of Nekounam Session 1736
The Holy Qur'an is a book that, like an infinite ocean, encompasses divine knowledge, and each of its verses, like a wave, guides humanity towards the truth. This treatise examines and interprets verses from the Surahs Hud, Al-Anfal, and Ar-Rum, wherein the concepts of power, prophecy, and the human relationship with the Creator are elucidated in a profound and multilayered manner. This study, by inspecting the structure and foundation of the verses, delves into the divine meanings and messages, striving to clarify the concepts for audiences interested in Qur'anic sciences with clear and dignified language. What lies before you is an endeavour to represent the Qur'anic truth through deep reflections and a coherent framework, employing metaphors and allusions to pave the way for a deeper understanding.
The Holy Qur'an, in Surah Hud, from verse 25 to 49, recounts the story of Prophet Noah (peace be upon him) and his people, presenting the concept of power as a divine foundation in contrast to human structures. Power in these verses is manifested not only as divine miracles but also as an inner, spiritual force bestowed by God upon the prophets. This power, vis--vis the disbelief and denial of Noah's people, manifests in a manner that reveals the distinction between the divine foundation and apparent human structures.
The metaphor of power in this Surah resembles a cook who, no matter how skilled, cannot prepare a delicious meal without raw ingredients. The divine foundation is akin to water, fire, and raw materials, without which no human structure can be completed. In these verses, Prophet Noah (peace be upon him), relying on this divine foundation, calls his people towards monotheism, but his people, bound by superficial and materialistic structures, mock him.
We certainly sent Noah to his people: "Indeed, I am to you a clear warner. That you worship none but Allah. Indeed, I fear for you the punishment of a painful day."
These verses demonstrate Prophet Noahs monotheistic invitation, in which he clearly and explicitly calls his people to worship the One God. Yet the response of the people, as expressed in the subsequent verse, denotes denial and mockery of divine power:
Then the eminent disbelievers among his people said: "We see you nothing but a man like ourselves, and we see that those who follow you are but the lowest of us in status, and we do not see any superiority for you over us; rather, we think you are liars."
This response illustrates the materialistic mindset of Noah's people who sought power only in external and material manifestations. They, being incapable of comprehending the divine foundation, mocked the prophet for his humanity and his followers for their apparent lowliness.
He said: "O my people, what do you think if I am upon clear evidence from my Lord and He has granted me mercy from Himself, but it has been concealed from you? Should we compel you to accept it while you are averse to it?"
This response reflects the prophets inner power and tranquility, which neither succumbs to the provocations of his people nor deviates from his path. This trait testifies to the difference between divine power and human reactions.
Surah Hud, in verses 25 to 49, presents power as a divine foundation manifested in the existence of the prophets. This power is rooted not only in apparent miracles but also in patience, trust, and faith in God. The people of Noah, bound by superficiality, fail to grasp this foundation and ridicule the prophet. However, Noahs calm and wise response reveals the depth of this divine power emanating from faith and connection to God.
Surah Al-Anfal, focusing on divine rulings and commands, elucidates the concept of power within the Islamic social context. Within this Surah, two approaches to power are observed: verses that themselves embody power and verses that exhort preparation for attaining power.
For example, in verse 44 of Surah Al-Anfal, God states:
"[Remember] when Allah showed them to you in your dream as few; and if He had shown them to you as many, you would have lost courage and would have disputed in the matter."
This verse manifests divine power in diminishing fear and augmenting the courage of the believers. By managing the visual perception of the Prophet and his companions, God prevents weakness and discord, thus displaying an aspect of divine power.
Conversely, verse 60 presents a different approach:
"And prepare against them whatever you are able of power and steeds of war to frighten the enemy of Allah and your enemy."
This verse, rather than a direct manifestation of power, instructs the believers to prepare and acquire power. This distinction resembles the difference between a spring that flows naturally and a river that must be directed and regulated by effort and planning. Prophets, particularly the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his family), by virtue of divine power, required no such preparation, but the Islamic community is mandated to equip themselves through endeavour.
