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The Bangalore Lectures Lecture II Introduction to Holy Qur'an Many people harbour many mistaken notions about the holy Qur’an. Certain circles consider it purely as a code of Shariah and think it has no bearing whatsoever on any other problem or branch of knowledge. On the other hand some others associate it with Science and award a secondary position to principles and rules of Shariah present therein. Both are at the extremes. Hence it is imperative to adopt a realistic approach and realize its true and proper place. Here an attempt is made to introduce the reader to the basic branches of Qur’anic knowledge and to lay down certain principles and rules following which scientific study of these branches becomes productive. It will then prove its validity from the material and spiritual aspects which are generally overlooked. That most of the references are the works of ancients is a relevant point to make here. But before hitting the nail on the head, let us determine the subject matter and its scope and application of the holy Qur’an. Subject Matter of Holy Qur’an and its Application Showing the right path in life ideologically is the main theme of the holy Qur’an. This guidance is not confined merely to Shariah Code. It extends to shaping and reforming the thinking and understanding of the man also. The holy Qur’an exhorts thus: The Qur’an (is the) guidance for mankind and Clear Signs for the guidance and the Criterion (between right and wrong). (Baqara: 185) This verse clearly indicates that the holy Qur’an is not guidance for Muslims only but it provides ideological and practical guidance to the entire mankind. The following verses point out this aspect: Say: ‘O you mankind! Now Truth (i.e. the Qur’an and the Prophet Muhammed) has come to you from your Lord’. (Yunus: 108) ... (This is) a Book which We have revealed unto you (O Muhammed!) in order that you might lead mankind out of darkness into light ... (Ibrahim: 1) Which are the intricate problems and different aspects of life, thought and action the holy Qur’an has taken up for guiding mankind? The apt answer to the question is, it has guided mankind in all such aspects that constitute its topics of discourse. Then the question arises about these topics dealt in the Book. According to Shah Waliullah Dehlavi (1176 A.H.), there are five branches of knowledge that constitute the main study in the holy Book. They are the following: 1. Commandments — wherein clear instructions about the permitted and prohibited actions, things etc. are given. 2. Polemics — wherein instructive deliberations with non- believers are suggested. 3. Admonition through Divine Signs — wherein purification is sought through the study of the Benefits and Signs of the Lord. 4. Admonition through Days of Allah — wherein purification is sought through the description of the conflicts between the Prophets and their disobedient followers. 5. Admonition through Life After Death — wherein purification through description of death, Resurrection Day is advocated. The arguments and themes centre around these five topics alone. The description of the Commandments is the obligation of the Muslim jurists and that of the polemics is the duty of the scholastics.1 The first two of these branches of knowledge deal with the beliefs, worshiping and the general affairs of life. The remaining three are reformative in nature, and they awaken the men through admonition. The polemics covers such topics which were adopted by heretics and their false beliefs were refuted through logical arguments. Thus these discussions were responsible for removing all doubts that might have arisen in the theological beliefs and philosophies. The holy Qur’an constitutes a comprehensive treatise on these branches of knowledge and guides the mankind throughout, like the light house in the vast sea. I have selected the second and the third of these branches for discussion. They are Polemics and Admonition through Divine Benefits. These pertain to the blessings of Allah and His Power of maintaining and bringing up all His Creations. Reformation of the Waylaid Nations In what is described as polemics, the false beliefs of the astray nations are discussed and the concepts of the Unity of God, Prophethood and Resurrection Day are logically and objectively established. These constitute the fundamental basis of the preachings of all prophets. In fact these are the foundation stones of the divine code of life. In the earlier periods Islam had to deal with infidels and polytheists. But now it has to meet the challenges of heretics and materialists. The holy Qur’an comprises of logical and scientific arguments that can convince the minds in every epoch. The actual purpose of references to modern sciences and problems is nothing but to meet the requisites of perfect guidance to all men at all times. Divine Creations Lead to Knowledge of God Knowledge through the blessings of Allah includes a fuller description and appreciation of His favours, His Signs and His creations and leads one to recognise His characteristics, particularly