Preface
The Holy Quran, as a pristine fountain of knowledge and guidance, summons humankind in its verses towards the reality of Divine Unity (Tawhid). Surah Al-Imran, particularly verse 152, portrays with profound insight and depth the relationship between human action and Divine will. This treatise, through reflection upon this verse and drawing from scholarly discourses, endeavours to systematically elucidate the epistemic layers of Divine Unity of Actions (Tawhid al-Afal) with a clear and dignified language. Its aim is to guide the reader towards a deeper understanding of their role within the cosmos and the absolute dependence of all actions upon the boundless power of God.
Exposition of the Verse and the Concept of Divine Unity of Actions
"You did not kill them, but Allah killed them." (Quran 3:152)
This noble verse explicitly and eloquently negates independent human agency in the act of killing, attributing it solely to the will and infinite power of God. Believers, though apparently the agents who struck down their enemies in battle, in truth the reality of this action belongs to God; the hands of the believers serve merely as instruments in the Divine decree. This statement reflects transparently the truth of Tawhid al-Afal, whereby every motion in existencefrom the smallest step to the greatest victoryis realised under the illumination of Divine will.
This negation of independent agency is not intended to deny the effort of believers, but rather to teach humility and caution against arrogance. Victories in battles such as Badr or Uhud do not arise from military power or martial skill, but are contingent upon Divine decree. This concept, like a radiant star in the firmament of knowledge, directs the believer towards the principle of L awla wa l quwwata ill billhthat all power and might belong solely to God.
Phase and Neutral Wire Metaphor: Philosophical Explanation of Divine Agency
To explicate this concept, a metaphor borrowed from electrical engineering is utilised: the phase and the neutral wires. The phase, akin to a driving and life-giving force, symbolises the true Divine agency, whereas the neutral, as a tool or apparent means, represents the human role in actions. Human beings, with their will and volition, serve solely as the apparatus through which Divine will is actualised, whilst the primary force, like a rushing river, originates from the Divine source.
This metaphor, presented in the lectures with accessible and tangible language, demonstrates that human will, choice, and intention, though valuable, derive their meaning only within the framework of Divine decree. Just as neutral wire is ineffective without the phase wire in an electric current, human actions cannot reach fruition without Divine will. This understanding calls humans to humility before the infinite power of God and restrains claims of independent agency.
Interpretation of the Verse Addressed to the Prophet
"And you did not throw when you threw, but it was Allah who threw." (Quran 8:17)
This part of the verse, directly addressing the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), refers to an incident in the Battle of Badr when he cast dust or pebbles towards the enemies. The Quran, employing a paradoxical expression, states: You threw, but you did not throw. This apparent contradiction serves as a key to the truth, distinguishing between apparent agency and true agency. The Prophet, as the instrument, performed an outward act, but the true actor was God, who transformed the effect of this act into the believers victory.
This address also demonstrates the exalted station of the Prophet in humility before Divine will. It is as though the Quran places the Prophet as a mirror for believers to recognise that even the highest of humans is merely an instrument in the hands of Divine decree.
The Prophet as an Instrument, Not an Independent Agent
This verse, by emphasising the Prophets role as an instrument, shows that even the actions of the Prophets, who are Divine selectees, occur within the framework of Gods will. This concept does not negate the Prophets efforts but rather highlights his greatness in complete submission and obedience to Divine will. The Prophet, like a star in the guidance firmament, illuminates the path for believers through his actions, yet the light of this guidance emanates from the Divine origin.
The Concept of a Beneficent Trial (Bal asan)
"That He might test the believers with a good test from Himself." (Quran 3:152)
This part of the verse clarifies the purpose of the believers presence on the battlefield: a beneficial trial which God has designed for their spiritual growth and elevation. This good trial is like a furnace that refines gold from impurities, polishing believers on the path of guidance and felicity. This test provides an opportunity to reveal the faith, sincerity, and perseverance of the believers, though its realisation, like all other actions, depends upon Divine will.
Believers in this process are instruments in Gods hands, partners in realising His will. This partnership is not indicative of independent agency, but cooperation under Divine decree. God, through this trial, guides believers towards perfection and grants the reward for their efforts in the form of the hereafters blessings.
