the lectures of Nokounam, (Session 1689)
The Holy Qur'an, like a guiding lamp, reveals the path of felicity and salvation to humanity, and with profound expression, elucidates the fundamental issues of human societies. This treatise, with a deep examination of the luminous verses of the Holy Qur'an, addresses topics such as the position of the infallible in elucidating divine rulings, the causes of corruption and means of its prevention, the necessity of security and stability in the Islamic community, and the historical role of the Jews in generating global corruption. This work, relying on the verses and traditions, seeks to present the Qur'anic concepts with clear and dignified language, in a coherent form appropriate for a scholarly environment. Each section, employing allegories and literary references, endeavours to manifest the depth of Qur'anic meanings in a manner that is enlightening both for religious scholars and seekers of truth.
The Holy Qur'an, as an unparalleled source of guidance for humanity, requires interpretation and exegesis to be provided by the infallibles, who are the inheritors of divine knowledge. This section, focusing on a historical narration from Imam Hadi (peace be upon him), examines the position of the infallible in deducing rulings and distinguishes it from the jurists. This narration, which took place amid jurisprudential disputes, is a clear example of the infallibles immunity and his Qur'anic reasoning.
In a historical narration, a Christian individual admitted before the Abbasid caliph al-Mutawakkil to having committed adultery with a Muslim woman, then converted to Islam and requested the execution of the prescribed punishment upon himself. The court jurists, with differing arguments ranging from acceptance of his repentance to imposing multiple punishments, debated the matter. However, al-Mutawakkil, seeking the truth, referred the case to Imam Hadi (PBUH). The Imam, relying on a verse from Surah Ghafir, issued a decisive ruling that faith at the time of punishment is ineffective.
And when they saw Our punishment, they said, We believe in Allah alone and disbelieve in that which we used to associate with Him. But their faith did not benefit them when they saw Our punishment. This is the established way of Allah that has passed before among His servants. And the disbelievers are certainly in loss.
This narration, like a mirror, reveals the difference between the understanding of the infallible and the deduction of the jurists. The infallible, having access to divine knowledge and communication with revelation, issues rulings that transcend the apparent understanding of the jurists. The court jurists, limited in perceiving the divine Sunnah, rejected the Imams ruling, but the Imams Qur'anic reasoning was rooted in a universal and divine principle present in all religions. This episode demonstrates that infallibility, like a blazing torch, illuminates the path of truth amid the darkness of jurisprudential disputes.
The position of the infallible in elucidating divine rulings surpasses the deductions of jurists. Verse 84 of Surah Ghafir, by emphasising the ineffectiveness of faith at the moment of punishment, manifests the infallibility of the infallible in understanding the divine Sunnah. This section highlights the necessity of referring to the infallibles in complex jurisprudential issues and shows that superficial understanding sometimes falls short of comprehending the truth.
Corruption, like a destructive plague, threatens the natural and social order of societies. The Holy Qur'an, by referring to various types and causes of corruption, elucidates ways to prevent and combat it. This section, by examining relevant verses, analyses the causes of corruption and the necessity of recognising them.
وَإِذَا تَوَلَّىٰ سَعَىٰ فِي الْأَرْضِ لِيُفْسِدَ فِيهَا وَيُهْلِكَ الْحَرْثَ وَالنَّسْلَ ۗ وَاللَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ الْفَسَادَ
And when he turns away, he strives upon the earth to cause corruption therein and destroy crops and offspring. And Allah does not like corruption.
قَالَتْ إِنَّ الْمُلُوكَ إِذَا دَخَلُوا قَرْيَةً أَفْسَدُوهَا وَجَعَلُوا أَعِزَّةَ أَهْلِهَا أَذِلَّةً ۖ وَكَذَٰلِكَ يَفْعَلُونَ
She said, Indeed, when kings enter a town, they ruin it and make its honoured ones humbled. And thus they do.
وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمْ لَا تُفْسِدُوا فِي الْأَرْضِ قَالُوا إِنَّمَا نَحْنُ مُصْلِحُونَ
And when it is said to them, Do not cause corruption on the earth, they say, We are but reformers.
The Holy Qur'an speaks of corruption in 52 instances and defines it as a plague disrupting social order. Corruption, like a raging flood, encompasses murder, plunder, polytheism, disbelief, backbiting, slander, and deprivation of rights, afflicting societies. This section, through examining the verses, addresses the causes and consequences of corruption.
Corruption, like a deadly poison, weakens the roots of society. The Holy Qur'an, emphasising the role of kings and hypocrites in fomenting corruption, calls for societal vigilance against abuse of power and deceitful language. Recognising corruption is a foundational step towards societal reform, since religion cannot be implemented until corruption is eradicated.