of Nokounam (may his sanctity be preserved), Session 1704
The Holy Quran, akin to a guiding lamp, illuminates the path to felicity and salvation for humanity, and with profound discourse, explicates fundamental concepts such as religion and faith as two essential pillars of human existence. This treatise, through reflection upon the luminous verses of the Holy Quran, examines the distinction between religion and faith, the role of religion as the primary societal belt, and the position of wisdom vis--vis medicine. The aim of this work is to provide a comprehensive and coherent analysis of these concepts, articulated in a clear and dignified manner, thereby facilitating a deeper and more practical understanding of these principles in both social and individual life. Like a road that leads travellers to their destination, religion in the Holy Quran is introduced as a smooth path for peaceful coexistence, and faith, as an inner gem, adorns the human heart with divine light.
The Holy Quran introduces religion as an external and social structure that, like a belt, holds society on a coherent and harmonious path. This structure, founded upon decorum, ethics, and harmony, is essential for societal governance and invites all, whether believers or non-believers, to observe respect, avoid injustice, and maintain social cohesion.
Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam. And those who were given the Scripture did not differ except after knowledge had come to themout of jealous animosity between themselves.
This noble verse introduces religion as "Islam," signifying submission and harmony with the peaceful structure of social life. Islam in this sense is not merely a particular ritual, but rather a framework for collective living based on mutual respect and avoidance of division. Religion is like a road guiding all towards a common destination, without interfering in the inner beliefs of individuals.
In contrast to religion, faith is defined as an inner and spiritual dimension pertaining to individual beliefs and actions, such as performing night prayers or vigils. Faith shines like a gem within the believers heart and guides them towards spiritual perfection; however, this inner gem is not a criterion for societal governance. The Holy Quran delicately separates faith from religion to demonstrate that governing society is feasible and desirable based on religion rather than faith.
For instance, religious scholars emphasise that despite its high importance, faith cannot replace religion as a social structure. Imposing faith as a social standard instead of religion results in chaos and division because faith is personal and voluntary, and cannot be enforced upon all members of society.
One of the fundamental issues in the misunderstanding of religion is confusing it with faith and enforcing inner beliefs as social criteria. This misconception, observed in some religious scholarly approaches, leads society towards division and conflict rather than cohesion. For example, compelling all individuals to perform specific acts of worship or judging their inner beliefs contradicts the spirit of Quranic religion.
And do not insult those they invoke besides Allah, lest they insult Allah in enmity without knowledge.
This noble verse, prohibiting insulting others even if they are non-believers, emphasises the necessity of maintaining decorum and avoiding conflict. Imposing faith, such as compelling the performance of prayers or specific beliefs instead of religion, leads to distrust and division and diverges from the fundamental path of religion, which is peaceful coexistence.
The Holy Quran explicitly negates coercion in religion and emphasises that religion, through courteous and ethical behaviours, distinguishes the path of growth from error. This principle, like a gentle breeze that quietly indicates the way, guides society towards empathy and cohesion.
There is no compulsion in religion; the right way has become distinct from error.
This noble verse, employing the term "distinct," underscores the self-evidence of religion. Growth, meaning proper and ethical conduct, manifests in social interactions, while error, symbolising improper and destructive behaviours, becomes evident through incivility and immorality. Religion is like a road where adherence to its rules, such as decorum and respect, prevents social congestion and accidents.
The Holy Quran defines religion as a collection of social behaviours including refraining from backbiting, slander, and disrespect. These behaviours are like threads that weave the fabric of society together and prevent its rupture. For instance, religious scholars believe that observing decorum even in interactions with those who hold differing beliefs is a fundamental principle of religion.
In this regard, the Holy Quran emphasises the necessity of companionship and empathy within society. Just as a flock of sheep remains safe from the wolfs danger through companionship, a society founded on religion and decorum is shielded from division and chaos.
The Holy Quran, instead of emphasising outward medicine, highlights wisdom as a comprehensive approach to the health of body and soul. Wisdom, like a clear spring, not only addresses physical treatment but also nourishes the inner roots of health.
He grants wisdom to whom He wills, and whoever has been granted wisdom has certainly been given much good.
This noble verse introduces wisdom as abundant good. The wise person, unlike the physician who merely tends to external healing, attends to the inner roots of health and offers holistic solutions. Wisdom encompasses knowledge, ethics, and prudence, guiding not only the body but also the soul and society towards health.
In the Holy Quran, wisdom is portrayed as a broader approach than medicine. The physician is likened to one who merely cleans the external surface, whereas the wise person, with profound insight, considers inner reform and disease prevention. This distinction signifies the importance of attention to spiritual and psychological dimensions alongside physical health.
