of Nokounam, may his sanctity be preserved, Session (1892)

Introduction

Religious anthropology, as a branch of divine knowledge, delves into the essence of human existence and behaviours within the realm of Nast (the earthly domain). This discipline, grounded in the verses of the Holy Quran and the traditions of the Infallible Imams (peace be upon them), analyses the motivations, actions, and orientations of humans when confronted with benevolence and malevolence, blessings and calamities. The present text, through a systematic and scholarly rearticulation of the delivered lectures, provides a coherent and profound composition for researchers in the religious and psychological domains. All details and pivotal points of the lectures have been incorporated with thorough explanation and in an elevated language befitting the academic milieu. The structure of this book, featuring scientific segmentation, specialised subtitles, and comprehensive conclusions, is designed to preserve the semantic links among topics while employing refined allegories and metaphors to enhance the literary richness of the text.

Section Twenty: Nast Rules and Consequences of the Proliferation of Immorality

This section, connected to previous discussions on the nature of Nast, analyses two fundamental Nast rules from the perspective of the Holy Quran and examines the consequences of the spread of immorality.

Rule of Preserving Secrets and Avoidance of Immorality Dissemination

In the realm of Nast, man is like a trustee who must safeguard the secrets of society. The dissemination of immorality, even when merely reporting the sins of others, entails both worldly and otherworldly afflictions.

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يُحِبُّونَ أَنْ تَشِيعَ الْفَاحِشَةُ فِي الَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ وَاللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ وَأَنْتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ
Those who love that immorality should be spread among those who have believed for them is a painful punishment in this world and the Hereafter. And Allah knows, while you do not know.
(An-Nur: 19)

This verse elucidates two key Nast rules: firstly, the preservation of communal secrets and avoidance of immorality dissemination, including the mere transmission of others sins; secondly, the law of repercussion of deeds, whereby whatever a person utters returns to themselves. Man is likened to a gardener who sows the seeds of words and must be cognisant of their consequences.

Trustworthiness of Speech and Its Consequences for Violation

Trustworthiness in speech is akin to guarding a precious treasure. Breaching this trust not only results in the spread of immorality but also exposes the person to divine punishment.

Critique of Immorality Dissemination

The spread of immorality indicates weakness in trustworthiness and negligence of Nast rules. Such behaviour distances man from the path of perfection and subjects him to punishment.

Conclusion of Section Twenty

Nast rules invite man to preserve secrets and avoid spreading immorality. Breaching these rules brings about both worldly and otherworldly afflictions. This section calls upon man to be trustworthy in speech and vigilant about the consequences of actions.

Section Twenty-One: Tribal Treachery and Definitive Defeat

This section, linked to the topic of Nast rules, analyses tribal treacheries and their consequences from the perspective of the Holy Quran.

Treachery and the Fall from the Pinnacle of Perfection

Tribal treachery is like severing a strong bond, pulling man from the zenith of perfection into the abyss of downfall.

وَلَا تَكُونُوا كَالَّتِي نَقَضَتْ غَزْلَهَا مِنْ بَعْدِ قُوَّةٍ أَنْكَاثًا تَتَّخِذُونَ أَيْمَانَكُمْ دَخَلًا بَيْنَكُمْ أَنْ تَكُونَ أُمَّةٌ هِيَ أَرْبَى مِنْ أُمَّةٍ إِنَّمَا يَبْلُوكُمُ اللَّهُ بِهِ وَلَيُبَيِّنَنَّ لَكُمْ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ مَا كُنْتُمْ فِيهِ تَخْتَلِفُونَ
And do not be like she who untwisted her spun thread after it was strong, taking your oaths as means of deceit between you because one community is more numerous than another. Allah only tests you thereby. And He will surely make clear to you on the Day of Resurrection that over which you used to differ.
(An-Nahl: 92)

This verse compares tribal treachery to the unraveling of a strong thread, dragging man from the peak of perfection to downfall. False oaths and deception are divine tests that challenge man.

Consequences of Tribal Treachery

Tribal treachery not only causes individual downfall but also diverts society from the path of elevation. This conduct incurs severe divine punishment.

Critique of Deception and False Oaths

Deception and false oaths are signs of weakness in faith and commitment, diverting man from the path of truth.

Conclusion of Section Twenty-One

Tribal treachery pulls man from the zenith of perfection to downfall, and false oaths are divine tests. This section invites man to fulfil promises and avoid deceit.

Section Twenty-Two: Nast Vanity and Its Perfections

This section, connected to the topic of Nast rules, analyses the concept of vanity and its role in the perfections of Nast from the perspective of the Holy Quran.

Vanity and Nast Perfections

Vanity, like a shadow in the Nast realm, is part of its perfections that restrain man from arrogance and self-conceit.

وَالَّذِينَ هُمْ عَنِ اللَّغْوِ مُعْرِضُونَ
And those who avoid vain talk.
(Al-Muminun: 3)

This verse regards abstention from vanity as a characteristic of the believers; however, vanity itself is not inherently forbidden. God created vanity and diversion in Nast to prevent arrogance and Pharaoh-like pride in man.