of Nekounam, may his sacred spirit be sanctified (Session 1851)
The Holy Qur'an, the Book of Guidance and Light, conceals profound meanings and deep layers of wisdom and knowledge within its verses. Reflection upon it opens a path towards understanding truth and human perfection. The concepts of vicegerency, concealment, and secret, as three pivotal axes in this treatise, are among the topics delicately and profoundly presented in the Divine verses. These concepts not only refer to human behaviour and conduct within the cosmic order, but also clarify man's relationship with the Creator and his position within the system of creation. In this work, through an analytical and interpretive perspective on these three notions, an effort has been made to examine their theological, ethical, and social dimensions in the light of the Holy Qur'ans verses and scholarly reflections. This treatise, employing eloquent and structured language, endeavours to elucidate these meanings in a clear and coherent manner for the readers.
In the Holy Qur'an, vicegerency (Arabic: istikhlf) denotes the act of succession, the entrusting of responsibility or dominion to individuals or nations whom God subjects to trial in order to evaluate their conduct. This concept stands in opposition to the term khalf, which refers to natural transformation and change within the cosmic order, whereas vicegerency occasionally entails disruptive and calamitous alteration. Vicegerency is a divine test that places mankind before their responsibilities to demonstrate how they utilise the blessing of power and governance.
The universe, like a precise and orderly clockwork, moves according to the system of causes and effects. Just as the cogs of a mechanical device operate with uninterrupted order, the system of creation proceeds upon divine wisdom. Within this system, vicegerency sometimes leads to human perfection and growth, while at other times, due to oppression and disobedience, it culminates in punishment and destruction. This concept serves as a mirror reflecting human deeds in their entirety and positions the individual before the reality of their existence.
This verse narrates the dialogue of the Children of Israel with Prophet Moses (peace be upon him), wherein they complain of hardships both before and after his arrival. Moses' response refers to the divine promise that, by the destruction of their enemies, the Children of Israel will become successors upon the earth so that God may observe their conduct. This verse introduces vicegerency as a divine test whereby, upon receiving power and responsibility, man is subjected to divine evaluation.
This verse issues a warning that in the event of disobedience, God will appoint another people in place of the current ones. Here, vicegerency implies the replacement of one people by another due to ingratitude and injustice, signifying the punitive dimension of vicegerency.
This verse introduces vicegerency as a reward for the believers and the righteous, contingent upon faith and righteous action. This aspect of vicegerency pertains to human perfection and growth.
Vicegerency, like a double-edged sword, can be both a blessing and a calamity. When mankind properly utilises the blessing of power and dominion, vicegerency leads to perfection and happiness; however, if oppression and disobedience prevail, it culminates in punishment and destruction. God, as a wise observer, monitors human actions and determines their destiny accordingly.
In this test, man must avoid the loss of blessings due to oppression and ingratitude, as the Holy Qur'an states in verse 11 of Surah Ar-Ra'd:
This verse emphasises the role of man in determining his own destiny. Disruptive change (vicegerency as calamity) results from improper deeds, whereas natural change (khalf) leads to natural perfection.
Vicegerency is a multifaceted concept that encompasses both divine blessing and warning of punishment in cases of ingratitude. It invites man to reflect on his conduct and observe justice and piety. The cosmic order functions like a precise mechanism governed by divine wisdom, and vicegerency is a part of this system that holds man accountable for his choices.
Concealment in the Holy Qur'an refers to secrecy or something hidden from the perception of others. This concept is both an attribute of God and of human beings and creatures. The distinction lies in that nothing is hidden from God, whereas humans can conceal things from others. Secret conversation (takhfut) denotes whispering or confidential talk, which can sometimes be rational behaviour and at other times improper.
This verse emphasises the absolute knowledge of God. He is aware of all that is hidden and apparent; no concealment exists before Him.
This verse refers to God's ability to conceal matters such as the timing of the Resurrection from humankind, demonstrating divine knowledge and boundless power.
Humans can conceal things from others but cannot hide anything from God. This verse underscores the limitation of human concealment before divine knowledge.
This verse describes the secretive conversation of the criminals on the Day of Judgment attempting to conceal their speech from God or the angels, yet God is fully aware of all.
Concealment acts as a veil that humans cast over their deeds or speech to hide from the eyes of others; however, this veil is ineffective before God. Secret conversation sometimes serves as a rational behaviour to maintain harmony in human relations, but when conducted with wrongful intent, it leads to regret. The cosmic system functions like a precise mechanism governed by proportionality, and concealment and secret conversation must serve this balance.
Concealment and secret conversation are two human attributes with special meaning and function within the divine order. God is aware of all that is hidden and manifest, and humans must observe wisdom and propriety in their concealments to avoid adverse consequences.
The secret (sirr) denotes a mystery or something hidden within the heart, distinct from concealment which pertains to outward secrecy. The secret relates to the inner self and heart. It is an attribute both of God and of humans, but preservation of a secret in the heart is a sign of inner strength and resilience.
This verse emphasises the equivalence of secret and apparent speech before God; however, among humans, a secret can remain hidden and its preservation denotes wisdom.
