Appearance
Mankind and Role of Religion
“Mankind was but one people; so God sent the prophets as bearers of good tidings and as warners, and He sent down with them the Book with the truth, so that it might judge between the people in that in which they had differed. And none differed about it but the very people who were given it, after clear signs had come to them, revolting among themselves; whereupon God guided, by His will, those who believed to the truth about which they differed. And God guides whom He pleases to the straight path” ().
This Qur’anic verse provides a profound reflection on the spiritual and social journey of humanity. ʿAllāmah Ṭabāṭabāʾī expounds on this verse, illustrating how religion emerges as the divinely ordained mechanism for resolving human disputes, restoring unity, and guiding society toward a higher purpose. Through a meticulous analysis, he uncovers the relationship between human nature, divine revelation, and the essential role of religion in fulfilling mankind’s moral and spiritual destiny.
The explanation begins by reflecting on the initial unity of humanity. At the dawn of existence, human beings lived as a single, harmonious community, bound by mutual dependence and shared simplicity. This state of unity was natural, as people adhered to their essential needs without the complexities of competition or disparity. However, as humanity advanced, new challenges emerged. The pursuit of material resources, social dominance, and personal gain led to disputes that disrupted the original harmony. This progression into conflict necessitated a guiding system to restore justice and order. In response to this need, God sent prophets as bearers of good tidings and warners, armed with divine laws and scriptures to serve as arbiters of truth. This divine intervention laid the foundation for organized religion, which offered humanity a path to resolve disputes, uphold justice, and restore harmony.
Religion, as ʿAllāmah explains, is not merely a private spiritual practice but an all-encompassing framework designed to regulate both individual conduct and social relationships. By delivering divine commands, prophets established principles that transcended personal desires and societal biases. These principles ensured that justice became the cornerstone of human interaction, tempering the inclination toward excess and self-interest. The scriptures, described in the verse as “the Book with the truth,” provided a clear, objective standard for judgment, enabling humanity to rise above subjective interpretations and reach equitable solutions. This divine guidance offered a balanced way of life, harmonizing the material and spiritual dimensions of human existence.
Despite receiving clear guidance, humanity did not remain unified. The verse notes, “none differed about it but the very people who were given it, after clear signs had come to them, revolting among themselves.” ʿAllāmah highlights a critical shift in the nature of human discord. Whereas earlier conflicts stemmed from material interests, this new division arose from a deliberate rebellion against divine guidance. Even after the prophets clarified the truth, certain groups—driven by envy, pride, or ambition—rejected their teachings, fostering sectarianism and disunity. This disobedience undermined the purpose of religion, which is to unite humanity under a shared moral and spiritual vision. Instead, religious differences became a source of division, reflecting humanity’s failure to fully submit to the truth.
Yet, even amidst this disunity, God’s mercy prevails. The verse declares, “whereupon God guided, by His will, those who believed to the truth about which they differed.” According to ʿAllāmah, divine guidance is a selective act of grace, bestowed upon those who earnestly seek the truth. It is not merely intellectual clarity but a spiritual enlightenment that strengthens faith and illuminates the correct path. God’s guidance, granted “by His will,” reveals the eternal principle of divine justice: those who sincerely strive for the truth will find it, even in the face of widespread confusion and discord. This reinforces the idea that human beings are ultimately responsible for their moral choices, as divine guidance responds to the sincerity and openness of their hearts.
ʿAllāmah further explains that religion serves as the only effective means for achieving true human happiness. By addressing both the spiritual and practical needs of humanity, religion cultivates virtues such as justice, kindness, and self-restraint. These virtues enable individuals to achieve moral balance, ensuring that their actions align with both worldly and spiritual goals. Religion offers a middle path, avoiding extremism and tempering human instincts to prevent excess or deficiency. In this way, it establishes a harmonious system in which individuals fulfill their potential while contributing to societal welfare.
