of Nokounam (may his sacred soul rest in peace) Session 1827
The Holy Quran, the Book of Divine Guidance, not only elucidates legal rulings and religious injunctions in its verses but also portrays, with profound and sagacious expression, various dimensions of Divine Power, the spiritual authority of the Prophets, and their profound effects on the psyche and society of humankind. The Surahs Al-Imran and Al-Ma'idah, like two radiant gems within this collection, delicately and deeply present concepts such as miracles, Divine support, and the necessity of reviving spiritual authority within seminaries. This treatise, by reflecting on the verses of these two Surahs and analyses derived from the discourses of religious scholars, seeks to elucidate these concepts for readers with a clear and dignified language. Through the use of spiritual metaphors and references, an endeavour has been made to present the spirit and messages of the verses in a coherent and impactful manner.
In Surah Al-Imran, verses 48 and 49, a manifestation of Divine Power in the miracles of Jesus (peace be upon him) is displayed. These verses, shining like a radiant light upon the darkness of ignorance, introduce miracles not only as signs of prophethood but also as a bridge between the unseen realm and the material world.
And He will teach him the Book and Wisdom and the Torah and the Gospel. And [make him] a messenger to the Children of Israel, [who will say], 'Indeed I have come to you with a sign from your Lord that I will create for you from clay [that which is] like the form of a bird, then I will breathe into it, and it will be a bird by permission of Allah. And I cure the blind and the leper, and I give life to the dead by permission of Allah. And I inform you of what you eat and what you store in your houses. Indeed in that is a sign for you, if you are believers.
These verses, like a pure spring, reveal the scientific and practical power of Jesus (peace be upon him). Creating a bird from clay, curing the blind and the leper, reviving the dead, and informing of hidden mattersall are signs that manifest by Divine permission and affirm his mission before the Children of Israel. The phrase by permission of Allah acts as a golden key emphasising that these miracles are a manifestation of boundless Divine Power, not the personal ability of the Prophet.
From a mystical perspective, these miracles act as a mirror reflecting the direct connection of Jesus (peace be upon him) with the unseen world. The breathing of spirit into clay is like a Divine breath, indicating a profound bond between the material and the meaningful realm. Psychologically, these signs create wonder and assurance among audiences, reinforcing faith and alleviating existential anxieties. Sociologically, miracles serve as irrefutable evidence that attract communal trust and invite the Children of Israel to accept the mission. These verses, like a luminous lamp, stress the necessity of coupling power with religious invitation.
Verses 48 and 49 of Surah Al-Imran, by elucidating the miracles of Jesus (peace be upon him), present Divine Power as a sign for human guidance. These miracles, realised within the framework of Divine permission, not only prove the Prophets mission but also, through deep impact on psyche and society, pave the way for acceptance of truth.
One of the key concepts in the discussed lectures is the necessity of associating religious rulings with spiritual authority. Rulings, like lamps in darkness, require a force to illuminate them. This force, sourced from Divine wisdom and authority, is manifested in the prayer Rabbi hab li hukman.
He said, My Lord, grant me wisdom and join me with the righteous.
This prayer, like a refreshing breeze blowing upon pure hearts, requests wisdom and joining with the righteous from the Divine court. Wisdom, as a precious jewel, not only transforms rulings from abstract notions to practical realities but also strengthens the spiritual authority of the religious leader.
From a jurisprudential perspective, religious rulings are effective only when accompanied by scientific and spiritual authority. This authority, like a firm root, stabilises rulings within society. Psychologically, the authority of a religious leader enhances followers trust and reduces social anxieties. Mystically, Divine wisdom is a gift that elevates the individual to the rank of the righteous and protects them from arrogance and self-superiority.
Ruling and wisdom are the two wings of flight on the path of religious guidance. The prayer Hab li hukman reflects the need for spiritual authority that transforms rulings from theoretical to practical and guides society towards righteousness and salvation.
The distinction between Divine power and arrogance is one of the central themes in these lectures. Prophets, like steadfast mountains, possessed an inner power rooted in their connection with God, free from arrogance and self-conceit.
Arrogance, like a dark shadow, is the consequence of an egoistic weakness and fear, whereas inner power, like a shining sun, springs from faith and Divine wisdom. Prophets led societies with this power, without recourse to violence or showmanship.
Mystically,
