of Nokounam, may his soul rest in peace (Session 1747)
Surah Al-Hajj, one of the Medinan chapters of the Noble Quran, with profound expression and coherent structure, explores the fundamental concepts of Divine power, human authority, and the role of faith in fortifying the Islamic society. This Surah, like a mirror reflecting the essence of existence, elucidates the relationship between faith, power, and weakness through illuminating verses.
In this discourse, based on verses 38 to 41, 46, 52 to 55, and 73 to 76 of Surah Al-Hajj, these concepts are examined. The objective is to provide a comprehensive and cohesive analysis of Divine and human authority, which stems from sincere faith and challenges carnal weaknesses and disbelief. This study, with clear language and structured format, endeavours to depict the link between faith, righteous deeds, and the authority of the Islamic community.
Indeed, Allah defends those who have believed. Indeed, Allah does not like every treacherous, ungrateful one. (22:38)
Verses 38 to 41 of Surah Al-Hajj serve as steadfast pillars, delineating the foundations of believers authority under Divine protection. In verse 38, the Noble Quran states:
Indeed, Allah defends those who have believed. Indeed, Allah does not like every treacherous, ungrateful one. (22:38)
This verse portrays Divine defence as an impregnable shield for the believers; however, this protection is conditional upon sincere faith and avoidance of treachery and disbelief. The verb yudfiu (defends), in the form of mufala, implies a reciprocal interaction between Allah and the believers; as if Allah not only defends the believers but does so in conjunction with them. This participation transforms faith into a motivating and empowering force within the Islamic society.
Permission [to fight] has been given to those who are being fought, because they were wronged. And indeed, Allah is competent to give them victory. (22:39)
This verse grants the oppressed permission to defend themselves and introduces resistance against injustice as a manifestation of authority. If believers remain silent in the face of oppression, weakness overcomes them, potentially resulting in their expulsion from their homes. Yet, reliance upon Allah and the invocation Rabbana Allah (Our Lord is Allah) summons Divine power to their aid.
Verse 40 addresses the consequences of deficient faith:
> And if Allah did not repel some people by means of others, then there would have been demolished monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques in which the name of Allah is much mentioned. And Allah will surely support those who support Him. (22:40)
This verse views weakness in faith as the cause of destruction to religious centres. If the believers neglect to support the religion of Allah, Allah will likewise withhold His support. This mutual support forms the cornerstone of Islamic societal authority.
Verse 41 enumerates the characteristics of a powerful society:
Those who, if We give them authority in the land, establish prayer and give zakah and enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong. (22:41)
This verse identifies four pillars of Islamic authority: establishment of prayer, payment of zakah, enjoining good, and forbidding evil. These pillars, like the foundations of a grand edifice, shape a resilient and authoritative society.
Verses 38 to 41 of Surah Al-Hajj assert that authority is contingent upon faith and righteous action. Divine defence depends upon believers active participation in upholding truth. Weakness in faith leads to the destruction of religious centres and expulsion of believers from their homeland. A powerful society is one founded upon these four pillars.
Have they not travelled through the land, so that they might have hearts by which to reason or ears by which to hear? For indeed, it is not the eyes that are blind, but the hearts which are in the breasts that are blind. (22:46)
This verse elucidates the root of human weakness by differentiating between intellect (qulub yaqiln bih) and heart (qulub f -udr). The intellect is a tool for calculation and superficial understanding, whereas the heart is the seat of faith and connection to truth. The blindness of the heart, arising from doubt, desire, and estrangement from faith, deprives man of true authority.
Verse 46 attributes weakness to spiritual blindness of the heart. Societies whose hearts are devoid of faith move towards ruin, even if endowed with intellect and senses.
> And We sent not before you any messenger or prophet except that when he spoke [or wished], Satan threw into it [some misunderstanding]. But Allah abolishes that which Satan throws in; then Allah makes precise His verses. And Allah is Knowing and Wise. (22:52)
Verses 52 and 53 refer to the carnal weakness even among the Prophets. These verses demonstrate that despite human frailty due to carnal desires, Allah compensates for this weakness by strengthening His signs. Conversely, the disbelievers remain in turmoil because of doubt and diseased hearts, thus deprived of authority.
> That those who were given knowledge would know that it is the truth from your Lord and [therefore] believe in it, and their hearts humbly submit to it. (22:54)
Verse 54 emphasises the role of knowledge coupled with faith in fortifying the heart and guiding man to the straight path. This represents authority born from knowledge and faith.
Verses 52 to 55 regard carnal weakness as an obstacle to authority, overcome through Divine fortification and knowledge connected to faith. These verses demonstrate the supremacy of Divine power over human weakness.
> O people, an example is presented, so listen to it. Indeed, those you invoke besides Allah will never create [as much as] a fly, even if they gathered together for it. And if the fly should snatch away from them a [tiny] thing, they could not recover it from it. Weak are the pursuer and pursued. (22:73)
Verse 73 highlights the incapacity of idolaters to recognise Divine power. Due to their ignorance of the reality of Divine authority, they resort to entities incapable even of creating a fly. The phrase weakness of both the seeker and the sought emphasises the impotence of both idolaters and their idols. This weakness is the consequence of lack of faith and severance from Divine power.
> Indeed, Allah chooses from the angels messengers and from the people. (22:75)
Verse 75 underscores Divine selection as an indication of granting authority to those endowed with pure spirit and steadfast faith.
Verses 73 to 76 juxtapose Divine power against the weakness of idolaters. True authority is contingent upon faith and connection to Allah, while those deprived of this connection remain in weakness and incapacity.
Surah Al-Hajj, like a radiant beacon, illuminates the path to true authority through faith, righteous action, and connection to Allah. Weakness, whether in the Prophets due to carnal desires or in disbelievers due to doubt and disbelief, obstructs attainment of this authority. An authoritative Islamic society is founded upon the establishment of prayer, payment of zakah, enjoining good, and forbidding evil. These verses serve as a transparent mirror offering a profound lesson for our time: to gain power, one must seek refuge in Allah and faith and avoid carnal weaknesses and spiritual blindness.
> And if Allah did not repel some people by means of others, there would have been demolished monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques in which the name of Allah is much mentioned. And Allah will surely support those who support Him. (22:40)
> Those who, if We give them authority in the land, establish prayer and give zakah and enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong. (22:41)
> Have they not travelled through the land, so that they might have hearts by which to reason or ears by which to hear? For indeed, it is not the eyes that are blind, but the hearts which are in the breasts that are blind. (22:46)
> And We sent not before you any messenger or prophet except that when he spoke [or wished], Satan threw into it [some misunderstanding]. But Allah abolishes that which Satan throws in; then Allah makes precise His verses. And Allah is Knowing and Wise. (22:52)
> That those who were given knowledge would know that it is the truth from your Lord and [therefore] believe in it, and their hearts humbly submit to it. (22:54)
> They did not appreciate Allah with due appreciation. Indeed, Allah is Powerful and Exalted in Might. (22:74)
> Indeed, Allah chooses from the angels messengers and from the people. (22:75)
