The Holy Quran, akin to a radiant lamp, illuminates the path to human felicity and conveys the secrets of guidance and salvation with profound clarity and depth. Verse 111 of Surah At-Tawbah shines like a precious gem, speaking of a divine covenant established between the Creator and His servants; a covenant by which the souls and possessions of the believers are purchased in exchange for eternal Paradise. This verse not only alludes to sacrifice and selflessness in the way of God but also, through emphasising the interconnectedness of the Abrahamic faiths, delivers a message of unity and synergy among the adherents of the divine religions. In this discourse, relying upon the contents of the lecture, this verse and related topicsincluding hypocrisy, division, and the necessity of unityare examined in a lucid and dignified language. Like a tree whose roots are embedded in the soil of faith and whose branches reach the heavens of knowledge, this text endeavours to present profound Quranic concepts in a comprehensive and coherent manner to the reader.
In the nascent Islamic community, the geographical limitations of Mecca and Medina, resembling two small islands amid a sea of disbelief and hypocrisy, compelled individuals to frequent public spaces such as mosques. This geographical proximity, which seemed to confine everyone within the narrow boundaries of a circle, facilitated the coexistence of hypocrites alongside believers. The hypocrites, who lurked like shadows within the light of faith, were compelled to feign belief and engaged in duplicity through behaviours such as performing counterfeit prayers or uttering false statements.
From a sociological standpoint, this condition can be analysed through the theory of social pressure. Environmental constraints pushed individuals towards maladaptive behaviours, as escape from this small community or concealment from others was impossible. These pressures reinforced hypocrisy as a mechanism for preserving social standing. The hypocrites, like actors on a theatrical stage, donned a mask of faith to secure a position within the community.
During that era, true believers, who shone like stars in a dark night, were exceedingly few. Names such as Salman, Abu Dhar, and Miqdad, limited to the count of a few fingers, stood out as exemplars of genuine faith. The majority of society was ensnared in the whirlpool of hypocrisy or disbelief, and after the passing of the Prophet (peace be upon him), only a scant numberperhaps fewer than the digits of two handsremained steadfast in their faith. This scarcity was more pronounced compared to the modern world, where geographical expanse conceals individuals from one anothers sight.
Historically, this situation stems from social and political pressures such as threats from the Quraysh and the conspiracies of the hypocrites. These challenges highlighted the role of religious leaders in preserving unity and guiding the community. The Prophet (peace be upon him) strove, like a shepherd amidst a scattered flock, to keep the ummah on the path of truth.
Verse 111 of Surah At-Tawbah, like a mirror reflecting the reality of faith, speaks of a divine covenant in which God purchases the souls and possessions of the believers in exchange for Paradise. This verse states with clarity and profundity:
إِنَّ اللَّهَ اشْتَرَىٰ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ أَنْفُسَهُمْ وَأَمْوَالَهُمْ بِأَنَّ لَهُمُ الْجَنَّةَ ۚ يُقَاتِلُونَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ فَيَقْتُلُونَ وَيُقْتَلُونَ ۖ وَعْدًا عَلَيْهِ حَقًّا فِي التَّوْرَاةِ وَالْإِنْجِيلِ وَالْقُرْآنِ ۚ وَمَنْ أَوْفَىٰ بِعَهْدِهِ مِنَ اللَّهِ ۚ فَاسْتَبْشِرُوا بِبَيْعِكُمُ الَّذِي بَايَعْتُمْ بِهِ ۚ وَذَٰلِكَ هُوَ الْفَوْزُ الْعَظِيمُ
Translation: Indeed, Allah has purchased from the believers their selves and their wealth [in exchange] for Paradise. They fight in the cause of Allah, so they kill and are killed. [It is] a true promise [binding] upon Him in the Torah and the Gospel and the Quran. And who is more faithful to his covenant than Allah? So rejoice in your transaction which you have contracted. And it is that which is the great attainment.
This covenant, like an unbreakable pact, calls the believers to sacrifice in the path of God. Life and wealth, the most precious human assets, in this covenant are transformed into eternal Paradise. From a theological perspective, this verse emphasises the importance of sincere intention and commitment to divine values. The believer, like a wise merchant, converts their perishable possessions into an eternal and incomparable commodity.
The noble verse, by referring to the Torah, Gospel, and Quran, underscores the interconnectedness of the Abrahamic religions. This divine promise, mentioned in all three heavenly scriptures, reflects shared principles of faith, struggle, and divine reward among the religions. These holy books, like branches of a single tree, draw nourishment from a common root and convey a message of unity to their followers.
From the viewpoint of comparative theology, this emphasis on unity stands in opposition to divisive endeavours employed by colonial powers to weaken religious communities. The Holy Quran commands followers of divine religions to join hands rather than enmity and to unite against common enemies.
