the lectures of Nokounam (may his secret be sanctified), Session 1708
This writing represents a profound exploration of the Holy Qur'ans verses centred on the concepts of true faith, righteous deeds, and the pivotal role of mosques in societal reform. Drawing primarily upon Surah Al-'Imran and relevant verses from other chapters, this analysis endeavours to elucidate the profound Qur'anic meanings for readers through a lofty and coherent linguistic style. The aim is to portray faith as a dynamic and living current that transcends mere formal acts, embracing repentance, gratitude, love, and almsgiving from wholesome sources. Mosques are likewise introduced as spiritual and intellectual centres that must, through faith and belief in the Hereafter, be transformed into hubs of societal reform and cohesion. This work emphasises, from the perspective of implementing the Qur'anic system within society, the necessity of vitality, legitimate freedom, and affection in social relations, so that the Islamic community may be guided from stagnation and despondency towards dynamism and salvation.
True faith is a dynamic current intertwined with constant readiness, knowledge, and awareness of divine responsibilities. This faith goes beyond formal acts such as prayer and fasting, requiring vigilance against divine cunning and avoidance of heedlessness.
Are you secure that He will not cause the earth to swallow you up or send against you a violent blast, then you will find no protector for yourselves?
(Surah Al-Isra, 17:68)
This verse, with a tone of admonition, forbids complacency against divine stratagem and stresses that only the doomed people would feel secure. True faith shines like a lamp in the darkness of negligence, inviting the believer to constant preparedness and acceptance of truth. Such faith remains steadfast with the invocation "Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we shall return" when confronted with hardships and trials, and is not reliant on superficial rituals. Religious knowledge must promote this awareness and avoid ritualistic behaviour that confines faith to outward appearances, thereby guiding society towards awareness and vigilance.
Mosques, as the beating heart of the Islamic community, must be centres of faith, knowledge, and social reform. The revitalisation of mosques lies not in superficial adornments but in faith and belief in the Hereafter.
The mosques of Allah are only to be maintained by those who believe in Allah and the Last Day.
(Surah At-Tawbah, 9:18)
This verse links the maintenance of mosques to faith and belief in the Hereafter, warning against focusing on outward decorations and extravagance. Mosques, like clubs of faith, should provide spaces to strengthen faith, social cohesion, and relieve the fatigue of the faithful. Closed mosque doors signify their ruin, for mosques must always remain open and accessible for worship, supplication, and tranquillity. A critique of religious knowledge here is that mosques have become marketplaces or places of ostentation, diverging from their primary role. Religious knowledge should revive mosques as spiritual centres, preventing their closure and transforming them into venues for reinforcing faith and societal reform.
Key Point: Mosques, as the heart of the Islamic community, must be revitalised with faith and knowledge to fulfil their role as centres for strengthening faith and social reform.
True faith is perfected through repentance and righteous deeds and does not reach completeness without effort and action.
Whoever repents and believes and does righteousness then indeed, Allah will replace their evil deeds with good.
(Surah Al-Furqan, 25:70)
This verse regards repentance, faith, and righteous deeds as the stages of salvation. Repentance is a return to God, and faith reaches perfection through righteous deeds. Righteous deeds are like a sapling that flourishes through love, humility, and service to others. Religious knowledge must promote the culture of repentance and righteous deeds and avoid faith that is confined to mere external acts, guiding society towards salvation.
Gratitude is like a bridge that leads the believer to true faith. Without appreciation and attention to blessings, faith cannot reach perfection.
What would Allah do with your punishment if you are grateful and believe?
(Surah An-Nisa, 4:147)
This verse regards gratitude as prior to faith and introduces it as the foundation of true faith. Gratitude, meaning appreciation of blessings and love for others, strengthens faith. Without gratitude, faith leads to disbelief and extravagance. Examples such as giving small gifts like raisins or chocolates as signs of love are cited in this context. Religious knowledge must promote a culture of gratitude and love, preventing ingratitude and superficial faith.
Key Point: Gratitude is the seed that plants true faith in the believers heart and protects society from disbelief and extravagance.
The people of faith, upon hearing the call of truth, refrain from ostentation and mockery of others.
Our Lord, indeed we have heard a caller calling to faith, saying, Believe in your Lord, and we have believed.
(Surah Al-'Imran, 3:193)
This verse identifies the people of faith as those who hear the call of truth and act upon it. True faith is defined by knowledge and avoidance of ostentation, not by superficial acts such as prolonged presence in the mosque without awareness. Religious knowledge must promote awareness and discourage mocking others to foster true faith.
The people of faith avoid burdening others with resentment or harm, as these acts nullify alms.
O you who have believed, do not invalidate your charities with reminders or injury.
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:264)
This verse forbids nullifying charities through resentment and harm. True faith is accompanied by love and humility, and resentment is a sign of superficial faith. Examples such as burdening ones family with resentment are criticised, and religious knowledge must promote a culture of love to prevent such behaviours.
The people of faith donate their best possessions and avoid giving worthless items.
O you who have believed, spend from the good things which you have earned.
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:267)
This verse invites believers to donate the best of their acquired possessions. Giving from good things is a sign of true faith and avoidance of arrogance. Religious knowledge must promote this culture to prevent arrogant and superficial behaviour.
The people of faith, by embodying divine mercy, purify society and avoid misguidance.
But as for those who believe and do righteous deeds, their Lord will admit them into His mercy.
(Surah Al-Jathiyah, 45:30)
This verse considers faith and righteous deeds as the means to enter divine mercy. Divine mercy protects believers from misguidance and leads them to purify society. Religious knowledge must teach divine awareness to connect believers to this mercy.
The implementation of the Qur'anic system, with true faith and love for others, compensates for societal deficiencies.
O you who have believed, upon yourselves is [responsibility for] yourselves. Those who have gone astray will not harm you when you have been guided.
(Surah Al-Maidah, 5:105)
This verse calls believers to focus on their own guidance and avoid harshness towards others. True faith and love act as a current that compensates for societal shortcomings and brings people into Gods religion. Examples such as the Prophets invitation to a meal to attract relatives illustrate the impact of love in guiding others. Religious knowledge must promote this system and prevent superficial behaviour and division.
Key Point: Implementation of the Qur'anic system with true faith and love compensates for societal deficiencies and guides people towards the religion of God.
The Islamic society must be accompanied by freedom, vitality, and warmth to prevent coldness and despondency.
And their garments will be of fine silk.
(Surah Al-Hajj, 22:23)
This verse introduces silk garments in Paradise as a symbol of freedom, vitality, and warmth. The Islamic society is like a garden that flourishes with vitality and freedom. The absence of joy and excessive strictness leads society towards corruption and stagnation. Religious knowledge must promote a culture of vitality and legitimate freedom, guiding society towards faith and righteous deeds.
