The Holy Quran, as a guiding light, illuminates the path of human salvation through the principles of justice and monotheism. The concepts of dominion and the imams of disbelief are among the central themes of this divine scripture, elucidating the framework of social justice and the struggle against deviation and corruption. This treatise, through a profound examination of the luminous verses of the Holy Quran, endeavours to analyse these two concepts within a scholarly and coherent framework. Its purpose is to provide a foundation for deeper understanding of Islamic principles and their implementation in society by exploring the meanings of the verses and their connection to social issues. Inspired by the lectures of religious scholars, this work explicates the position of justice against illegitimate dominion and the role of the leaders of disbelief in social deviation, whilst offering solutions for the realisation of a united community.
In the Holy Quran, dominion denotes authority and influence exercised without divine permission and outside the boundaries of justice. This concept, like a sinister shadow, threatens the just social order and leads to corruption and injustice. The Quran refers in numerous verses to illegitimate dominion as a cause of deviation from the path of truth.
Illegitimate dominion is an influence arising from wealth, power, or unhealthy relations that, without adherence to divine rules, leads to the destruction of social order.
And you do not worship anything besides Him except [mere] names which you have named, you and your forefathers, for which Allah has sent down no authority.
(Surah Al-Anam, Ayah 129)
This verse identifies idolatry as an instance of illegitimate dominion. Idols, made of stone and wood, lack any divine authority, and worshipping them signifies deviation from the path of truth. Dominion in this sense resembles a lifeless idol, which, by illusion of power alone, influences minds.
In society, illegitimate dominion manifests in various forms: individual influence through wealth, social status, or unhealthy relationships are all examples of this deviation. For instance, a person who, by exploiting connections, occupies a position undeservedly, effectively imposes illegitimate dominion on society. This influence, like a thorn in the garden of justice, disrupts social order.
Indeed, My servants - no authority will you have over them, except those who follow you of the deviators.
(Surah Al-Hijr, Ayah 42)
This verse, like a shining beacon, expresses the freedom of devoted servants from Satans dominion. Satans influence extends only over those who willingly follow him into error. The verse presents man as a free and autonomous being who only falls prey to Satans whispers through negligence and self-will.
Satans dominion is like a poisonous wind that penetrates minds, promoting vice and corruption, thus diverting society from justice. However, a community adhering to divine laws is like a firm fortress, immune to such influence.
And I have no authority over you except to warn you openly.
(Surah Yunus, Ayah 54)
The Prophet, as a wise guide, holds only the duty of conveying the revelation and possesses no dominion over the believers. This principle, like a star in the firmament of Islamic knowledge, emphasises human freedom and choice in accepting the truth. Islam, unlike dominion-based systems, directs humans towards conscious choice.
This verse stresses the necessity of administering justice without domination. Even the Prophet, as the divine guide, cannot rule over people by force. This principle, like a pure river, signifies the equality of all humans before divine law.
Dominion in the Holy Quran is introduced as illegitimate authority exercised without divine consent. The luminous verses, from idolatry to Satans influence and even the denial of the Prophets dominion, unanimously reject any form of domination. The Islamic society, like a fertile garden, can only flourish under the shadow of justice and the absence of illegitimate influence.
And fight against the leaders of disbelief - indeed, there is no covenant [with them] - that perhaps they will cease.
(Surah At-Tawbah, Ayah 12)
The imams of disbelief, like dark umbrellas, lead society towards disbelief and immorality. These leaders disrupt the just order through abuse of power, wealth, or influence. The Holy Quran regards fighting these leaders as a divine duty to free society from deviation and corruption.
The imams of disbelief include those who, through wrongful leadership, drive society towards corruption and injustice. These individuals, like wolves in sheeps clothing, establish illegitimate dominion by infiltrating economy, politics, or culture.
The imams of disbelief create illegitimate dominion by guiding society towards deviation, which can only be restrained through justice and strict oversight.
Except Iblis; he was of the jinn and departed from the command of his Lord.
(Surah Sad, Ayah 11)
Ibliss rebellion, like a fire beneath ashes, was the consequence of arrogance and disobedience to the divine command. Initially honoured for his devotions, Iblis became a corrupter due to pride and defiance, leading others astray.
Deviation here is not limited to overt sins such as intoxication, but encompasses any departure from divine obedience. Iblis, through arrogance, acted like a fatal disease fostering individual and collective deviation.
The imams of disbelief, as misguided leaders, propagate immorality and corruption by leading society astray. The Holy Quran, by emphasising the fight against these leaders, paves the way for justice and liberation from deviation. The rebellion of Iblis exemplifies the roots of deviation, beginning with arrogance and culminating in social corruption.
And what is [the matter] with you that you fight not in the cause of Allah and for the oppressed among men, women, and children?
(Surah An-Nisa, Ayah 75)
This verse, like a heavenly call, stresses the necessity of fighting dominion and defending the oppressed. Dominion, leading to injustice and tyranny, must be controlled through justice and protection of the weaks rights.
In a society where illegitimate dominion has taken root like weeds, qualified individuals are deprived of equal opportunities. For example, a person who acquires a job through wealth or connections effectively deprives the deserving of their rights. Such injustice, like a poison within the body of society, causes corruption and ruin.
Justice serves as a shield against illegitimate dominion, preserving the rights of the oppressed through strict supervision and enforcement of fair laws.
Indeed, this, your religion, is one religion, and I am your Lord, so worship Me.
(Surah Al-Anbiya, Ayah 92)
The united Ummah, like a sturdy tree rooted in unity and solidarity, prevents illegitimate dominion and collective immorality. This verse links the worship of God to the unity of the Ummah, demonstrating that without unity, individual acts of worship lose their social impact.
The united Ummah acts as a shield against illegitimate influence through the implementation of just laws and rigorous supervision. This unity, akin to a clear stream, cleanses society from the contamination of dominion and corruption.
Religious knowledge, like a bright torch, bears the responsibility of establishing just systems to prevent illegitimate dominion and collective immorality. This knowledge creates the foundation for justice by designing mechanisms such as auditing and public declaration.
For instance, in a society where resources and opportunities are distributed unfairly, religious knowledge must propose measures like asset oversight and transparency to prevent illegitimate influence. Such supervision, like a vigilant guardian, impedes corruption and destruction.
Justice and the united Ummah constitute the two wings of the Islamic societys ascent towards salvation. The Holy Quran, emphasising the fight against dominion and support for the oppressed, facilitates the realisation of a just society. Religious knowledge plays a pivotal role in this path by establishing equitable systems.
The Holy Quran, like a radiant jewel, positions the principles of justice and monotheism against illegitimate dominion and the imams of disbelief. The concepts of dominion and the imams of disbelief, which denote illegitimate influence and social deviation, are explicitly condemned in the luminous verses. The verses of Surahs Al-Anam, Al-Hijr, Yunus, At-Tawbah, Sad, An-Nisa, and Al-Anbiya, like guiding stars in the firmament of guidance, emphasise the rejection of domination and the necessity of combating the leaders of disbelief. Islamic society can only be liberated from dominion and immorality under the shadow of justice, unity, and strict supervision. Religious knowledge, through the establishment of just systems and strengthening of the united Ummah, provides the foundation for the realisation of equity and reparation. These principles, like a divine map, pave the way for constructing an ideal society.
