Interpretation: Elucidation of Practical Monotheism and Social Ethics in Verses 197 to 199 of Surah Al-A'raf
of Nokounam, (Session 1365)
Preface
Verses 197 to 199 of Surah Al-A'raf illuminate, like a guiding lamp, the path of pure monotheism and ethical living before mankind. These verses, by elucidating the incapacity of partners (associates), critiquing polytheism and superstitions, and providing directives for a monotheistic life, guide humanity towards Divine Mercy and away from deviations. In this treatise, with profound insight into these verses, their monotheistic, ethical, and social concepts are examined with clear and dignified language. This exposition, inspired by the teachings of religious scholars, is structured so as to establish a deep connection with the Holy Qur'an while presenting practical solutions for faithful living. Like a tree rooted in the soil of monotheism and its branches reaching the heavens of ethics, this text aims to integrate Qur'anic concepts into the daily life of humanity.
Part One: The Incapacity of Associates and Critique of Polytheism
Explanation of Verse 197: The Incapacity of Associates to Aid
وَالَّذِينَ تَدْعُونَ مِنْ دُونِهِ لَا يَسْتَطِيعُونَ نَصْرَكُمْ وَلَا أَنْفُسَهُمْ يَنْصُرُونَ
"And those whom you invoke besides Him cannot assist you, nor can they assist themselves."
This verse, like a sharp sword, reveals the falsehood of polytheism. Associates, whether lifeless idols or humans worshipped instead of God, possess no power to help themselves or others. This reality acts as a mirror reflecting the dependence of all creation on the One Creator. The principle "There is no power nor might except through Allah" is manifested in this verse; no force exists except the Divine power to effect change or influence. If a human seeks refuge in beings other than God, it is like leaning on a decayed branch while standing at the edge of a precipice.
Key Point: Associates, whether lifeless idols or humans, lack any independent power. Monotheism necessitates the negation of all power and efficacy except that which belongs to God.
Explanation of Verse 198: The Futility of Invoking Idols
وَإِنْ تَدْعُوهُمْ إِلَى الْهُدَى لَا يَسْمَعُوا وَتَرَاهُمْ يَنْظُرُونَ إِلَيْكَ وَهُمْ لَا يُبْصِرُونَ
"And if you call them to guidance, they do not hear; and you see them looking at you while they do not see."
This verse employs profound irony to depict the inability of idols to hear or see. Idols, whom polytheists regard as their intercessors, lack both attentive ears and discerning eyes. This Qur'anic mockery acts as a mental prod to polytheists who have emotionally clung to inanimate objects. The incapacity of idols to perceive is a sign of the ignorance of those who seek refuge in them instead of God. This verse invites mankind to step from the darkness of polytheism into the light of monotheism.
Key Point: Idols lack perception and capacity to respond. Polytheism is the outcome of ignorance and estrangement from the truth of monotheism.
Part Two: Practical Directives for Monotheistic Living
Explanation of Verse 199: Forgiveness, Enjoining Good, and Turning Away from the Ignorant
خُذِ الْعَفْوَ وَأْمُرْ بِالْعُرْفِ وَأَعْرِضْ عَنِ الْجَاهِلِينَ
"Pardoning, enjoining what is right, and turning away from the ignorant."
This verse, like a guiding map, presents three fundamental principles for a faithful life: forgiveness, enjoining good, and turning away from the ignorant. Forgiveness, meaning overlooking others' faults, is like a breeze that extinguishes the fire of resentment. Enjoining good, here referring to socially commendable behaviour rather than merely religious rulings, directs humanity towards societal reform. Turning away from the ignorant signifies respectful avoidance of those lacking moral and social standards. These three principles, like three pillars, uphold the edifice of a monotheistic life.
Key Point: Forgiveness, social enjoining of good, and respectful avoidance of the ignorant constitute three pillars of monotheistic living that draw a person nearer to Divine Mercy.
Forgiveness: Mercy in Conduct
Forgiveness, implying pardon for faults, not only prevents rancour and conflict but also manifests Divine Mercy within the human soul. This principle invites humans to, like a deep ocean, absorb the faults of others and graciously forgive them. Forgiveness is not a sign of weakness but an indication of spiritual strength liberating one from the traps of anger and vengeance.
Enjoining Good: Social Reform
"Good" in this verse refers to socially commendable behaviours consistent with societal norms and culture. This concept transcends religious obligations such as prayer and fasting, addressing social behavioural reform. For example, if a woman exposes her adornment in public, enjoining good in this context means respectfully reminding her of social norms rather than imposing religious rulings. This principle acts as a torch lighting the way to societal improvement.
