the lectures of Nokounam, may his sanctity be a beacon, Session (1880)
The interpretation of the verses of the Holy Quran, especially those addressing social, governmental, and ethical issues, has consistently been a primary concern for religious scholars. This treatise endeavours, through a profound and systematic approach to selected verses of the Holy Quran, to elucidate the principles and foundations of peaceful coexistence, social justice, and the administration of the Islamic society. The principal focus of this analysis is to provide a comprehensive model for harmonious neighbourliness among diverse human groups, acceptance of differences, and the execution of justice with consideration of religious concessions. Employing allegories and refined allusions, an attempt has been made to present these concepts in a scholarly yet engaging language for an academic audience.
This section expounds the model of coexistence among different groups within the Islamic society, emphasising, with reference to Quranic verses, the necessity of embracing human diversity and differences.
"Indeed, those who have believed and those who were Jews and the Sabians and the Christians and the Magians and those who associated others with Allah indeed, Allah will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection. Indeed Allah is, over all things, Witness."
(Surah Al-Hajj, 22:17)
This noble verse, mentioning various religious and sectarian groups, underscores the comprehensiveness of the Divine view of humanity. Allah Almighty places all peoples from Shia believers and Muslims to adherents of other faiths alongside one another and entrusts the ultimate judgment to the Day of Resurrection. This verse provides the foundation for an inclusive and all-encompassing governance model wherein the Divine Caliph must, inspired by this inclusiveness, implement a pattern of peaceful coexistence.
In a society with a population exceeding one hundred million, it is unrealistic to expect all individuals to share uniformity in religion, creed, ethics, or attire. Just as a great river embraces numerous branches that all lead to the sea, the Islamic society must be able to accommodate diversities and manage them in such a way that no group contemplates overthrowing another.
To achieve this goal, it is necessary that the governmental structure be designed so that all groups can continue their lives under mutual respect and preservation of privacy. Similar to a water heater equipped with a safety valve preventing an explosion, society requires social safety valves that enable individuals to express their needs and differences without resorting to upheaval.
Building upon the previous section, this segment examines a verse emphasising the acceptance of innate human differences and the necessity of competition in benevolent deeds.
"And We have sent down to you the Book in truth, confirming the Scripture that came before it and as a criterion over it. So judge between them by what Allah has revealed and do not follow their inclinations away from what has come to you of the truth. To each of you We prescribed a law and a method. Had Allah willed, He would have made you one nation [united in religion], but [He intended] to test you in what He has given you; so race to [all that is] good. To Allah is your return all together, and He will [then] inform you concerning that over which you used to differ."
(Surah Al-Ma'idah, 5:48)
This verse explicitly asserts the intrinsic differences among human beings. Allah Almighty, with His boundless wisdom, created humans with diverse laws and methods so that they may manifest their abilities and talents in the arena of competing in virtuous deeds. A government ignoring these differences is like a gardener pruning all trees identically, thereby depriving the garden of the variety of fruits.
An Islamic government must recognise these differences and provide an environment where individuals can excel in good deeds. Slogans such as "Either you are with us or against us" act as a wall dividing people, fostering discord instead of unity.
Following the previous discussions, this section addresses Divine clemency towards believers and its impact on the enforcement of legal boundaries within the Islamic society.
"O you who have believed, if you fear Allah, He will grant you a criterion and will remove from you your misdeeds and forgive you. And Allah is the possessor of great bounty."
(Surah Al-Anfal, 8:29)
This verse speaks of Allahs boundless grace towards the believers. Allah, with those who are God-fearing, deals with leniency and overlooks their faults. This principle should also be reflected in the Islamic judicial system. Just as Allah treats His faithful servants with mercy, the judiciary ought to consider special circumstances and provide clemency when appropriate.
However, such clemency should not become an excuse to overlook serious crimes, such as those committed by honourable thieves. Justice must be implemented with precision and wisdom to safeguard the rights of all members of society.
This section focuses on the verses concerning the salvation of believers and the importance of providing facilities to prevent sin.
"Indeed, the believers have succeeded... And they who guard their private parts, Except from their wives or those their right hands possess, for indeed, they are not to be blamed - But whoever seeks beyond that, then they are the transgressors."
(Surah Al-Muminun, 23:1-7)
This verse conditions the salvation of believers upon chastity and adherence to Divine boundaries. Yet Allah, with His wisdom, has provided lawful means to fulfil human needs. Just as it is unreasonable to expect someone lacking sufficient means to procure expensive food, it is similarly unjust to expect absolute chastity from individuals deprived of lawful facilities.
On the Day of Resurrection, Allah will question individuals according to the means available to them. Those who deprive others of opportunities are held accountable for the sins committed by others, akin to honourable thieves.
Building upon previous discussions, this section addresses the role of competent officials and governmental authority in establishing a healthy and dynamic society.
"And among the devils were those who dived for him [Solomon], and did other work besides that; and We were guardian over them."
(Surah Al-Anbiya, 21:82)
This verse refers to the authority of Prophet Solomon (peace be upon him), who even had devils serving him in various tasks. Solomons authority and spirituality, akin to two wings of a bird, empowered him to create a healthy and obedient society. A government possessing both authority and spirituality can guide even the rebellious individuals towards good.
A weak government is like a ship without a rudder, steering towards chaos and corruption. Conversely, a government that meets the needs of its people is like a clear spring, diminishing incentives for sin.
This section highlights the significance of social justice and the role of altruism and forgiveness in compensating for deficiencies in the distribution system.
"Those who spend their wealth [in Allah's way] by night and by day, secretly and publicly - they will have their reward with their Lord. And no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve."
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:274)
Almsgiving, as a pillar of the Islamic society, plays a pivotal role in compensating for shortcomings in the distribution of resources. Social justice acts as an umbrella encompassing all members of society, while altruism and forgiveness resemble the rain that fills the gaps of this umbrella.
A society fostering altruism and forgiveness can offset weaknesses arising from mismanagement or corruption and move towards balance and progress.
The interpretation of the Holy Quranic verses in this treatise presents a comprehensive model for administering the Islamic society. From peaceful coexistence among diverse groups to acceptance of human differences; from Divine clemency in enforcing boundaries to the necessity of providing means for preventing sin; and from the role of competent officials to the importance of altruism and forgiveness all these principles demonstrate the comprehensiveness and wisdom of Islamic Sharia. A government that applies these principles resembles a fruitful garden where all trees, with their diversity and differences, bear fruit and offer sweet produce to society.
Supervised by Sadegh Khademi
