of Nekounam , Session 1380
The Holy Qur'an, like a radiant lamp, guides humanity on the path of guidance and salvation. The luminous verses of Surah l Imrn, through elucidating divine injunctions and ethical directives, call upon the believers towards perseverance, courage, and rationality. This treatise focuses on verses 14 and 15 of this noble surah to expound their profound and practical meanings. Inspired by the discourses of religious scholars, this examination aims to present the Qur'anic concepts in a clear and systematic manner, so as to illuminate the minds and hearts of readers with the light of knowledge like a shining gem. The content herein, with a deep perspective on social and historical conditions, analyses the roles of faith, reason, and obedience in the lives of believers and proposes guidelines for pious living in the contemporary era.
ذٰلِكُمْ فَذُوقُوهُ وَأَنَّ لِلْكَافِرِينَ عَذَابَ النَّارِ
This is your recompense; so taste it. And indeed, for the disbelievers is the punishment of the Fire.
Verse 14 decisively refers to the worldly and hereafter punishment of the disbelievers. This verse, like a clear mirror, reflects divine justice, whereby every deed receives a corresponding recompense in this world and the Hereafter.
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِذَا لَقِيتُمُ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا زَحْفًا فَلَا تُوَلُّوهُمُ الْأَدْبَارَ
O you who have believed, when you meet those who disbelieve advancing [in battle], do not turn your backs to them.
Verse 15 directly addresses the believers, exhorting them to courage and perseverance in the face of enemies. This verse, like a shining torch, illuminates the path of steadfastness on the battlefield.
Verse 14, by referring to both worldly and hereafter punishments, emphasises the divine systematic nature of retribution. Worldly punishment, like a heavy shadow, may encompass defeat, humiliation, or social afflictions, whereas the hereafter punishment, akin to eternal fire, envelops the disbelievers. This distinction demonstrates the depth of divine justice that judges every act in two realms: this world and the Hereafter.
Verse 15, with the address O you who have believed, reinforces the collective identity of the believers. The word Zahf, meaning an organised, collective advance in warfare, underscores the necessity of discipline and military preparedness. This concept, like a steadfast pillar, signifies the importance of unity and coordination within the faithful community.
Verses 14 and 15 of Surah l Imrn, in clear and resolute language, teach the believers two fundamental principles: first, divine justice which delivers retribution to disbelievers; and second, the necessity of courage and steadfastness against enemies. These verses, like two shining gems, guide the believers toward knowledge and righteous action, while emphasising the importance of unity and discipline within the community of faith.
The explicit command in verse 15, do not turn your backs, forbids the believers from fleeing the enemy. This prohibition, like a strong shield, stresses the necessity of courage and steadfastness in the battlefield. Fleeing is not only a sign of weak faith but can also lead to the collapse of the believers front. This command gains double significance when the believers are under the guidance of the Prophet or an infallible Imam, because obedience to divine leadership acts like a golden key guaranteeing victory and preserving the dignity of faith.
From this analysis, it becomes evident that the command not to flee is meaningful within the framework of divinely authorised leadership. When such leadership is present, obedience to it is obligatory, and believers must courageously persevere against enemies. However, in the absence of such leadership, the duty of religious jihad is not incumbent on believers unless reason and social conditions necessitate it.
One of the key concepts in these verses is the distinction between legitimate jihad and illegitimate wars. Legitimate jihad is an act of worship performed under the command of the Prophet or the infallible Imam, pursuing a divine objective. In contrast, illegitimate wars, which may occur for political, social, or worldly reasons, often lead to negative outcomes such as corruption, poverty, and social destruction. This distinction, like a clear boundary line, demarcates acts of worship from futile conflicts.
This section, emphasising the importance of obedience to infallible leadership and the distinction between legitimate jihad and illegitimate wars, guides believers on the path of righteous action. The discussed verses, like shining stars, stress the necessity of courage, perseverance, and adherence to divine commandments, directing believers to obey divine leadership and avoid fruitless conflicts.
In the absence of the Prophet or infallible Imam, reason serves as a guiding light and the primary criterion in decisions related to war and defence. Reason, like a precise scale, evaluates conditions and prevents believers from engaging in unnecessary conflicts. This perspective, emphasising the preservation of life and property, calls upon believers to avoid wars that result in oppression and corruption.
This principle, supported by historical experience, demonstrates that wars without legitimate religious backing often yield negative consequences such as increased poverty, corruption, and societal collapse. For instance, wars waged for political or social reasons have neither solved problems nor alleviated suffering but rather brought distress upon communities.
Illegitimate wars, like a devastating fire, destroy social foundations. Such conflicts increase immorality, orphanhood, and the destruction of social infrastructures. For example, regional wars in recent decades have not led to improved conditions but instead brought poverty, corruption, and suffering to the people. This reality serves as a clear warning, urging believers to avoid futile conflicts and focus on peace and compassion.
One of the prominent points in these verses is the critique of unconditional obedience to individuals lacking divine legitimacy. Obedience is only obligatory towards God, the Prophet, and divinely authorised guardians. Following illegitimate leaders blindly is like stepping into a dark path that leads to disastrous outcomes such as the killing of innocents and the destruction of communities. This viewpoint encourages believers to reflect and employ reason in accepting commands.
This section, by stressing the role of rationality in the absence of infallible leadership, guides believers towards prudent decision-making. Reason, like a bright torch, distinguishes the correct path from misguidance, urging believers to avoid futile conflicts. The critique of blind obedience and attention to the consequences of illegitimate wars are key messages that call believers towards peace and rationality.
وَمَنْ يُوَلِّهِمْ يَوْمَئِذٍ دُبُرَهُ إِلَّا مُتَحَرِّفًا لِقِتَالٍ أَوْ مُتَحَيِّزًا إِلَىٰ فِئَةٍ فَقَدْ بَاءَ بِغَضَبٍ مِنَ اللَّهِ وَمَأْوَاهُ جَهَنَّمُ وَبِئْسَ الْمَصِيرُ
And whoever turns his back to them that Dayexcept for tactical withdrawal or to join a companyhas certainly incurred the wrath of Allah, and his refuge is Hell and wretched is the destination.
These exceptions, like clear windows, demonstrate the flexibility of divine rulings in wartime conditions. Withdrawal for tactical purposes or joining a stronger group is not only permissible but sometimes necessary. This flexibility, like a cool breeze, alleviates the rigidity of the rulings and paves the way for strategic warfare.
Verse 16, by emphasising divine wrath and Hellfire for those who flee without just cause, manifests the Qur'ans seriousness in maintaining discipline and courage. This warning, like a wake-up bell, calls believers
