The Holy Quran, like an infinite sea of divine knowledge, guides humanity towards understanding the reality of existence and its place within the cosmic system. This heavenly book, with verses replete with wisdom and power, depicts the relationship between man and the Creator in a manner that simultaneously manifests divine grandeur and clarifies man's role as the manifestation of this infinite power. In this treatise, by reflecting on selected verses from the Surahs An-Nahl, Luqman, and Al-Anbiya, foundational concepts concerning divine power, its intermediaries in the form of revelation and infallibility, and the status of man within this system are examined. The objective is not only to attain a deeper understanding of these verses but also to invite contemplation on the responsibility of mankind and religious scholars in the face of this unparalleled power. This work endeavours, through clear and dignified language, to present the profound Quranic meanings cohesively and in accordance with an academic scientific framework.
The Holy Quran, in Surah An-Nahl, verse 43, refers to one of the manifestations of divine power the granting of revelation to the Prophets. This verse emphatically asserts that God chose no prophet except from among mankind and equipped him through revelation with spiritual, intellectual, and practical faculties.
And We sent not before you [O Muhammad] any but men to whom We revealed [Our message]. So ask the people of the message if you do not know.
This verse introduces revelation as a tool for empowering the Prophets. Revelation distinguishes the Prophets from other humans in both intellectual and practical domains. Intellectually, revelation opens a gateway to metaphysical knowledge and infinite divine wisdom, while practically it endows the Prophets with extraordinary abilities to guide their communities. This power, like a light emitted from the divine sun, transforms the Prophets into embodiments of God's authority.
The phrase So ask the people of the message is an invitation to seek truth from those knowledgeable of Quranic teachings. However, this invitation is meaningful solely in the context of the Infallibles, because only they, by virtue of their connection to revelation and their infallibility, possess the capability to answer every inquiry. The Infallibles are like radiant stars in the sky of guidance, the flawless and complete references of divine knowledge.
The Holy Quran, in Surah An-Nisa, verse 59, emphasises absolute obedience to God, the Messenger, and the Uli al-Amr among you:
O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you.
In Shiite exegesis, the Uli al-Amr refers to the Infallibles who, by virtue of their infallibility, merit unconditional obedience. Obedience to non-infallibles, such as just scholars, is permissible only within the framework of legal deduction and under conditional terms. This distinction draws a clear line between the divine authority of the Infallibles and the human limitations of non-infallible scholars. Religious scholars, as truthful interpreters of the Infallibles, operate within the sphere of legislative implementation but cannot serve as sources of absolute obedience.
Surah An-Nahl, by emphasising revelation and the status of the Infallibles, presents divine power as the source of the guidance and authority of the Prophets. The Infallibles, through their connection to revelation, possess the ability to answer any inquiry and are the references of absolute obedience. This section invites religious scholars to reflect on their role as the inheritors of the Prophets, strengthening their spiritual and intellectual bonds to advance societal guidance.
The Holy Quran, in Surah Al-Anbiya, verse 10, refers to the special status of man within the creation system:
Indeed, We have sent down to you a Book in which is your mention. So will you not reason?
This verse introduces the Quran as a mirror reflecting the identity, destiny, and existential characteristics of every individual. The term mention here denotes the identity and status of man in the cosmic order, revealed through contemplation and reasoning within the Quran. This divine book encompasses not only the generalities of the universe but also addresses the details of human life, inviting each person to discover their place within this system. The phrase So will you not reason? acts as a call for humanity to contemplate this profound reality.
In Surah Luqman, verse 34, the Quran highlights the limitations of human knowledge regarding the unseen:
And no soul knows what it will earn tomorrow, and no soul knows in what land it will die.
This verse indicates the ordinary human's limitation vis--vis the knowledge of the unseen. Nonetheless, divination by means of the Quran is introduced as a method for uncovering certain metaphysical truths. Unlike Istikhara (a general seeking of guidance), Tafal (divination) addresses the particulars of human life, employing Quranic verses to examine the future. This knowledge, valid in the hands of the Infallibles and the Godly Authorities due to their connection with revelation, may lead to deviation when practiced by non-infallibles owing to potential misuse or ignorance.
Tafal is likened to a key unlocking some hidden secrets, yet this key is effective only when wielded by those who approach the Quran with sincere intent and full awareness. Some traditions prohibit tafal due to the possibility of misuse; however, this prohibition pertains to ignorance or improper usage rather than the essence of tafal itself.
The status of man in the Holy Quran as a being whose identity and destiny are inscribed in this divine book is of paramount importance. Tafal, as a tool for uncovering metaphysical truths, exemplifies the Qurans comprehensiveness in guiding humanity. This section calls upon religious scholars to reflect on these sciences and to employ them responsibly in order to prevent deviation and misuse.
Surah Al-Anbiya, verse 11, presents a manifestation of the divine battle-cry:
And how many a city have We destroyed that was wronging, and We produced after it another people.
The word destroyed strikes like a thunderbolt, demonstrating God's infinite power in dismantling oppressive systems. This verse not only refers to God's material power but also to His spiritual justice that establishes divine order in the world. This divine battle-cry serves as a lesson for contemporary societies to stand firm against tyranny and corruption.
Verse 24 of Surah Al-Anbiya emphasises the necessity of presenting evidence against claims:
Or have they taken gods besides Him? Say, Bring your proof. This is the message of those with me and the message of those before me.
This verse invites the polytheists to provide proof for their claims and presents the Quran as the comprehensive evidence. Proof acts like a sword that separates falsehood from truth and urges religious scholars to establish scientific systems for documenting arguments and addressing doubts.
The divine battle-cry and emphasis on proof demonstrate Gods authority against falsehood and deviation. Religious scholars, as the inheritors of the Prophets, must strengthen scientific and rational foundations to withstand contemporary doubts and challenges and guide society towards truth.
Surah Al-Anbiya, verse 83, refers to the direct connection of Job with God:
And [mention] Job, when he called to his Lord, Indeed, adversity has touched