of His providential powers and divinity. According to Imam Ghazzali (505 A.H.) the best and the exalted knowledge is the knowledge of God. All the other sciences are only secondary and incidental. The existence and characteristics of Allah alone is the basis and quintessence of all sciences. Hence for the realization of His existence and characteristics, a study of His actions becomes essential. Since this whole universe and its revelations are nothing but another form of His actions, the study of the material substances reveal His characteristics. And this study of His characteristics lead one to His Personality. And thus the understanding of His Existence rests on the study of His characteristics and His actions.2 . Imam Ghazzali has compiled all such verses of the holy Qur’an wherein there is direct reference to His Existence, Characteristics and Actions and titled the compilation as Jawahirul Qur’an or “The Quintessence of the Qur’an”. The number of these verses pertaining to His creation is 763. From the scientific point of view these are the very verses that deal with material substances and the phenomena governing the functioning of the whole universe. A deep study of these verses will clearly point to the divinity, exaltation, providence, compassion, nourishing and protective capacities, unique sagacity and planning of Allah. Considering this view, a detailed study of the matter in the light of all modern sciences fundamentally constitutes the study of the functioning of Allah or Divine Activities. Imam Ghazzali views nothing but the Almighty Allah and His functions (activities) in this whole universe.3 Manifestations of Divine Characteristics As one studies intrinsically the working of this universe, one comes across irrefutable proof of the existence of One God and His perfect characteristics. It is only Unity of God that is experienced at every step with every new manifestation. Whether this study comprises that of the tiniest atom or gigantic planetary system, colorful or highly incensed flowers or integrated systems of termites, ants or bees, everywhere will be found the highest, smartest and finest craftsmanship. Even the singularly exquisite functioning of the human body and the multifarious biological systems are no exception. All of them reveal that someone is behind the veil who possesses extraordinary powers. Otherwise how can one explain the continuity of the creations with varied characteristics. Mystically this can be termed as Omnipresence of One God. This means, overlooking the external features, if one delves deep inside, one can witness the unitary system that governs the complete administration. Then can one realize and witness the comprehensive qualities of the God. It would be as if one is witnessing God standing in front of Him. The divine characteristics are grouped under two heads according to Faith. 1. Personal Characteristics, and 2. Functional Characteristics. Life, capacity, knowledge, logic, listening, witnessing and deciding constitute the Personal Characteristics. Creation, providing food, death, resurrection etc. all are included as Functional Characteristics.4 If these divine characteristics are studied critically in the light of modern sciences, a new chapter for guiding mankind will open up. Hence there is need for exposing fully all the characteristics of Allah so that the facts as revealed and supported by the sciences become evident. As for as theology and fundamental beliefs are concerned the holy Qur’an lays stress on Unity of God, Prophethood and the Life Hereafter. As proof it presents the whole universe and its unique administration which in turn reveals how precisely and orderly this material world is functioning. The way the whole system is functioning clearly indicates how wonderfully orderly, the Administrator and Coordinator is. He says: ... you can see no fault in the Beneficent One’s creation, then look again: ‘Can you see any rifts?’ Then look again and yet again, your sight will return to you in a state of humiliation and worn out. (Mulk: 3-4) The universe comprising of minerals, plants, living beings, heavens and everything is so fascinating, illuminating and unique that even the scientists are perplexed and fail to delineate the whole functioning. The holy Qur’an, time and again, draws the attention of the man and advises him repeatedly to reflect deeply on the functioning of the universe so that man can arrive at conclusions logically, rationally and experimentally that confirm the existence of God, His omniscience, His being One and Only One, His providential powers and the supremacy, leaving no place for man to revolt any time any place against Him. From this point of view there is no contradiction whatsoever between the holy Qur’an and the universal administrative system or between the Holy Qur’an and the science! In fact the comprehensive references in the Book to the universe and its system of administration are all being confirmed and details are being unravelled through the sciences. The only difference between the two is about the details. Modern researches have not disproved even