Preface
The Holy Qur'an, the Book of guidance and wisdom, offers profound directions within its verses for the construction of a powerful, just, and benevolent society. The concepts of conquest (tashkhr), authority, and sukhriyah (mockery) constitute key themes meticulously elucidated in the Divine verses. These concepts not only pertain to the philosophical and spiritual dimensions of human life but also provide a practical framework for the systematic management of resources, reinforcement of social cohesion, and avoidance of weakness and chaos. This treatise, relying on the Holy Qur'an and in-depth analyses, explores these concepts with the aim of establishing an Islamic society wherein authority, benevolence, and justice are intricately intertwined. Adopting a comprehensive perspective, this work endeavours to convey the Divine messages in a systematic manner with clear and dignified language to its scholarly audience.
The concept of conquest in the Holy Qur'an signifies Divine power and dominion over existence, which is entrusted to humanity to achieve authority and self-sufficiency through rational management of resources. This authority manifests not only in the utilisation of natural resources but also in establishing social and economic order.
This verse introduces conquest as a Divine gift inviting humanity to rationally utilise the resources of existence. Conquest here implies not merely dominance over nature but systematic management of resources to eradicate poverty and establish justice. The Islamic society, utilising this Divine blessing, ought to attain self-sufficiency and authority. Just as a knowledgeable gardener, acquainted with soil and seed, cultivates a fruitful garden, the Islamic society must, by recognising resources and exercising wise management, achieve authority and benevolence.
Regrettably, certain Islamic societies have failed to properly benefit from this Divine blessing. The vast earthly resources, such as oil and gas, which should serve as the breadwinner for society, have occasionally become the cause of its demise. Mismanagement and lack of expertise have transformed these resources into agents of dependency and weakness. The Islamic society must, relying on expertise and commitment, employ these resources in the service of public welfare and authority.
Summary of Section One
Divine conquest provides humanity with an opportunity to build a powerful and self-sufficient society through rational and systematic management. This authority depends on the wise utilisation of resources and avoidance of mismanagement. The Islamic society, akin to a ship sailing in the sea of Divine resources, must reach the shore of benevolence and justice under the guidance of a knowledgeable captain.
Sukhriyah, or mockery, is portrayed in the Holy Qur'an as a sign of weakness and arrogance, conflicting with the spirit of a benevolent Islamic society. This concept stems from a lack of authority and inner insecurity, leading to division and chaos within society.
This verse condemns mockery as a reprehensible act originating from false superiority and internal weakness. Mockery is likened to a thorn embedded in the foot of social cohesion, which instead of strengthening bonds, leads to division and fragility. The Holy Qur'an, emphasising the superiority of benevolence and piety, warns the Islamic society against this affliction.
From a psychological viewpoint, mockery originates from feelings of deficiency and insecurity. One who perceives oneself as stronger resorts to mocking others; however, this behaviour neither demonstrates true authority nor strength but reveals internal frailty. The Islamic society, which ought to be a garden flourishing with flowers of benevolence and love, should regard mockery as a weed to be eradicated.
Mockery among the inhabitants of Paradise and Hell
Some Qur'anic verses mention the mockery of the inhabitants of Paradise towards those of Hell, which at first glance might raise questions: do the believers in Paradise mock others? This question finds its answer in Divine wisdom. Such mockery, in this context, does not arise from spite or weakness but reflects Divine justice. Nonetheless, the wisdom of the faithful demands that even in such a position, love and gentleness be preferred over mockery. The Islamic society must learn from this model and instead of mockery, support and guide the fallen towards good.
Summary of Section Two
Mockery is a harmful phenomenon rooted in weakness and arrogance, leading to division and chaos within society. The Holy Qur'an, by forbidding mockery, calls the Islamic society to benevolence and piety. This society, like a clear spring, must cultivate love and cohesion among its members and avoid any form of weakness and division.
Soft authority is a paradigm the Holy Qur'an offers for managing the Islamic society. This authority is accompanied by gentleness, love, and wisdom and stands in contrast to oppressive and radical methods.
This verse presents the camel as a symbol of soft authority. The camel is a powerful and sometimes wild creature, yet it is tamed by the gentleness and skill of its rider. This paradigm offers a profound lesson for societal management: authority must be accompanied by love and wisdom rather than coercion and bullying. The Islamic society, like a noble camel, is guided softly and wisely towards goodness and prosperity.
The camel, with its unique traits such as healing bile and its social role, symbolises latent capacities within society. Religious knowledge must, through meticulous study of these capacities, formulate systematic laws for societal governance. Just as the rider gently guides the camel, so too must community leaders, with love and wisdom, lead people towards goodness and authority.
Summary of Section Three
Soft authority constitutes a wise model for managing the Islamic society, resulting in cohesion and sustainability through gentleness, love, and wisdom. This authority, like a gentle breeze, guides society towards goodness and prosperity while preventing oppression and division.
The Holy Qur'an, emphasising the conquest of the earths and seas resources, invites humanity to rational and just utilisation for the eradication of poverty and attainment of authority. Poverty in an Islamic society rich in resources is unacceptable.
This verse underscores the conquest of land and sea for human benefit. The vast earthly resources, from oil and gas to hidden treasures, are at mankind's disposal to meet needs. The Islamic society must, through systematic management of these resources, eradicate poverty and achieve authority.
Regrettably, some Islamic societies have not utilised these resources properly. Oil and gas, which should be a source of authority, have sometimes become factors of misery and dependency. The Islamic society must, relying on expertise and commitment, employ these resources for public welfare and self-sufficiency.
Summary of Section Four
The conquest of land and sea resources is a Divine invitation for poverty eradication and attainment of authority. The Islamic society, like a farmer benefiting from fertile soil, must achieve self-sufficiency and justice through rational resource management.
Religious knowledge, as the intellectual arm of the Islamic society, plays a pivotal role in achieving authority and systematic management. This knowledge must, through precise study and production of practical knowledge, guide society towards goodness and prosperity.
This verse highlights the conquest of mounts and the gratitude owed for Divine blessings. Gratitude is contingent upon rational utilisation of resources and the production of knowledge for societal management. Religious knowledge must, by thoroughly studying natural and social capacities, devise systematic laws for societal authority.
Religious knowledge must analyse social and natural behaviours, such as the psychology and characteristics of the camel, to develop applicable laws. This knowledge acts as a shining lamp illuminating the path of authority and benevolence for the Islamic society.
Summary of Section Five
Religious knowledge constitutes the intellectual arm of the Islamic society that, through producing systematic and practical knowledge, assists in achieving authority and societal welfare. This knowledge, akin to a wise rider, guides society with gentleness and wisdom towards prosperity.
The interpretation of the Holy Qur'ans