The Divine Attributes of All-Hearing and All-Knowing
"Indeed, Allah is Hearing and Knowing." (Quran 3:152)
This portion, emphasising the attributes Sam (All-Hearing) and Alm (All-Knowing), affirms Gods complete awareness of the deeds, intentions, and supplications of His servants. God, like a vigilant observer, sees every whisper of the heart and every movement of the hand. This awareness forms the basis of Divine justice in reward and punishment, urging believers to sincerity in actions and trust in God.
Avoidance of Pride and Self-Glorification
The Holy Quran, by stressing You did not kill them, but Allah killed, cautions believers against boasting about their apparent capabilities. This admonition, like a refreshing breeze, clears the dust of pride from the believers heart and guides them towards humility before Divine power. Achievements, even if attained through human endeavour, ultimately depend on Gods will.
This critique is rooted in the culture of Tawhid, which rejects any form of self-centeredness. Human beings, like travellers in the caravan of existence, reach their destination only through reliance and submission to God. The claim of independent agency is like a barrier obstructing the true understanding of Tawhid.
Distinguishing Quranic Knowledge from Religious Formal Sciences
The Holy Quran, like a clear spring, offers knowledge that transcends formal sciences such as grammar, syntax, and jurisprudence. This knowledge, rooted in Tawhid, love, and purity, guides humanity towards truth and felicity. Although religious formal sciences are valuable tools for understanding sacred texts, without connection to Tawhidic knowledge, they cannot alone lead to ultimate salvation.
This distinction, like a clear line, demarcates the boundary between apparent knowledge and inner understanding. Religious educational institutions must, in order to regain their true status, become centres for nurturing faith, sincerity, and righteous action rather than merely venues for teaching formal sciences.
Critique of Cultural and Historical Influences on Religious Sciences
The lectures highlight the impact of external factors in distorting religious knowledge. These factors, by promoting formal sciences and separating them from the spirit of religion, have weakened faith and public trust in Divine knowledge. Conversely, Quranic knowledge, like a radiant sun, can correct these distortions through emphasis on Tawhid and righteous action, revitalising faith in society.
The Importance of Outer and Inner Purity
Engagement with the Holy Quran, akin to a spiritual journey, necessitates both outward and inward purity. Lawful sustenance (all bread), ablution, and sincerity are keys to unlocking the doors of Quranic knowledge, guiding one towards deep understanding and spiritual connection with this celestial book. Lawful sustenance, as a symbol of legitimate earning, signifies commitment to ethical principles in all aspects of life.
The Role of Sincerity in Understanding the Quran
Sincerity, like a light within the believers heart, illuminates the path of understanding the Quran. A person who approaches the Quran with pure intention and a clean heart sits as if in the company of angels, benefiting from Divine guidance. This sincerity liberates one from the traps of arrogance and ostentation, directing them towards the truth of Tawhid.
Reconsidering the Educational System of Religious Sciences
Although religious sciences are valuable tools for understanding Divine texts, without connection to Quranic knowledge and righteous action, they cannot alone cultivate committed scholars. Religious seminaries must shift their focus from mere formal sciences to nurturing faith, love, and public trust. Such reform, like a revitalising breeze, can breathe new life into the religious educational system.
The Holy Quran, as a living and dynamic book, must be the central axis of religious education. Seminaries should be environments where, through lawful sustenance and purity, Tawhidic knowledge is fostered, and religious scholars emerge as exemplars of faith and sincerity, thereby winning the trust and love of the people.
The exegesis of verse 152 of Surah Al-Imran, like a shining lamp, unveils the reality of Divine Unity of Actions before the eyes of the believers. This verse, with clear and profound language, clarifies the human role as an instrument in realising Divine will and cautions against pride and self-glorification. Quranic knowledge, rooted in Tawhid, purity, and sincerity, paves the way to eternal felicity. Religious sciences, to regain their true standing, must centre their teachings on this knowledge and, by cultivating committed scholars, restore faith and trust within society. This treatise, reflecting upon this verse and scholarly lectures, endeavours to present these concepts systematically and in a clear, dignified style to readers.
Supervised by Sadegh Khademi
