The Holy Qur'an, like a pure spring, serves as humanity's guide on the path to salvation. The verses of Surah At-Tawbah, with unparalleled clarity and depth, address fundamental ethical, social, and theological issues of the Islamic community. Among them, verses 112 to 115 of this Surah, focusing on the topic of seeking forgiveness for polytheists, the concept of proximity, and the distinction between divine precedence and created precedence, open a window towards a deeper understanding of the relationship between man, God, and society. This treatise, adopting an analytical and comprehensive perspective, elucidates these verses and, drawing upon the lectures of religious scholars, endeavours to present the lofty meanings of these verses in a clear and coherent framework. Its aim is for the reader, through reflection on these verses, to attain a profound understanding of their ethical and religious duties, as if touching the branches of truth within a spiritual garden.
In the early Islamic society, the cities of Mecca and Medina functioned as small islands, providing a limited and well-known space for social interactions. These geographical constraints made it possible to precisely identify individuals, whether believers, disbelievers, or hypocrites. Mosques, as the primary centres of congregation, offered a platform where people with diverse beliefs attended. These conditions, particularly in Mecca and Medina, which reflected identities and intentions like a clear mirror, facilitated the Prophet (peace be upon him) and the believers in distinguishing the true polytheists and disbelievers.
From a sociological perspective, these environmental limitations acted as a pressure factor that inclined individuals toward dual behaviours such as hypocrisy. Such an environment made direct and sensory recognition possible, contrary to modern societies where identification of individuals is mostly indirect and scientific.
It is not for the Prophet and those who believe to ask forgiveness for the polytheists, even if they are relatives, after it has become clear to them that they are inhabitants of Hellfire.
This verse explicitly prohibits seeking forgiveness for polytheists, especially when certainty is attained that they are destined for Hell due to their disbelief and evident enmity. The phrase "after it has become clear to them" emphasises the importance of certainty, as if it were a torch that dispels the darkness of doubt and hesitation. This prohibition is not out of harshness but stems from respect for divine justice, which recompenses every individual according to their deeds.
From a theological standpoint, this verse delineates a clear boundary between mercy and justice. Believers are obliged to avoid association with those who are definitively hostile to God and the Prophet (peace be upon him), even if such individuals are relatives. This ruling, like a sharp dagger, tests emotional bonds in the face of faith.
And Abrahams intercession for his father was only because of a promise he had made to him. But when it became clear to him that he was an enemy to God, he disassociated himself from him. Indeed, Abraham was compassionate and forbearing.
This verse refers to the incident of Abrahams (peace be upon him) seeking forgiveness for his father (or his uncle, Azar), which was based on a prior promise. However, once his fathers enmity towards God became evident, Abraham disassociated himself from him. The attribute "compassionate and forbearing" indicates his supplication, patience, and wisdom, as if his heart were like a clear sky, filled with the light of prayer and endurance. This verse underscores the importance of disassociation from God's enemies, even in the context of familial ties.
The concept of the promise here is like a covenant made under ignorance, which is invalidated upon the revelation of the truth. After Abrahams certainty regarding his fathers disbelief, he abandoned this promise, signifying that faith takes precedence over any bond.
And God does not lead astray a people after He has guided them until He makes clear to them what they should avoid. Indeed, God is Knowing of all things.
This verse emphasises divine justice, stating that God does not mislead a people after guiding them except after He has made clear to them what they must avoid. This functions as a precise balance, measuring human accountability in the face of divine awareness. The knowledge of God, mentioned at the end of the verse, reflects His infinite wisdom and knowledge.
From a theological perspective, this verse implies that misguidance results from disregarding divine guidance, not from Gods will. Humans, by their free will, choose their path, standing as if at a crossroads between light and darkness.
In divine precedence, all creatures are like mirrors reflecting the light of God, encompassed within His general mercy. From this perspective, no distinction exists between disbeliever and believer, and prayer and love are permissible for all. This view, like an infinite ocean, embraces all beings, considering them as servants of God.
In created precedence, individuals are differentiated ir deeds and beliefs. At this level, seeking forgiveness for definitive polytheists and disbelievers is prohibited because they have consciously turned away from God. This distinction, like a clear line, delineates the boundary between faith and disbelief.
From the viewpoint of Islamic philosophy, divine precedence aligns with the concept of the Unity of Existence (Wahdat al-Wujud), which views all beings as united in the divine essence. Created precedence, however, emphasises individual responsibility, as if each human being, by their own choice, determines their position in this world.
In the early Islamic society, identification of polytheists was sensory and direct due to the small environment and close interactions. In contrast, in the modern world, this identification is predominantly scientific and indirect, as if scrutinising individuals from afar through the telescope of knowledge.
From an epistemological perspective, this difference signifies a transition from direct experience to analysis based on information. In contemporary societies, where information is received through media and indirect sources, scientific certainty has replaced sensory certainty.
The Holy Qur'an prohibits not only seeking forgiveness but also any form of sympathy, cooperation, or alliance with definitive polytheists. This includes abstaining from trade, friendship, or support, as if the believers must act as a steadfast shield guarding divine values.
From an ethical perspective, this prohibition means preserving the boundaries of faith and morality against those who consciously oppose God. This viewpoint aligns with normative ethical theories that emphasise adherence to moral principles.
Injustice and oppression, such as illicit wealth accumulation and widespread poverty, result from acts of disbelief and hypocrisy. These issues, like wounds on the body of society, fuel instability and discord. The Holy Qur'an condemns such behaviour by emphasising social justice, as if a cry resounding against oppressors.
From a sociological perspective, concentration of wealth in the hands of a few and widespread poverty lead to social inequality. This inequality, like fire beneath ashes, threatens societal stability.
Within divine precedence, prayer and love for all creatures, even sinners, are permissible because all belong to God. However, within created precedence, such love and prayer for definitive polytheists and disbelievers are forbidden. This viewpoint, like a bridge between mercy and justice, reflects divine equilibrium.
Theologically, this distinction corresponds with the concept of Gods universal mercy. In divine precedence, all beings fall under God's mercy, whereas in created precedence, the deeds and beliefs of individuals determine their status.
The Holy Qur'an stresses avoidance of division and enmity and introduces love and kindness as solutions to social problems. This perspective, like light in darkness, promotes unity and solidarity.
From political science, social unity is recognised as a key factor in maintaining stability and strength of communities. The Qur'an, by emphasising love and cooperation, portrays a harmonious and resilient society.
Verses 112 to 115 of Surah At-Tawbah, like a clear mirror, reflect the ethical and social challenges of the Islamic community. The prohibition of seeking forgiveness for definitive polytheists emphasises the preservation of faith and moral boundaries. The story of Abraham (peace be upon him) and his disassociation from his father highlights the precedence of faith over familial bonds. The distinction between divine precedence and created precedence reveals the relationship between divine mercy and justice. These verses, with their profound lessons, offer guidance for modern societies, like torches illuminating the path to felicity.
Under the supervision of Sadegh Khademi
