of Nokounam, , Session (1884)
Divine wisdom, like a radiant lamp, illuminates the path for seekers of truth. The verses of the Holy Quran, akin to luminous gems, not only serve as guidance for individual and social life but also invite reflection on the order of existence and human conduct within it. This treatise, inspired by the divine verses, examines social, ethical, and governmental matters, and with a profound view on human relations, social justice, and the management of divine resources, endeavours to present a novel and academic perspective on these topics. The core of this examination centres on four fundamental subjects: the reform of relations among believers, freedom of action within the Islamic community, the management of religious dues, and the guarantee of divine provision for all creatures. Each of these topics is presented in distinct sections with contemplations on Quranic verses and in-depth analyses to pave the way for a more precise understanding of the divine religion.
Human relations are intertwined threads that determine the strength of society. When conflict or strife arises between two groups or individuals among the believers, a weighty responsibility is imposed on the Islamic community to transform this rupture into renewed unity. This section, centred on a verse from the Holy Quran, examines this duty and its remedies.
وَإِنْ طَائِفَتَانِ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ اقْتَتَلُوا فَأَصْلِحُوا بَيْنَهُمَا فَإِنْ بَغَتْ إِحْدَاهُمَا عَلَى الْأُخْرَىٰ فَقَاتِلُوا الَّتِي تَبْغِي حَتَّىٰ تَفِيءَ إِلَىٰ أَمْرِ اللَّهِ فَإِنْ فَاءَتْ فَأَصْلِحُوا بَيْنَهُمَا بِالْعَدْلِ وَأَقْسِطُوا إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ الْمُقْسِطِينَ
"And if two groups of believers fight, then reconcile between them; but if one of them oppresses the other, then fight the one that oppresses until it returns to the command of Allah. And if it returns, then reconcile between them with justice and act justly. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly."
This verse, like a blazing torch, places a solemn duty upon the believers: the reform of relations between individuals or groups involved in conflict. God, with clarity and wisdom, commands that believers must not remain indifferent in the face of disputes but should earnestly and benevolently strive to resolve them. Such reconciliation can sometimes be achieved through dialogue and admonition, and at other times, if one party transgresses, a firm response is necessary to establish justice. This verse applies not only to groups but also to individuals; even two friends estranged from one another require others to restore peace with wisdom and goodwill.
Key Point: Indifference towards disputes among believers is a sin that distances society from solidarity and justice. The reform of relations is a divine duty necessitating wisdom, justice, and goodwill.
The noble verse, like a clear mirror, demonstrates the importance of solidarity and justice within the Islamic community. Reforming relations among believers is not merely a religious obligation but a social necessity that prevents the disintegration of human bonds. This divine command, emphasising justice and goodwill, paves the way for the establishment of a balanced and cohesive society.
Following the examination of reforming relations among believers, this section addresses another topic drawn from the Quranic verses: freedom of action within the Islamic society and its consequences. This subject, elucidated in another Quranic verse, offers a profound insight into the relationship between freedom, culture, and sin.
وَكَذَٰلِكَ جَعَلْنَا فِي كُلِّ قَرْيَةٍ أَكَابِرَ مُجْرِمِيهَا لِيَمْكُرُوا فِيهَا وَمَا يَمْكُرُونَ إِلَّا بِأَنْفُسِهِمْ وَمَا يَشْعُرُونَ
"And thus We have set in every city the greatest criminals of it to plot therein. But they do not plot except against themselves, and they perceive [it] not."
This verse, like a window to divine wisdom, speaks of a freedom granted by God even to the sinners. This freedom serves as a test for the community and its members. God, with grace and wisdom, allows sinners to choose their path within the divine systems framework, but warns that deceit and sin ultimately return to themselves. To manage this freedom rightly, an Islamic society must elevate the level of public culture and awareness. A healthy governance system is one whose citizens avoid sin due to intellectual and moral growth rather than fear and compulsion. This verse emphasises the role of education and cultural enhancement in preventing delinquency, demonstrating that God attributes sin to ignorance, not to human nature.
Key Point: Freedom within the Islamic society leads to health only when coupled with elevated culture and awareness. Sin is the result of ignorance, and divine wisdom guides humanity towards knowledge and reform.
The noble verse offers a roadmap for managing Islamic society. Freedom, like a precious jewel, shines only in the hands of a knowledgeable and cultured community. Raising awareness and culture is the key to preventing sin and maintaining societal well-being.
After discussing freedom and reforming relations, this section addresses a critical and sensitive topic: the management of religious dues and their role in economic justice. A Quranic verse explicitly clarifies this matter with wisdom and firmness.
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِنَّ كَثِيرًا مِنَ الْأَحْبَارِ وَالرُّهْبَانِ لَيَأْكُلُونَ أَمْوَالَ النَّاسِ بِالْبَاطِلِ وَيَصُدُّونَ عَنْ سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ ۗ وَالَّذِينَ يَكْنِزُونَ الذَّهَبَ وَالْفِضَّةَ وَلَا يُنْفِقُونَهَا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ فَبَشِّرْهُمْ بِعَذَابٍ أَلِيمٍ يَوْمَ يُحْمَىٰ عَلَيْهَا فِي نَارِ جَهَنَّمَ فَتُكْوَىٰ بِهَا جِبَاهُهُمْ وَجُنُوبُهُمْ وَظُهُورُهُمْ ۖ هَٰذَا مَا كَنَزْتُمْ لِأَنْفُسِكُمْ فَذُوقُوا مَا كُنْتُمْ تَكْنِزُونَ
"O you who have believed, indeed many of the scholars and monks devour the wealth of people unjustly and hinder [them] from the way of Allah. And those who hoard gold and silver and do not spend it in the way of Allah give them tidings of a painful punishment. On the Day when it will be heated in the fire of Hell and sear their foreheads, their sides, and their backs, [it will be said], 'This is what you hoarded for yourselves, so taste what you used to hoard.'
This verse strikes like thunder upon those who unjustly seize divine wealth. God explicitly forbids the hoarding and accumulation of wealth, especially religious dues, warning that such wealth, if not expended in the path of societal reform and aiding the needy, will lead to painful punishment in the Hereafter. Although this verse specifically refers to some of the clerics and monks who accumulated wealth and caused poverty, this warning extends to any individual or institution that misuses divine funds. In an Islamic society, if religious endowments or similar entities hoard wealth instead of utilising it for the sake of God, they are subject to this divine admonition. The presence of poverty and destitution in society signals mismanagement of religious dues.
Key Point: Hoarding religious dues is not only a betrayal of divine trust but also a barrier to economic justice and social welfare. Divine wealth must be spent to improve livelihoods and reduce poverty.
The noble verse serves as a warning to custodians of divine wealth to be sincere trustees. Proper management of religious dues not only reduces poverty and destitution but also institutionalises social justice within the Islamic society. This verse calls for deep reflection on social and religious responsibilities regarding public wealth.
Continuing the discussion of social and governmental issues, this section addresses the topic of divine provision and the abundance of earthly resources. The Quranic verses, with clear expression, speak of the boundlessness of divine sustenance and invite humans to trust divine wisdom.
وَجَعَلْنَا لَكُمْ فِيهَا مَعَايِشَ وَمَنْ لَسْتُمْ لَهُ بِرَازِقِينَ
"And We have made for you therein means of living, and for those for whom you are not providers."
This verse, like a refreshing breeze, speaks of the abundance of divine provision on earth. God created the earth as a secure cradle, whose resources suffice for all creaturesfrom humans to other beingsin plentiful measure. The earth, with its self