In addressing the origin of humanity, the notion that humans evolved through random processes is rejected. He argues that the Qur’an’s account of humanity’s creation as a distinct and purposeful act reflects the unique role humans play within creation. God endowed humanity with faculties such as perception, reasoning, and moral judgment, enabling them to reflect on their existence, recognize truth, and choose their path. These capacities distinguish humans from other creatures and emphasizes their moral and intellectual responsibility. The ethical choices made by individuals not only determine their personal success but also shape the moral fabric of society. Thus, the divine system of religion provides the tools needed to nurture these faculties, guiding humanity toward a life of purpose and fulfillment.
The failure to adhere to divine guidance, as ʿAllāmah explains, has grave consequences. Societies that reject religion often turn to subjective and relativistic standards of morality, where values are determined by convenience or popular opinion. This leads to ethical decay, as principles like justice, honesty, and chastity are abandoned in favor of self-interest. Without a stable moral foundation, societies devolve into chaos, where the powerful exploit the weak and the pursuit of material gain eclipses higher values. Religion, by contrast, anchors morality in unchanging divine principles, providing stability and protecting humanity from the dangers of moral relativism.
ʿAllāmah concludes his analysis by comparing humanity’s journey through life to a caravan traveling toward a distant destination. Just as travelers must prepare for their journey with foresight and care, humans must approach life with a sense of responsibility, mindful of their ultimate return to God. Those who focus solely on material comforts lose sight of this goal, risking their eternal well-being. Religion serves as a reminder of life’s true purpose, encouraging individuals to act ethically, seek truth, and prepare for the hereafter. By adhering to divine guidance, humans achieve not only worldly harmony but also eternal felicity in God’s presence.
The commentary on verse highlights the central role of religion in guiding humanity toward unity, justice, and spiritual fulfillment. Through divine revelation, religion provides the principles needed to resolve disputes, cultivate virtues, and elevate human existence. It addresses both the material and spiritual dimensions of life, offering a balanced framework for individual and societal well-being. At its core, religion is a call to recognize the purpose of creation, align one’s life with divine will, and strive for the eternal happiness promised to those who follow the path of truth. By examining humanity’s journey from unity to division and the critical role of divine guidance, the exegesis in Tafsīr al-Mīzān reveals that religion is not merely a set of rituals but the very foundation of human perfection and the means by which humanity fulfills its ultimate destiny.
Human beings, endowed with free will, require divine guidance to channel their moral agency. Without it, the potential for self-destruction through greed, envy, or pride becomes inevitable. ↩︎
The Qur’anic narrative reflects humanity’s spiritual evolution, with recurring cycles of unity, division, and divine reformation through prophetic guidance. ↩︎
The verse under discussion subtly alludes to the universal applicability of divine guidance. The prophets were sent to address disputes and divisions that transcend time and geography, making their message relevant to all humanity, regardless of culture or context. ↩︎
Prophets addressed systemic injustices alongside personal morality, advocating for economic fairness, equality, and ethical governance. ↩︎
Secular systems, while effective for maintaining order, lack the transcendence and stability of divine guidance, which anchors morality in universal truths. ↩︎
Inner moral transformation fosters social unity by aligning individual virtues with collective welfare, ensuring harmony within communities. ↩︎
The verse () highlights that rebellion against divine teachings leads to fragmentation and societal decay. This rebellion often stems from arrogance, self-interest, or envy, illustrating the destructive consequences of placing personal desires above collective good. ↩︎
While human reason plays a critical role in discerning truth, it has limitations. Divine revelation complements reason by providing insights beyond its scope, such as metaphysical realities, ultimate purposes, and eternal consequences. This synergy ensures that human intellect is not misled by subjective biases. ↩︎
Refer to the previous discussion on “Ethics and Human Perfection.” ↩︎
While the prophets laid the foundation for divine guidance, their mission continues through the preservation of their teachings in scriptures and the example of righteous leaders. The role of religious scholars and spiritual guides is vital in ensuring the continuity and application of this legacy. ↩︎