of Nokounam, may his sanctity be revered (Session 1609)
The concept of Fisq in the Holy Quran is akin to a key that opens the doors to understanding social decadences and obstacles to the realisation of justice. This concept refers not only to individual deeds but also to collective and structural behaviours that divert society from the path of moderation and truth. In this treatise, relying on the luminous verses of the Holy Quran and profound analyses, Fisq and its manifestations in individual and collective dimensions are examined. The aim is to identify the roots of these deviations with a comprehensive and precise view and to propose solutions for returning to the path of truth. This work, with an organised structure and eloquent language, endeavours to invite the reader to reflect upon social and religious responsibilities.
In both linguistic and Quranic terminology, Fisq denotes a departure from the path of truth and moderation, as if a train detaches from its guiding rails and rushes towards the abyss of deviation. This concept transcends individual sins to refer to behaviours that disrupt social order and distance society from justice and rule of law. The Holy Quran addresses Fisq not only in personal conduct but also within social and collective processes.
"And do not cause corruption on the earth after its reformation, and invoke Him in fear and hope. Indeed, the mercy of Allah is near to the doers of good." (Surah Al-Arf)
This verse from Surah Al-Arf introduces Fisq as corruption on earth following its reformation. Corruption is the consequence of deviation from moderation, which may include damaging public order, such as harming the environment or neglecting social safety. For instance, travelling with unsafe vehicles, like worn-out tyres, poses not only an individual risk but constitutes a collective Fisq that endangers the lives and properties of others.
Fisq resembles a current diverted from the main river of truth flowing into the swamp of decadence. This concept pertains not only to individual acts but also to social structures that require reform and a return to moderation.
"They recognise the favour of Allah, then they deny it, and most of them are disbelievers." (Surah An-Nahl)
This verse from Surah An-Nahl identifies ingratitude as a manifestation of collective Fisq. Ingratitude is like a shadow cast over the heart of society, preventing appreciation of divine blessings and others' efforts. A society that fails to value its scholars, martyrs, and servants strides towards decline and division.
"And We found not for most of them any covenant, and indeed We found most of them defiantly disobedient." (Surah Sad)
This verse from Surah Sad considers lack of commitment to divine and social covenants as a sign of Fisq. A society not faithful to its commitments resembles a structure without firm pillars, collapsing under the storms of decadence. Lack of oversight, disregard for laws, and failure to enforce justice are all manifestations of this collective Fisq.
"But the truth came to them, yet most of them disliked the truth." (Surah As-Sajdah)
This verse from Surah As-Sajdah introduces turning away from the truth as another form of collective Fisq. This aversion is like refusing to drink pure water that ensures society's vitality. Resistance to divine ordinances or rational laws drives society towards disorder.
"And they say, 'There is nothing but our worldly life; we die and live, and nothing destroys us except time.' And they have no knowledge of that; they are only assuming." (Surah Al-Jthiyah)
This verse from Surah Al-Jthiyah considers ignorance and reliance on vain conjectures as manifestations of Fisq. A society that depends on assumption rather than knowledge is like a ship without a compass, lost amidst stormy seas.
"Do you think that most of them hear or reason? They are not but like cattle; rather, they are more astray." (Surah Al-Anfl)
This verse from Surah Al-Anfl presents failure to listen and reflect as a sign of collective Fisq. Listening entails conscious hearing and acting upon the truth. A society deprived of this faculty resembles land deprived of the rain of wisdom, turning barren.
Collective Fisq is like a river detached from the springs of truth, flowing into the swamp of disorder and decadence. Ingratitude, lack of commitment, turning away from truth, ignorance, and failure to listen all constitute manifestations that divert society from the path of moderation and justice.
"And let there be [arising] from you a nation inviting to good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong. And those will be the successful." (Surah Aal Imrn)
This verse from Surah Aal Imrn emphasises the scholars responsibility in inviting to good and preventing collective Fisq. The noble hadith, "When innovations appear in my Ummah, it is the duty of the scholar to manifest his knowledge; otherwise, he is under Allahs curse," further indicates that concealment of knowledge is itself a form of Fisq. Religious scholars are akin to torchbearers illuminating the path of truth amidst the darkness of innovations and deviations.
Unlike traditional jurisprudence, which is sometimes confined to individual rulings, modern jurisprudence must address macro-social issues. This jurisprudence acts like a map guiding society towards justice and rule of law. Matters such as supervision, equitable economy, and the design of efficient systems are among the responsibilities of modern jurisprudence that can restrain collective Fisq.
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