The universe was created in balance and harmony (55:7-9)
“And the heaven He raised and imposed the balance (Mizan), that you not transgress within the balance. And establish weight in justice and do not make deficient the balance.”
Tafsir Ibn Kathir
- Allah created the heavens and placed everything in perfect balance and harmony. The term “Mizan” here refers to divine justice, which governs the universe. Humans are commanded not to disrupt this balance by committing injustices or causing corruption.
Ibadah means complete submission to the Will of Allah (51:56)
“I have only created Jinn and men, that they may serve Me.”
Tafsir Ibn Kathir
- In Ibn Kathir’s tafsir, he explains that the purpose of creation is to worship Allah alone. This worship is not limited to rituals (e.g., prayer and fasting) but extends to all actions that are done in compliance with Allah’s will. Every aspect of a believer’s life is considered worship when it aligns with the will of Allah.
The Quran is the final criterion for true and correct Judgement (3:4)
“He has sent down the Scripture in truth, confirming what was before it. And He sent down the Torah and the Gospel before this as a guidance for the people. And He sent down the Criterion (Furqan).”
Tafsir Al-Qurtubi
- The Quran is the true and unaltered word of Allah, and it validates the teachings of the Torah and Gospel, but also corrects any distortions introduced in those scriptures over time. The Quran affirms the authenticity of the previous divine books and brings their true message back to its original form. “He sent down the Torah and the Gospel before this”: These two scriptures were guidance for their time and communities, but now the Quran serves as the final and complete guidance for all of humanity.
Revelation was sent down in order to establish Justice (57:25)
“We sent aforetime our messengers with clear signs and sent down with them the Book and the Balance, that the people may stand forth in justice (qist); and We sent down Iron, in which is strong material, enabling people to work with it, for certain, and that Allah may test who it is that will help, His cause and His messengers; for He is full of strength, exalted in might.”
Tafsir Ibn Kathir
- “We sent aforetime our messengers”: Allah sent many prophets throughout history with clear signs (miracles) to prove their divine mission and the truth of their message.
- “With clear signs and sent down with them the Book and the Balance”: The Book refers to the divine scriptures (Torah, Psalms, Gospel, and the Quran), while the Balance (Mizan) represents the principles of justice, which were revealed alongside the scriptures to ensure that people establish justice and fairness in society.
- “That the people may stand forth in justice”: The purpose of sending the Book and Balance is to guide humanity to act justly, establishing a society where right prevails over wrong.
Iron was also sent down in order to establish Justice (57:25)
“We sent aforetime our messengers with clear signs and sent down with them the Book and the Balance, that the people may stand forth in justice (qist); and We sent down Iron, in which is strong material, enabling people to work with it, for certain, and that Allah may test who it is that will help, His cause and His messengers; for He is full of strength, exalted in might.”
Tafsir Ibn Kathir
- “And We sent down Iron”: Allah has provided Iron with various benefits, including its strength for making tools, weapons, and machinery. It is a symbol of power but also represents the balance of material and spiritual strength in the world.
- “In which is strong material, enabling people to make weapons to protect themselves”: Iron is an essential material for defense and protection, emphasizing that while spiritual guidance is important, physical means of defense are also necessary for peace and security.
- “That Allah may test who it is that will help His cause”: Allah uses these resources, including iron, as a means of testing the believers: who will use the strength and resources they have to support justice and faith in Allah’s cause.
Materialism leads to arrogance and the rejection of Allah’s authority (96:7)
“for he believes himself to be self-sufficient.”
Tafsir Sayyid Qutb
- He explains that arrogance arises in societies that become wealthy and powerful but forget their moral responsibilities.
- The verse serves as a warning against materialism and individualism, which lead people to reject divine authority.
- Sayyid Qutb argues that societies must maintain justice and humility, recognizing that all power and wealth ultimately come from Allah.
Asceticism leads to the neglect of worldly duties, especially vicegerency (35:39)
“He is the One Who made you vicegerents (Khalifah) on the earth. So whoever denies the favor of Allah, then indeed, His punishment is severe.”
Tafsir Al-Qurtubi
- Al-Qurtubi emphasizes that the balance between materialism and asceticism is key. Excessive materialism distracts from the spiritual purpose of life, while extreme asceticism leads to neglect of worldly duties, especially the obligations of vicegerency. Moderation is the ideal, using the blessings of the world for good purposes while remaining spiritually focused.
Human beings are the caretakers of the world (6:165)
“For He it is Who has appointed you vicegerent over the earth, and has exalted some of you over others in rank that He may try you in what He has bestowed is upon you. Indeed your Lord is swift in retribution, and He is certainly All-Forgiving, All-Compassionate.”
Tafsir Al-Qurtubi
- Al-Qurtubi discusses the concept of human beings as Khalifah (vicegerents). This role entails that humans should act as caretakers of the world and use their resources in accordance with justice and divine law. Material wealth and power are not to be hoarded or misused but should be distributed in ways that benefit society, particularly the vulnerable.
The Muslim ummah is expected to take a leadership role in establishing Justice on earth (2:143)
“And thus We have made you a just nation (Ummatan Wasatan) that you will be witnesses over the people, and the Messenger will be a witness over you.”
Tafsir Sayyid Qutb (Fi Zilal al-Quran)
- “Ummatan Wasatan” signifies a balanced and comprehensive Islamic worldview that harmonizes faith and practical life.
- Islam offers a complete way of life that balances individual rights with community obligations, spiritual devotion with material prosperity, and justice with mercy.
- The Muslim ummah must take a leadership role in establishing social justice, fighting oppression, and upholding human dignity.
