of Nekounam (Session 1852)
The Holy Qur'an, akin to a profound and boundless ocean, encompasses meanings and concepts each of which, like a radiant jewel, serves as a guide for humanity on the path of transcendence and knowledge. This treatise, through contemplation upon the Divine verses, examines the fundamental concepts of oppression, fear, reverence, humility, falsehood, and good. The aim of this examination is not only to elucidate the meanings of these terms within the Qur'anic context but also to connect them to human life and responsibilities towards the Creator and creation. This work, with a profound perspective and a coherent structure, endeavours to present the Qur'anic teachings to seekers of truth in a clear and dignified language, as if it were a mirror reflecting the Divine light in prepared hearts.
Oppression in the Holy Qur'an transcends the superficial meaning of injustice towards others; it signifies the violation of the rights of the Divine signs. These signs, referred to as the Divine verses, encompass not only the Qur'anic verses but all of God's creations, ranging from humans to animals, plants, and even inanimate entities. Humanity, as the Divine vicegerent, bears the responsibility of preserving these signs, and any transgression against them constitutes oppression that leads to eternal loss.
This verse explicitly states that denying the Divine verses, which includes injustice towards humans and other creations, is oppression that ultimately returns to the oppressor himself. Humanity, as the most honoured of creations, is a prominent sign of the Divine verses; injustice towards it constitutes a breach of the Divine trust and eternal loss.
Loss is the natural consequence of oppression against the Divine verses. This loss manifests not only in this world but also in the Hereafter as eternal torment in Hell. The oppressors, by transgressing the Divine signs, deprive themselves of the mercy of the Most Compassionate and tread a path whose end is destruction and manifest ruin.
This verse regards loss as manifest damage affecting not only the oppressor but also their society and family. Oppression of the Divine verses disrupts the order of creation and entraps the oppressor in a cycle of torment and loss.
The Divine justice, like a steadfast pillar preserving the order of the universe, does not permit oppressors to escape the consequences of their deeds. The Holy Qur'an explicitly declares that there shall be no alleviation in punishment for oppressors, for God is absolutely Just and cannot overlook oppression.
This verse, by emphasising the rejection of the oppressors' excuses, demonstrates the severity of Divine justice. Unlike earthly rulers who may reduce punishments based on whims or expediencies, God acts solely based on wisdom and justice. This leaves the oppressor alone before the consequences of their actions, as if standing before a mirror reflecting the true face of their deeds.
Oppression of the Divine verses, which includes injustice towards humans, animals, and nature, not only disrupts the order of creation but also propels the oppressor towards eternal loss. This loss manifests as failure in this world and eternal torment in the Hereafter. The Divine justice, like a blazing torch illuminating the path of truth, grants no mitigation for oppressors, highlighting the grandeur of the Divine system founded on wisdom and fairness.
Fear in the Holy Qur'an refers to human and social fears mentioned in 122 instances. This concept is mostly related to interpersonal relations or fear of the Hereafter's punishment. Fear is attributed to God only in two instances, associated with disbelievers and the cursed tree, serving as a warning to prevent rebellion.
This verse indicates that Divine fear is used exclusively regarding disbelievers and sinners as a warning to redirect them to the path of truth. However, this warning does not affect heedless hearts but rather increases their rebellion.
Reverence, unlike fear, is a conscious fear based on knowledge and awareness of Divine grandeur. Mentioned 47 times in the Qur'an, it is regarded as a commendable attribute for scholars and believers.
Reverence is like a jewel shining in the hearts of the knowledgeable and aware. This fear does not stem from weakness but from awareness of Divine grandeur and power, guiding man towards piety and righteous deeds.
Humility is a deeper state than reverence, mentioned 17 times in the Qur'an, referring to the humility of heart and voice before the Divine mention. This state is a sign of true faith and contrasts with negligence and hardness of heart.
Humility is like a breeze that blows over the believers heart, making it submissive to the Divine mention. The absence of humility in society is indicative of negligence and distance from Divine knowledge, as if hearts have become harder than stones and mountains.
Fear, reverence, and humility represent three levels of the human relationship with God. Fear may be baseless and has a counterproductive effect on disbelievers. Reverence is a conscious fear arising from knowledge of Divine grandeur, leading to piety. Humility is the culmination of this journey, where the believers heart humbly submits before the Divine mention. These concepts guide humanity towards true awareness and faith, as if a path leading from the darkness of fear to the illumination of knowledge.