Key Point: "Good" entails socially commendable behaviours that align with cultural norms and contribute to the improvement of human relations.
Turning Away from the Ignorant: Wisdom in Interaction
Turning away from the ignorant implies respectful distancing from those lacking ethical and social criteria. "Ignorant" here does not merely mean uneducated but rather one deprived of comprehension of social norms and ethics. This avoidance is enacted through behaviours such as greeting, providing financial help, or showing respect to prevent conflict with the ignorant. This principle acts as a shield protecting the individual from entanglement in the ignorance of others.
For instance, when encountering a foolish person, instead of confrontation or humiliation, one may maintain distance through a warm greeting or small assistance. Such behaviour not only prevents dispute but also demonstrates wisdom and prudence in social relations. The ignorant may be literate but lack profound ethical and social understanding. Hence, respectful avoidance preserves inner and social peace.
Key Point: Turning away from the ignorant with kindness and respect exemplifies wisdom and prudence in social interactions and prevents unnecessary conflicts.
Part Three: Practical Monotheism and the Concept of Divine Co-Presence
The Whispering of Satan and Seeking Refuge in God
وَإِمَّا يَنْزَغَنَّكَ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ نَزْغٌ فَاسْتَعِذْ بِاللَّهِ إِنَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ
"And if an incitement from Satan causes you to falter, then seek refuge in God; surely He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing."
This verse calls mankind to seek refuge in God against the whisperings of Satan. The term nazgh denotes infiltration, provocation, or temptation through which Satan attempts to divert a person towards deviation. Seeking refuge in God acts as a sanctuary that protects the individual from such temptations. God, as the All-Hearing and All-Knowing, is ever ready to listen and assist His servants. This principle guides mankind to reliance and practical monotheism.
Key Point: Seeking refuge in God is the sole remedy against Satan's temptations. God, the All-Hearing and All-Knowing, is perpetually near His servants.
Divine Co-Presence (Jal' al-Mumathil): Accompanying God in All Actions
The concept of Jal' al-Mumathil (Divine co-presence), meaning God's accompaniment in all actsfrom breathing to worshipdirects humans towards practical monotheism. One must perceive God as a constant companion, like a friend never departing. This companionship deters self-centeredness and reliance on one's own strength, teaching that every deed, from eating and sleeping to praying, gains meaning through the remembrance of God.
For instance, if a person intends to unscrew a bolt, like a wrench operating by hand, they should envision God as accompanying this action. God is the true power granting ability to humans. Without this companionship, a person resembles a bird without wings unable to fly in the sky.
Key Point: Divine co-presence entails God's accompaniment in every action, guiding humanity from self-centeredness to practical monotheism.
Critique of Self-Centrism and Reliance on One's Own Strength
Many of humanitys hardships arise from reliance on self-ability and neglecting God. Self-centeredness is like a barrier depriving a person of the light of monotheism. A believer must breathe each breath with remembrance of God, take every step with reliance upon Him, and consume every morsel in His name. This principle leads humans from the darkness of self-centeredness towards the light of monotheism.
Key Point: Self-centeredness underlies many human problems. Practical monotheism, through Divine companionship in all matters, frees humanity from this trap.
Part Four: Spiritual Experiences and Intimacy with God
The Experience of Prayer in Sleep
One spiritual experience mentioned in these lectures is performing prayer during sleep. The narrator recounts seeing himself praying in a dream but doubting whether he performed ablution or not. Nevertheless, he completes the prayer and upon awakening, performs ablution and prays again. This experience mirrors the importance of sincere intention and intimacy with God. Prayer, even in sleep, if accompanied by pure intention and remembrance of God, holds spiritual value.
This experience exemplifies Divine co-presence in worship. Even in sleep, if a person is accompanied by God, their worship is accepted. This narration is like a flower blossoming in the garden of monotheism, spreading the fragrance of intimacy with God.
Key Point: Intimacy with God, even in sleep, imparts meaning to worship. Pure intention is the key to acceptance of deeds.
Critique of Habitual Sinning
Habitual sinning resembles a dust settling upon the mirror of the human heart, preventing perception of spiritual impurity. One accustomed to sin lives in darkness, unable to see the light. Repeated repentance and uttering "There is no deity but Allah" is the path to liberation from this darkness. Repentance is like clear water cleansing the heart from the impurity of sin and guiding it towards the light of monotheism.
Key Point: Habitual sin blinds one from perceiving the truth. Repentance and return to monotheism are the means of purification.
Critique of Superstitions and Blind Imitation
Superstitions and blind imitation are chains that bind humanity in the prison of ignorance. Religious knowledge, without precise investigation and understanding, may lead
