of Nekounam, (Session 1699)
The Holy Quran, like a radiant lamp, guides humanity towards truth and transcendence. Surah Al-Imran, one of the most brilliant gems of this divine scripture, with its profound verses and deep meanings, invites humankind to contemplate fundamental divine and social concepts. This treatise, with a profound look at two key notions, namely Absolute Essence and Righteous Deeds, delves into the verses of this Surah. Its objective is to present the sublime Quranic meanings in a coherent framework, articulated in a clear and dignified language suitable for a scholarly context. These reflections, rooted in the discourses of religious scholars, endeavour to connect Quranic concepts to human life, paving a way towards a deeper and more practical understanding of these verses.
One of the fundamental concepts in the Holy Quran is the possibility of drawing near to the exalted Divine Essence, beautifully expressed in multiple verses, including a verse from Surah An-Nur. This concept, contrary to certain mystical interpretations that deem access to the Divine Essence impossible or forbidden, is affirmed explicitly and universally in the Quran. God has opened the gates of His mercy and knowledge to His servants and calls humanity towards Himself with expressions such as "Tal" (Come).
فَكَانَ قَابَ قَوْسَيْنِ أَوْ أَدْنَىٰ
"So He was as close as the distance of two bows or even nearer." (Surah An-Nur, 24:55)
This verse clearly speaks of the unparalleled closeness of human beings to God, as if one can spiritually reach a station where the distance to the Almighty is as thin as the length of two bows, or even less. Moreover, in another verse from Surah Az-Zukhruf, God has opened the path to penetrate the expanses of the heavens and the earth, conditional upon possessing "Suln" or an epistemological instrument.
فَانْفُذُوا لَا تَنْفُذُوا إِلَّا بِسُلْطَانٍ
"So penetrate; you shall not penetrate except with authority." (Surah Az-Zukhruf, 43:83)
The term "Suln" in this verse signifies epistemological tools such as faith, righteous deeds, and heartfelt knowledge, enabling man to ascend through existential ranks towards God. These verses indicate that there is no forbidden zone in the path to drawing near to the Divine Essence; rather, the way is open like a door welcoming those eager to enter.
This Quranic perspective, unlike some incorrect theological interpretations that consider access to the Essence impossible, stresses the opening of the gates of divine knowledge and mercy. Man, like a traveller on an infinite path of knowledge, can advance toward the divine destination with spiritual instruments.
In a tradition attributed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), it is stated: Do not speculate on the Divine Essence. This tradition does not mean absolute prohibition but is an admonition guiding the ordinary human intellect towards reflection on Gods blessings (Divine Bounties). Speculating on the Divine Essence with a limited human mind can lead to confusion, as Gods Essence transcends pure reason.
Contemplating Gods bounties, such as the blessings of creation and cosmic signs, leads man from origins to objectives, as if ascending a ladder of knowledge towards the peaks of truth. The heart and soul act as wings assisting this spiritual flight, whereas pure reason is like an inadequate engine incapable of reaching the heights of knowledge.
The Holy Quran, in verses such as the opening of Surah At-Takathur, stresses the relativity of all beings and phenomena:
أَلْهَاكُمُ التَّكَاثُرُ
"Competition for more (worldly goods) distracted you." (Surah At-Takathur, 102:1)
Only the Divine Essence is absolute; all other beings, from humans and societies to particles, exist on relative hierarchical levels. This relativity resembles a hierarchy that positions every entity in its specific rank, as if each stands on a rung of the ladder of existence.
This Quranic view prevents arrogance and self-conceit and guides man towards humility and recognition of his place in the cosmic order.
The ideal Quranic society is founded upon the principle of moderation, as indicated in a verse from Surah Al-Isra:
لَا تَجْهَرْ بِصَلَاتِكَ وَلَا تُخَافِتْ بِهَا وَابْتَغِ بَيْنَ ذَٰلِكَ سَبِيلًا
"Do not make your voice too loud in prayer, nor too low, but seek a way in between." (Surah Al-Isra, 17:110)
This verse directs society toward balance and moderation, as if a balanced society is like a tree rooted in the earth and extending its branches toward the sky, neither sliding toward tyranny nor falling into unrealistic idealism.
This Quranic principle acts like a lamp illuminating the path to constructing a dynamic and balanced society in which every part harmoniously progresses toward perfection.
The Holy Quran repeatedly presents righteous deeds as a criterion for valuing human actions, including in Surah Al-Imran:
وَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ فَيُوَفِّيهِمْ أُجُورَهُمْ
"But as for those who believe and do righteous deeds, He will give them their rewards in full." (Surah Al-Imran, 3:57)
Righteous deeds are those accompanied by faith in God and the Last Day, leading to ultimate recompense. Such deeds stand in opposition to sinful actions such as theft, bribery, and fraud, which not only lack reward but also bring fear and psychological insecurity upon their doers.
Righteous deeds are like clear water that cleanses the human soul and guides it towards perfection and tranquility.
The Holy Quran in a verse from Surah Al-Baqarah emphasises the negation of fear and sorrow for those who perform righteous deeds:
إِنَّ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا... وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ... فَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ
"Indeed, those who have believed... and done righteous deeds... no fear will be upon them, nor will they grieve." (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:62)
This verse liberates man from all psychological and social pressures, as if righteous deeds act as a shield protecting the heart from fear and sorrow. One who engages in good deeds proceeds confidently on his path, like a farmer digging the earth with his hoe without fearing any obstacle.
In contrast, sinful actions are like poison that exhausts the soul and traps man in fear and insecurity.
The Holy Quran in a verse from Surah Al-Imran underscores the equality of the value of righteous deeds between men and women:
فَاسْتَجَابَ لَهُمْ رَبُّهُمْ أَنِّي لَا أُضِيعُ عَمَلَ عَامِلٍ مِنْكُمْ مِنْ ذَكَرٍ أَوْ أُنْثَىٰ
"Their Lord has responded to them, I do not lose the work of any worker among you, whether male or female." (Surah Al-Imran, 3:195)
This verse affirms the value of righteous deeds regardless of gender. In Islamic society, righteous deeds should be the criterion for valuing individuals, irrespective of gender. Unfortunately, in some societies, women are deprived of equal employment opportunities, which leads to social injustice.
This Quranic viewpoint acts like a breeze that lifts the curtains of discrimination and paves the way for justice and equality.
A verse from Surah Al-Maidah elevates righteous deeds to sublime worship, contingent upon the intention of nearness to God:
وَمَنْ يَعْمَلْ مِنَ الصَّالِحَاتِ مِنْ ذَكَرٍ أَوْ أُنْ
