of Nokoonam (may his sacred spirit be sanctified) (Session 1528)
The Holy Qur'an, akin to a radiant lamp, guides humanity towards monotheism and divine knowledge. Verse 106 of Surah Younus, with profound and lucid expression, admonishes mankind against worshipping anything other than God, which inherently lacks benefit or harm, linking polytheism with oppression. This discourse, through reflection on this noble verse and analysis of its content, endeavours to deepen the understanding of the relationship between monotheism, reverence for creatures as manifestations of the Divine, and abstention from polytheism and injustice. Employing clear and dignified language, this writing seeks to present Qur'anic concepts within a coherent and scientifically appropriate framework, to act as a mirror reflecting the truth of monotheism before the readers eyes.
In the Holy Qur'an, verse 106 of Surah Younus forbids mankind from invoking other than God that which neither benefits nor harms. This verse, as a clear signpost, emphasises the futility of worshipping anything other than God.
And do not invoke besides Allah that which neither benefits you nor harms you. And if you do, then indeed you will be of the wrongdoers.
The concept of "that which neither benefits you nor harms you" refers to anything that, independently of God, lacks the power to affect. This concept is elucidated in the lecture text through the example of an idol: when an idol is venerated and its sanctity preserved, it neither benefits nor harms; however, if its sanctity is violated, like wood or stone, it may provide benefit or harmsuch as kindling fire or inflicting a blow. This distinction, serving as a key, reveals polytheism in attributing divinity to something other than God. Wood or stone possesses inherent qualities, but when worshipped as an idol, it is divested of these attributes, as the idols sanctity separates it from its natural function.
This viewpoint aligns with other Qur'anic verses, such as verse 76 of Surah Al-Hajj: They have no power to harm or benefit you. This verse also underscores the incapacity of idols to exert independent influence. The lecture invites humanity, through this analogy, to desist from worshipping anything but God and to turn towards the truth of monotheism.
The concept of "that which neither benefits you nor harms you" in verse 106 of Surah Younus illuminates the understanding of polytheism. Polytheism is rooted in attributing independence to entities other than God, and an idol is only devoid of benefit and harm when venerated as a manifestation of divinity. This explanation calls for reflection on the truth of monotheism and avoidance of polytheism.
The noble verse, through the phrase and if you do, then indeed you will be of the wrongdoers, links polytheism with injustice. This connection, like a river flowing from the source of polytheism towards oppression, demonstrates that worshipping other than God propels a person towards wrongdoing against oneself and others. The lecture elaborates this concept by emphasising that a polytheist, due to dependence on the non-divine, becomes afflicted by injustice.
In the Holy Qur'an, polytheism is introduced as the greatest injustice: Indeed, polytheism is a great injustice (verse 13 of Surah Luqman). This injustice not only violates divine rights but also encompasses oppression against creatures. The lecture relates this concept to social issues with concrete examples such as injustice against spouses or children. A human who attaches their heart to anything other than God strays from the path of justice and ethics, falling into oppression.
This view accords with Islamic philosophy, which regards polytheism as a deviation from the innate disposition towards monotheism. A human attributing independence to idols or any other entity is deprived not only of divine knowledge but also inclined towards injustice in daily conduct.
Polytheism, as a dark shadow, brings oppression in its wake. Verse 106 of Surah Younus, by connecting polytheism and injustice, calls humanity to abstain from worshipping other than God and to return to monotheism. This section elucidates this connection, facilitating a deeper comprehension of the relationship between faith and ethics.
The lecture, emphasising reverence for creatures as manifestations of the Divine, regards such reverence as a prerequisite for pure worship of God. Creatures, from stone and wood to humans and animals, are akin to mirrors reflecting the Divine attributes. Disrespect towards these manifestations is like shattering these mirrors, which distances humanity from knowledge of God.
Examples such as injustice towards spouses, disrespect to believers, or even disregard for animals indicate deviation from this principle. The lecture, through the analogy of the idol, stresses that even the idol, as part of Divine creation, deserves respectnot as a deity, but by virtue of Gods creation. This view corresponds with verse 115 of Surah Al-Anam: And to Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and the earth; all are devoutly obedient to Him.
This concept aligns with Islamic mysticism, especially Ibn Arabis theory of the unity of existence, which considers creatures as manifestations of Divine revelation. Reverence for these manifestations signifies faith in the Creator and guides humanity towards monotheism.
Reverence for creatures is a step in the path of God-worship. This section, by explaining the position of creatures as Divine manifestations, invites humanity to honour creation and avoid injustice, thereby attaining monotheistic knowledge.
The lecture critically addresses hidden polytheism among believers. Disrespect towards creatures, especially believers, and injustice towards relatives, serve as signs of this polytheism. Examples such as locking a spouse inside the home or disrespecting believers indicate deviation from pure faith.
This hidden polytheism, examined in mystical works like Al-Ghazalis Ihya Ulum al-Din, manifests in daily behaviours. Verse 48 of Surah An-Nisa states: Indeed, Allah does not forgive associating others with Him, emphasising the necessity of purifying the heart from polytheism. The lecture links this concept with contemporary societal challenges.
Hidden polytheism, like a barrier against monotheism, appears in improper behaviours among believers. This section critiques this deviation and invites reflection on ones actions and return to monotheism.
The lecture introduces creatures as Divine manifestations whose reverence is a pathway to God-worship. Polytheism, in attributing independence to these manifestations from God, leads to injustice and misguidance. Verse 53 of Surah Fussilat states: We will show them Our signs in the horizons and within themselves, affirming that creatures are signs of the Divine.
Through examples such as injustice towards spouses, the lecture illustrates that disrespect towards manifestations distances a person from monotheism. Reverence for these manifestations is like a journey towards Divine knowledge, rescuing humanity from misguidance.
Divine manifestations, as signs on the path of monotheism, lead humanity towards God. This section, by stressing respect for creation, paves the way for deeper understanding of monotheism.
The lecture critiques misuse of concepts such as Distributer of Paradise and Hell for saints and Imams, emphasising that guidance and salvation belong solely to God. Saints serve as lamps of guidance and ships of salvation, as means of nearness to God, not as distributors of Paradise and Hell. This view aligns with verse 3 of Surah Al-Maidah: Today I have perfected for you your religion.
The lecture, by condemning attributing divine status to others besides God, calls humanity to focus on God as the source of guidance. This critique reveals polytheism even among believers, leading to misguidance.
Misuse of religious concepts acts as a veil obscuring the truth of monotheism. This section critiques such deviation, urging focus on God and avoidance of polytheism.
The lecture criticises superficiality in religion, asserting that true God-worship requires genuine guidance, lordship, and proximity, not mere attendance or empty claims. Examples of insincere speech in media indicate deviation from true knowledge. Verse 11 of Surah At-Taghabun states: And whoever believes in Allah - He will guide his heart, positing faith as the result of hearts guidance.
Superficiality acts as a mask concealing true faith. The lecture critiques such behaviour, inviting humanity towards pure, sincere faith free from hypocrisy.
Superficiality is an obstacle to true faith. This section critiques such deviation, inviting humanity to pure faith and Divine guidance.
