of Nokounam, (Session 1832)
The Holy Quran, like an infinite ocean, encompasses profound meanings and exalted concepts, each of which, like a star in the sky of guidance, directs humanity towards felicity and perfection. Concepts such as rizq (provision), rziq (provider), glad tidings, exoneration, tab (settlement), power, and steadfastness constitute luminous jewels of this celestial scripture, playing a fundamental role in the fabric of creation and human guidance.
These concepts not only elucidate the relationship between humans and their Lord but also, like a shining lamp, illuminate the path of individual and social life. The present discourse, adopting a scientific and methodical approach, explores these concepts and, by referencing Quranic verses, expounds their philosophical, mystical, psychological, and sociological dimensions. The aim of this work is to offer a coherent and profound interpretation that, while preserving the authenticity of Quranic meanings, paves the way for reflection and research in this domain.
The concept of rizq in the Holy Quran, like a clear stream, encompasses all material and spiritual blessings granted by God, the Absolute Provider, to His servants. Nevertheless, the term rziq, as a general attribute, not only exclusively pertains to the Divine Essence but can also be attributed to humans. Through effort and righteous action, humans can participate in the distribution of rizq to others and thereby play a role aligned with the Divine system.
This verse, like a clear mirror, emphasises the importance of consuming lawful and wholesome rizq and calls humans to piety in benefiting from blessings. From a mystical perspective, rizq is a sign of Gods boundless grace guiding humans toward closeness to the Lord. Psychologically, participation in the provision process is like a refreshing breeze that liberates the spirit from selfishness and strengthens a sense of solidarity. Sociologically, this concept forms a steadfast pillar establishing a just economic system based on charity and benevolence.
The Quranic phrase Anta khayrur-rziqn (Al-Midah: 114), like a lofty summit, introduces God as the supreme Provider, yet this superiority does not preclude human participation. Humans, as mirrors reflecting Divine light, can partake in the divine system by distributing lawful provision.
The Holy Quran, by reiterating the command Eat, calls humans like a benevolent mother to consume lawful and wholesome rizq. This emphasis is not limited to foodstuffs but includes all material and spiritual blessings.
This verse, like sagacious guidance, warns humans against following satanic temptations and invites consumption of provision that is pure and legitimate. Restrictions such as Do not consume one anothers wealth unjustly (Al-Baqarah: 188) and Do not eat of that upon which the name of Allah has not been mentioned (Al-Anm: 121) act as firm barriers preventing consumption of unlawful and impure provision.
From a mystical standpoint, wholesome provision, like clear water, purifies the soul and brings it closer to God. Psychologically, such provision reduces anxiety and enhances mental health. Sociologically, emphasis on wholesome provision, like a good seed, diminishes economic corruption and strengthens social trust.
The Holy Quran, by rejecting unlawful asceticism that calls for absolute abstention from eating, underscores the principle of moderation in consumption of provision. This principle, like a golden nail, ensures physical and spiritual health.
This verse, like a wise admonition, cautions against self-harm through abstaining from provision or excess therein. Criticism of some ascetics who, with an ascetic appearance, invite others to abstain from eating while themselves enjoying divine provision, reveals a contradiction that the Holy Quran negates. Moderation, like a gentle breeze, maintains physical and psychological health and sociologically aids just resource distribution and reduction of inequality.
Consumption of unlawful provision, like a deadly poison, leads to reduced lifespan, weakening of talents, and darkness of the heart. The Holy Quran, by emphasising tayyibt (wholesome things), regards provision as a divine gift that must be pure and legitimate.