a single reference of the holy Qur’an, while many of the theories, inferences, philosophies and ideologies have undergone repeated changes due to advancement in science. This fact clearly points to the incontrovertibility of the holy Qur’an at the same time proving that it is from the Omniscient Allah. Brief Qur’anic Account of Certain Sciences A number of such exquisitely original references to definite phenomena are found in the holy Qur’an which are now being studied in detail and fresh documentary evidence is being produced by researches in the field confirming the validity and truth of the Qur’anic statements. This is a new dimension of the revealed Text. There is no end or limit to it. For example, let us take one verse from the Book and see what Imam Ghazzali has to say about it. The holy Qur’an says: O men! What has made you careless concerning your Lord, the Most Generous, Who created you, fashioned you perfectly and gave you a due proportion, in whatever form He willed, He put you together. (Infitar: 6-8) Imam Ghazzali comments that the true interpretation of these lines can be done only by such a person who is proficient in the knowledge of anatomy and who has fuller knowledge of the external and internal organs, of their number, their functioning and their utility.5 These are such functions as ordained by Allah that are related to the mysterious working of the human body. The study of the human body is done these days through sciences like biology, anatomy, physiology, medicine etc. Still what the learned Imam had interpreted a few centuries ago proves to be a reliable prediction. In spite of compilation through all these sciences, still the working of human body has not been completely and precisely understood. Although it is a masterpiece of the Providence, from purely scientific point, it is still a mystery. In fact so shallow is our knowledge that Dr. Alexis Carol thought it fit to write the book entitled Man The Unknown. The whole thing appears to be true to the last word as described in the following verse: ...(And) of knowledge you (mankind) have been given only a little. (Bani Israel: 85) Among the ‘functions’ of Allah are the revolutions of the Sun and the Moon and the recognition of their movements in fixed constellations. This movement is the predetermined one. The holy Qur’an says: The Sun and the Moon follow courses (exactly) calculated. (Rahman: 5) It is He who made the Sun as a shining thing and the moon as light, and measured out its stages, that you might know the number of years and the reckoning. (Yunus: 5) He merges the night into the day (i.e. the decrease in the hours of the night are added in the hours of the day), and He merges the day into the night (i.e. the decrease in the hours of the day are added in the hours of the night). (Fatir: 13) Quoting these verses, Imam Ghazzali opines that the revolutionary motion of the sun and the moon, the movement in different constellations, the solar and the lunar eclipses and the turnover of the day and the night can be understood by the person who has a fuller knowledge of the heavenly bodies. This in itself is an important science.6 The holy Qur’an is an abstract and a brief Book. Its explanation and commentary is a formidable job for the man. Consider the following verses which have their own majesty and marvel: And on the earth are Signs for those who have Faith with certainty. As also in your own selves, Will you not then see? (Dhariyat: 20-21) These two verses can be explained giving full description of the planet earth and human bodies with special reference to geological and geographical features, botanical characteristics, zoological, biological and psychological aspects of man. In this connection the work of Allama Ibne Qayyim (751 A.H.) is exemplary. His collection is entitled as At-Tibyan Fi Aqsamil Qur’an. Truly speaking even if the entire scientific literature is cited as explanation of these verses, the exegesis will not be completed. This is also confirmed by the following verse: Say (O Muhammed Sallam!) to mankind: ‘If the ocean were ink (with which to write) the Words of my Lord, surely the ocean would be exhausted before the Words of my Lord exhausted, even if we brought (another ocean) like it for its aid. (Kahf: 109) Holy Qur’an — A Boundless Ocean A number of references from the holy Qur’an can be quoted to indicate direct relevance to facts of sciences that have either been enunciated or in the process of defining. This clearly points to the fact that this divine Book consists of such secrets and facts about the universe and its contents that need sustained research efforts of the man. One obvious feature of this work is that the principles and facts as defined by the holy Qur’an are so defined that they are not at all affected even if the theories were to be proved erroneous or amended at a later stage. In fact every new revelation enhances the validity of the divine statements already defined. Not even a single Qur’anic statement has been either questioned or proved wrong by any of the most advanced and recently developed scientific theories or