of Nokounam, may his sanctity be preserved, Session (1921)
The Holy Qur'an, akin to a clear and flowing spring, pours divine knowledge into hearts thirsty for truth. This celestial book, with its lucid and steadfast verses, serves as a guide for those seeking profound understanding and divine guidance. The interpretation of the verses of the Holy Qur'an resembles a journey into the depths of the ocean of knowledge, where each wave brings forth gems of wisdom and insight to the shore of the heart. This writing, relying on selected verses, examines concepts such as responsibility, faith, rationality, and social engineering within the framework of religion. Each section, like a branch of the mighty tree of Qur'anic knowledge, elucidates an aspect of divine guidance and, through semantic connections, displays a coherent unity. This work, expressed in a refined and scholarly language, is composed for academic audiences and researchers in the field of religion, striving to present concepts in a clear and engaging manner by utilising metaphors and allegories.
This section, reflecting upon a verse from Surah Al-Ankabut, discusses the grave responsibility of religious scholars regarding erroneous fatwas and their consequences.
وَلَيَحْمِلُنَّ أَثْقَالَهُمْ وَأَثْقَالًا مَعَ أَثْقَالِهِمْ وَلَيُسْأَلُنَّ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ عَمَّا كَانُوا يَفْتَرُونَ
"And surely they shall bear their own burdens and burdens along with their burdens; and they shall surely be questioned on the Day of Resurrection about that which they used to fabricate."
(Al-Ankabut: 13)
This verse, like a striking admonition, speaks of the immense responsibility of those who mislead people through erroneous fatwas. A fatwa devoid of scientific and jurisprudential foundation is like a heavy burden that not only the issuer but also its followers sink into a whirlpool of misguidance. Religious scholars, akin to sentinels of knowledge, are obliged to carefully and profoundly illuminate the path towards divine proximity and refrain from imposing unnecessary burdens on the servants. By emphasising accountability on the Day of Resurrection, this verse calls scholars to sincerity and meticulousness in the derivation of rulings.
An erroneous fatwa acts like a lethal poison that destabilises the foundations of societal faith. A scholar issuing a ruling without legitimate evidence not only exposes themselves to divine punishment but also drags others into the abyss of misguidance. This responsibility is like a double-edged sword that can either guide or mislead. Scholars must purify their souls and delve deeply into sources to avoid imposing unnecessary rulings that result in hardship and difficulty.
This section, reflecting on a verse from Surah Al-Ankabut, demonstrated that erroneous fatwas hold the scholar accountable before God and also lead society astray. Religious scholars, like shepherds of the community, must carefully and knowledgeably guide the path of salvation and avoid adding heavy burdens to the servants.
Building upon the discussion of scholars' responsibilities in the previous section, this part examines the rejection of partisanship and the emphasis on individuality within Qur'anic culture, reflecting on a verse from Surah Ar-Rum.
مِنَ الَّذِينَ فَرَّقُوا دِينَهُمْ وَكَانُوا شِيَعًا كُلُّ حِزْبٍ بِمَا لَدَيْهِمْ فَرِحُونَ
"Among those who have divided their religion and become sects, every party rejoices in that which is with them."
(Ar-Rum: 32)
This verse, like a clear mirror, warns of the dangers of division and partisanship in religion. Partisanship, wherein group interests precede the pursuit of truth, is incompatible with the monotheistic culture. In the Qur'anic system, individuality and uniqueness, based on reason and faith, are central. Unlike partisanship, which confines individuals within the bounds of group interests, individuality holds each person accountable for their actions and choices. The verse speaks of the false joy of groups who, instead of truth, are content with sectarian biases.
Individuality, like a shining star, guides a person towards responsibility and wisdom. In Qur'anic culture, leadership and judgment are personal and based on knowledge, not collective or partisan. Partisanship may lead to concealing truth and justifying errors, whereas individuality invites a person to accept mistakes and accountability. In the monotheistic system, truth is measured by divine will and individual knowledge, not majority vote or group interests.
This section, by examining a verse from Surah Ar-Rum, showed that partisanship, with its divisiveness and prioritisation of group interests over truth, is incompatible with monotheistic culture. Individuality, rooted in reason and faith, is the path towards justice and guidance, inviting believers to accept personal responsibility and avoid sectarian biases.
Linked to the concept of individuality in the previous section, this section addresses the importance of steadfastness in the speech and behaviour of believers, reflecting on a verse from Surah Al-Baqarah.
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تَقُولُوا رَاعِنَا وَقُولُوا انْظُرْنَا وَاسْمَعُوا وَلِلْكَافِرِينَ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ
"O you who have believed, do not say [to others] 'Rain' but say 'Un
