the Lectures of Nokounam, (Session 1416)
The Holy Quran, as a divine light, guides humanity towards felicity and salvation. The verses of Surah Yunus, particularly verses 15 to 17, elucidate with clear and decisive expression the position of the Messenger of God (peace be upon him) as the bearer and conveyor of divine revelation, refuting any form of alteration in the words of God. These verses, emphasising the Prophets (peace be upon him) humility in obedience to divine commands and condemning the deniers of revelation, present a profound warning to human societies. This treatise, relying on the lecture of session 1416, examines the role of the Messenger of God (peace be upon him) as the messenger of revelation, critiques deviations from the Holy Quran arising from arrogance and replacement by human sciences, and underscores the necessity of returning to recitation and intimacy with the divine Word. The following text, articulated in eloquent language and a coherent structure, nurtures these concepts in a manner akin to a clear stream, conveying truth to the heart of the reader.
The Holy Quran introduces the Noble Prophet (peace be upon him) as a messenger whose sole responsibility is to convey the Word of God, without any authority to alter or modify it. This position is likened to that of a postman delivering a precious letter to its destination; he is aware of the letters content, yet possesses no right to make any alterations. This simile, elegantly employed in the referenced lecture, underscores the sanctity of revelation and the limitations of the Messenger in relation to the Divine Will.
"And when Our clear verses are recited to them, those who do not hope for Our meeting say: Bring a Quran other than this, or change it. Say: It is not for me to change it of my own accord. I follow only that which is revealed to me. Indeed, I fear, if I disobey my Lord, the punishment of a tremendous Day. Say: If Allah had willed, I would not have recited it to you, nor would He have made it known to you. Indeed, I have spent among you a lifetime before it. Do you not then understand? So who is more unjust than one who fabricates a lie against Allah or denies His verses? Indeed, the criminals do not succeed. (Surah Yunus, 10:15-17)
These verses, expressed in an explicit language, stress the Prophets (peace be upon him) incapacity to alter the revelation. The phrase "It is not for me to change it" acts as a key unlocking any doubts concerning tampering with the revelation. The Prophet (peace be upon him) perceives himself as a humble servant before God, entrusted solely with conveying the message, and apprehensive of the punishment on the Day of Resurrection.
The expression "Indeed, I fear, if I disobey my Lord, the punishment of a tremendous Day" indicates the profound humility of the Prophet (peace be upon him). This fear is not of worldly chastisement but of the torment of the Hereafter, which, like consuming fire, annihilates all disobedience to divine commands. This emphasis invites the servants to submit wholly to God and to avoid obstinacy.
The referenced lecture offers a profound insight into the deviation of Islamic societies from the Holy Quran. This deviation does not necessarily imply textual alteration of the Quran but rather its sidelining in favour of human sciences and non-Quranic texts. Like a garden gradually deprived of its life-giving water, the Holy Quran has been relegated to the periphery in Islamic societies, replaced by treatises and human compositions. This substitution results from arrogance and claims of scientific superiority that have erected a barrier to intimacy with the divine Word.
The lecture explicitly critiques the arrogance of certain religious scholars. The boastful attitude and pursuit of scientific superiority, openly addressed in the lecture, act like a blight that weakens the roots of Quranic guidance. This arrogance diverts servants away from the Holy Quran towards human writings, marginalising the divine Word.
The lecture portrays this deviation through tangible examples. In the past, merchants in Tehran, before commencing their daily work, would open the Quranic stand and familiarise themselves with it. This tradition was like a light illuminating the bazaar. However, today, this practice has been forgotten and replaced by treatises and other books. This substitution acts like dust settling on the clear mirror of the Quran, obscuring it from sight.
With analytical precision, the lecture draws attention to some students inclinations towards non-Quranic sciences, such as music, and their neglect of fundamental acts of worship like prayer. This inclination constitutes a path that deviates from the primary goal and leads to error. The emphasis is that sciences are valuable only when serving the Holy Quran and the worship of God, not replacing them.
The lecture eloquently stresses the necessity of returning to the recitation of the Holy Quran. Recitation signifies not merely outward reading but an inner intimacy with the divine Word. This intimacy is like clear water that quenches the thirsty souls of servants. In the past, this tradition prevailed among merchants and people, but today, due to neglect and reliance on human sciences, it has been forgotten.
With a paternal tone, the lecture advocates inviting the Holy Quran and worship with love and humility instead of harshness. This invitation is like a breeze caressing weary hearts and guiding them towards guidance. Severity may lead to estrangement from religion, whereas affection and humility open hearts to the Holy Quran.
The return to the recitation of the Holy Quran is akin to returning to the pure fountain of guidance. This return not only revives intimacy with the divine Word but also prevents servants from arrogance and deviation. Emphasis on love and humility paves the way for this path and directs Islamic societies towards felicity.
"So who is more unjust than one who fabricates a lie against Allah or denies His verses? Indeed, the criminals do not succeed." (Surah Yunus, 10:17)
This verse, expressed decisively, identifies the deniers of revelation and those who lie against God as the most unjust individuals. This verse serves as a warning condemning any effort to distort or deny the Word of God. This injustice stems from negligence and arrogance, leading to failure both in this world and the Hereafter.
Denying the divine verses and attempting to alter them is the greatest injustice against God. This injustice not only results in individual misguidance but also deprives society of the light of guidance. The Holy Quran, through this warning, calls servants to submission and humility before the divine Word.
Verses 15 to 17 of Surah Yunus, with clear and decisive expression, elucidate the position of the Messenger of God (peace be upon him) as the messenger of revelation and negate any alteration in the Word of God. The lecture of session 1416, with profound critique of the deviation of Islamic societies from the Holy Quran, emphasises the necessity of returning to recitation and intimacy with the divine Word. Arrogance and reliance on human sciences act like dust settled on the clear mirror of the Quran, obscuring it from view. This treatise, articulated in eloquent language and a coherent structure, conveys the truth that genuine guidance is possible only under the shadow of submission to God and intimacy with the Holy Quran. The invitation to humility and affection is the pathway that opens hearts to this pure fountain of guidance.
Supervised by Sadegh Khademi