techniques. This, in itself, is a great proof of the holy Qur’an being from All-knowing Allah. Two types of scientific facts have been stated in the holy Qur’an which concern these material manifestations. The first of these are the brief statements, the nature of which has already been referred above. The second of them are such secrets or providential mysteries which are figuratively spoken and which can be deciphered correctly only after advanced techniques are evolved in the field. For example, consider the fact of the presence of male and female parts in the plants. ‘Pairs’ is the conventional word that refers to them. Zauj is the word that has been used in the holy Qur’an. Right in the beginning although zauj really means husband and wife or male and female, it was figuratively taken to indicate a species or kind. Anyhow the holy Qur’an is quite explicit in declaring: Glory to Him Who has created all the pairs of that what the earth produces as well as of their own (human) kind (male and female) and of that which they know not. (Yasin: 36) That male and female parts are present in the plants is a recent discovery. But the holy Qur’an had declared it 1,400 years ago alone. Sagaciously a great principle and fact has been defined in this verse which is a challenge for the whole world of science and invitation to make a thorough study. It says that in this material world there are, besides the animals and plants, innumerable units which are in the form of pairs and about which man has no knowledge. In spite of determining a number of such units, man will still be short of completing such discovery. This will be a truth which stands like a carved line on the stone. No one can refute the truth of this divine statement. Holy Qur’an — The Treasurechest of Knowledge The revealed divine book is such a comprehensive scripture that there is no comparison in the whole world of literature. It is the custodian of all sciences, arts and mysteries of the universe right from the beginning to the end. Thus the Lord says: We have neglected nothing in the Book ... (An’am: 38) And We have sent down to you the Book (Qur’an) as an exposition of everything. (Nahl: 89) Even a Hadith confirms it thus: Allah’s Book contains information of what has happened before you, news of what will happen after you, and a decision regarding matters which occur among you.7 Hazrath Ibne Masood narrates: “Whosoever is in search of learning, let him pursue positively the holy Qur’an, for it contains information of people of the past and latter periods.8 Allama Jalaluddin Suyuti (911 A.H.) writes that the Book of Allah contains information about everything. It does not lack information about any aspect or problem of any particular branch of knowledge. It contains information about peculiarities of sciences and all the mysteries of the universe.9 Imam Ghazzali had given a thought- provoking idea in the fifth century itself, that there might be many more sciences that have not been found out now but which are not beyond the efforts of human beings. There might be even such sciences that human wisdom might not dream of. However Qur’an is one book where do we find a mention of all such sciences. It is an endless sea whose shore is not at all visible. It is a vast ocean of knowledge about God and His activities.10 The holy Qur’an exhorts men to reflect on the creation of the earth and heavens, the alternation of day and night, systems of winds and rains, mysteries of animal and plant lives, and the movements of the sun and the moon. He advocates deep study of everything of this world and every manifestation of nature very keenly. All this will lead you to infer that there is highest order of discipline, planning, unity, beauty, craftsmanship and technical expertise in all these manifestations. You will be forced to arrive at the existence of the best creator, great administrator, farsighted planner and qualified statesman. Without this it is not possible to explain this whole phenomena of planning. The Material World is the Arena for Divine Activities Conclusively it can be said that this whole universe as well as all its manifestations are indicative of “divine activities”, whose study will take you to an observation of divine characteristics. This review of the characteristics of Allah will lead you to His existence. It is He Who is ruling over this universe. Not a leaf or an atom can move without His order. This whole universe is the sum total of the Divine Activities, which is inviting men to reflect and study the functioning of the universe and arrive at a fuller understanding of its Creator and Guardian. Even if the heart of an atom is cut open, it will disclose such facts and make such revelations that prove beyond doubt the existence of God and His nourishing and cherishing capacities. An Arabic poet points out, "The dynamic and static states of everything bear witness to the presence of Allah. Every material object of the world is pointing to the Unity of Allah." History repeats itself. It means whatever progress do times make, the past incidents repeat themselves in different garbs. Matter will