system of creation and to repudiate all that places anything other than the One God in the position of worship. In this treatise, through a profound and methodical approach, we elucidate these verses to guide the reader towards a pristine understanding of monotheism and divine wisdom. These reflections are composed in a fluent and orderly manner, aiming to provide profound knowledge while directing heart and soul towards the sublime truth.
"He is the One who created you from a single soul and from it made its mate, so that he might find tranquillity in her. And when he covered her, she bore a light burden and passed through it. Then, when it grew heavy, they both invoked their Lord, saying, 'If You grant us a righteous offspring, we shall surely be among the grateful.'"
This verse, like a clear mirror, reflects the divine wisdom in the creation of humankind and the bond of marriage. The creation of humanity from a single soul signifies the fundamental unity of all humans and their intrinsic solidarity. The purpose of marriage, manifested in the phrase li-yaskun ilayh (so that he might find tranquillity in her), is tranquillity and alleviation of loneliness. This tranquillity, akin to a gentle breeze, soothes the human spirit and guides it from the chaos of solitude towards the safe harbour of coexistence.
The verse poetically depicts the stages of the conjugal bond: from the initial union to a light pregnancy and then to the heaviness of burden, symbolising the increasing responsibility of parenthood. The joint supplication of Adam and Eve for a righteous child attests to their awareness of divine grace and gratitude for it. This prayer, like a green branch, signifies hope for a bright future and the upbringing of a worthy generation.
Following this, the text critiques the customs of the pre-Islamic era, particularly the practice of mahr (dowry). Mahriyeh, which finds no basis in the Holy Quran, originated from the social conditions of the Jahiliyyah period, when women were deprived of social and economic rights. At that time, the dowry acted as a shield protecting women from social harms. However, in todays world, where women have attained independence and capability, imposing this custom is like an unnecessary burden upon the conjugal bond. Religious knowledge, which ought to illuminate the understanding of truth, has sometimes fallen prey to repeating ancient customs and thus distanced itself from the dynamic spirit of the Quran.
This critique serves as a wake-up call, urging reconsideration of social traditions and alignment with Quranic wisdom. Marriage, in the view of the Holy Quran, is a covenant for tranquillity and synergy, not a material transaction weighed down by a heavy dowry.
Summary of Part One
This section, reflecting on verse 189 of Surah Al-Arf, described the creation of humanity and the wisdom of marriage as two wings of ascent towards perfection. Tranquillity, like a precious gem, is the aim of this bond, and the critique of pre-Islamic customs such as the dowry is an invitation to return to the spirit of the Holy Quran. The supplication of Adam and Eve for a righteous child is a sign of human responsibility towards divine blessings and gratitude for them.
"Indeed, those whom you invoke besides Allah are servants like yourselves. So invoke them and let them respond to you, if you should be truthful."
This verse, like a sharp sword, decisively breaks theoretical and practical polytheism. The partners, whether humans or idols, are all creatures equal to other beings, devoid of any independent power. Invoking partners is like shouting into an empty desert where no reply but silence is forthcoming. This verse invites humans to contemplate the impotence of partners and the grandeur of the One Creator.
"Do they have feet with which they walk? Or hands with which they grasp? Or eyes with which they see? Or ears with which they hear? Say: Call upon your partners; then devise your plan against me, but do not give me respite."
With an ironic and mocking tone, this verse portrays the impotence of stone and wooden idols. These idols, as soulless objects, lack any vital attribute. The repetitive questions in the verse flow like a turbulent wave, challenging the ignorance of polytheists who worship these lifeless objects. Invoking partners is like beating on a hollow drum that yields nothing but an empty sound.
"Indeed, my protector is Allah, who has sent down the Book, and He is the one who takes care of the righteous."
This verse, like a lantern in darkness, introduces divine guardianship as the only true refuge. God, who revealed the heavenly Book, is the guardian and supporter of the righteous. This guardianship is like a steadfast shelter, protecting humans from the harm of polytheism and deviation, guiding them towards salvation.
"And those whom you invoke besides Him cannot help you, nor can they help themselves."
With resolute wording, this verse declares the inability of partners to assist themselves or others. Partners, whether lifeless idols or mortal humans, are like fleeting shadows with no power of succour. This reality, like a burning fire, reduces any illusion in worshipping other than God to ashes.
The text further critiques animal worship, such as that of dogs or canaries in some cultures. This form of polytheism, present in societies including parts of Europe or certain areas of Iran, signals deviation from monotheism. Although animals possess vital attributes, they are creatures powerless before the One Creator. Worshipping them is like wandering down a dead-end alley, distancing humans from the truth.
Additionally, the worship of phallic symbols in certain religions, such as those observed in India, denotes a profound deviation from human nature. These practices, rooted in ignorance and blind imitation, are incompatible with reason and Quranic wisdom. The Holy Quran, as a wise guide, calls humanity from these deviations towards pure monotheism.
Summary of Part Two
This section, reflecting on verses 194 to 197 of Surah Al-Arf, addressed the critique of polytheism and elucidation of pure monotheism. Partners, whether lifeless idols or humans, lack any power, and worshipping them is like being lost in darkness. Divine guardianship alone is the true refuge leading humans to the light. The critique of cultural deviationsfrom animal worship to phallic venerationis an invitation to reconsider beliefs and return to Quranic understanding.
The narrator, with profound experience in Mecca, observes the cultural and religious diversity among pilgrims. This experience, like a mirror, reflects the deviations and behavioural differences within Islamic societies. Variations in dress, conduct, and beliefs demonstrate estrangement from the unified Quranic understanding. These observations act as a wake-up call to return to pure monotheism and avoid blind imitation.
In the narrators reflections, the Kabah is regarded not as a deity but as a symbol for monotheism. Worshipping the Kabah, like venerating a stone idol, signifies ignorance and deviation. The Kabah, as a signpost in the desert, is placed solely to guide towards the One God. This understanding, like a shining gem, liberates humans from the trap of practical polytheism.
The text also critiques superstitions and blind imitation. Superstitions, such as the veneration of sacred places or personalities, arise from imitation without investigation. These deviations grow like weeds in the garden of knowledge, distancing humans from truth. Religious knowledge, which should facilitate comprehension of truth, sometimes becomes trapped in repeating old traditions and loses the necessary vitality. The Holy Quran, like a pure spring, invites humans to research and contemplate truth.
Summary of Part Three
This section, reflecting on the narrators lived experience and critique of superstitions, emphasised the necessity of monotheistic understanding. The Kabah is only a symbol for guidance, and worshipping
