Interpretation of Divine Verses: An Exploration of Qur'anic Knowledge

of Nekounam, , Session (1916)

Introduction

This treatise constitutes a profound and systematic contemplation of the radiant verses of the Holy Quran, composed with the aim of elucidating exalted divine knowledge and probing their spiritual, ethical, and social dimensions. The present work, utilising Quranic verses and narrations, presents concepts in a scholarly and academic framework, employing an eloquent and lucid language to engage erudite audiences. Each section of this work is devoted to the examination of a particular verse or a collection of verses, enriched by precise analyses and semantic interconnections, thereby augmenting the intellectual and epistemological depth of the reader. Elegant Persian metaphors and allegories, akin to a guiding light upon this path, enhance the texts appeal and profundity, whilst maintaining its scientific and academic nature. This work not only interprets the apparent meanings of the verses but, by delving into deeper layers, guides the reader towards a more profound understanding of the Divine Word.

Section One: The Method of Divine Invitation

This section, serving as a gateway to understanding the methods of divine invitation, examines the manner of the Holy Prophets preaching in the light of Quranic verses and emphasises the importance of humility and kindness in the call.

Invite your closest relatives.
(Surah Ash-Shuara, 26:214)

This verse, like a torch illuminating the path of divine invitation, speaks of the Prophet Muhammads (peace be upon him and his family) initial preaching directed towards his close relatives. According to tradition, following the revelation of this verse, the Prophet invited his kin and hospitably spread a table with the best food of his time. This invitation began with the phrase In the name of God, a sign of etiquette and respect, yet some such as Abu Lahab, harbouring suspicion, considered it sorcery and left the gathering. This verse initiates public invitation starting from kin, as nearer hearts are more receptive to affection and compassion. God commands His Prophet to act with humility, akin to a bird spreading its wings over the believers:

And lower your wing to those who follow you from among the believers.
(Surah Ash-Shuara, 26:215)

This humility, like a soothing breeze calming hearts, appeases the jealousy of relatives and manifests the Prophets boundless mercy for all creation.

Divine invitation begins with kindness and humility, and generous hospitality is the key that opens hearts towards the truth.

Conclusion of Section One: This section, by examining the preaching method of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his family), emphasised the significance of commencing the invitation from close kin with affection and humility, considering it a paradigm for calling towards the truth.

Section Two: Migration and Divine Assistance

This section, linked to the topic of divine invitation, analyses the event of the Prophets migration (Hijra) and Gods assistance during this path.

And if you do not aid him, then indeed, Allah aided him when those who disbelieved expelled him; he was one of two when they were in the cave. He said to his companion, Do not grieve; indeed, Allah is with us. Then Allah sent down His tranquillity upon him and supported him with soldiers you did not see...
(Surah At-Tawbah, 9:40)

This verse, like a prominent portrait of early Islamic history, depicts the event of the Prophets migration to Medina. The Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) was in the Cave of Thawr with Abu Bakr, yet divine assistance was specifically granted to the Prophet alone. The singular form of Allah aided him signifies a particular divine support to the Prophet. With tranquillity and assurance, he said to his companion, Do not fear, Allah is with us, and God sent down His calmness upon him. This verse testifies to the greatness of the Holy Quran, revealing that divine assistance is granted solely to those whose hearts are adorned with the light of faith.

Divine assistance, like a torch illuminating the darkness of the cave, was granted exclusively to the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his family), signifying the grandeur of his station.

Conclusion of Section Two: This section, by examining the event of migration, emphasised the special divine assistance granted to the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) and the role of tranquillity and calmness along this path.

Section Three: The Battle of Badr and Divine Purification

This section, connected to the subject of divine assistance, explores scenes from the Battle of Badr and the role of purification and fortitude in the believers victory.

When He overwhelmed you with drowsiness as a security from Him and sent down upon you from the sky, rain that purified you thereby and removed from you the evil of Satan and made firm your hearts and strengthened your steps thereby.
(Surah Al-Anfal, 8:11)

This verse, like a veil drawn over the heroic episode of Badr, portrays a divine scene. On the night when the Muslim army camped near Badrs wells, a light, tranquil sleep overtook them, as if they were in their own homes in peace. The enemy seized the wells, yet God sent down rain which both purified and fulfilled the needs of the believers. This rain, like a clear stream, washed away Satans whisperings, strengthening the hearts and steps of the faithful. The term security refers to a soothing calm that guides the heart towards assurance. This verse emphasises the role of will and faith in steadfastness, demonstrating that fortitude stems from faith and divine purification.

Divine rain at Badr, like a pure stream, cleansed the believers and, with fortitude and steadfastness, guided them to victory.

Conclusion of Section Three: This section, by examining scenes from the Battle of Badr, stressed the role of divine purification and firm resolve in the believers triumph, considering it a sign of Gods assistance.