be the same but it takes up new forms. Polytheism is appearing before us in an entirely new form. It has now adorned the garments of materialism. The polytheists of yore and the modern non-believers or materialists have one trait in common. The polytheists assign the divine characteristics to other bodies while the atheists and materialists of modern times assert that ‘matter’ itself is the cause of its existence. It is this womb from which all other materials are appearing themselves. It can perform itself without any interference of God. So both of them stand in the same line. The only difference is that the polytheists believe in one supreme God in spite of their belief in multiple gods, while the materialists consider that matter is the only unit which is the greatest `God'. From this angle the conflict between monotheism and polytheism still exists. To crush the onslaught of this polytheism, we have to equip ourselves with the knowledge of science and its appliances. To face this assault the holy Qur’an has time and again exhorted the believers to reflect on the manifestations of Allah, extend their sphere of the studies and thus perform their role of offering true guidance to the whole mankind. Status of the Jurist and the Philosopher To inquire into and clear up the Commandments is the job of the jurist (Faqih). Explanation is the duty of the scholar-philosopher. Imam Ghazzali asserts that both the jurist and the scholar enjoy almost the same status. The difference is that while the requirements of the jurist are general, those of the scholar-philosopher gain gravity at times. From the theological needs, of course, both of them are indispensable. The jurist has to settle special issues relating to partaking of food, performing marriage etc., while the scholar has to save the believers from the harm caused by the misguided and heretical persons as well as to contradict their beliefs through discourses and discussions with such heretics. Qur’an — The Comprehensive Book of Shariah and Physical World The holy Qur’an does not enlist merely Shariah problems but it guides mankind in explaining and understanding many physical aspects of the universe as well. In fact it is a comprehensive programme of Shariah and material world that has to be utilised in its proper perspective so that the mankind is guided properly and in the right direction. With this purpose in view alone, the Muslims have been referred as “The Best of Peoples”. Since the nations of the world are all intoxicated with superior knowledge of modern sciences, they cannot be made to accept the guidance unless we are also equipped with the knowledge of these very sciences, and offer them the best criteria to discriminate between the right and the wrong. There is, thus, a clarion call for the Muslims to become proficient in all the modern sciences so that they can fulfil their fundamental task of guidance in the light of the Qur'anic instructions. Need for a Fresh Ideological Revolution The first duty of the believers in Islam these days is to take up the study of modern sciences with special stress on research and eliminate the germs of atheism and materialism polluting the society and prove the providence of Allah through godly discussions and explanation of these sciences. Failing which this world would not come out of the oblivion. It must not be forgotten that even many scientists are baffled by the phenomenal functioning of certain systems and they are not at all satisfied by the materialistic explanation and exposition of these phenomena. No alternative based on these godly guidance has reached them. This great task can only be taken up by none other than the Muslims who alone have the lofty divine manual of the holy Qur’an to guide them. They have to fully realize their true status and strive practically. Then only can they take up reformatory tasks. And this achievement of creating a revolutionary outlook among the nations of the world is possible when they are intrinsically revolutionized themselves. Hence there is need for co-ordinating together and preparing such a team that can take up this lofty aim. This is an obligation which must be fulfilled. Otherwise they will be held responsible for neglecting their duty. The need of the hour is a scientific crusade for which the Muslims must prepare themselves without losing any time or effort. They have to prepare themselves for making supreme effort in the lines as per the directions given in the following Qur’anic verses: You are the best of peoples ever raised up for mankind. You enjoin what is right, and forbid what is wrong. (Ale-Imran: 110) There is also a message for the mankind in this direction in this great and unique divine Book: This (Qur’an) is a Message for mankind, in order that they may be warned, thereby and that they may know that He is only One God (Allah) and that men of understanding may take heed. (Ibrahim: 52) And indeed We have put forth for men, in this Qur’an every kind of parable in order that they may remember. (Zumar: 27) To see references & other indices
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