Appearance
The Criteria for a True Religion
“Those who follow the Messenger, the unschooled prophet, whose mention they find written with them in the Torah and the Gospel, who bids them to do what is right and forbids them from what is wrong, makes lawful to them all the good things and forbids them from all vicious things, and relieves them of their burdens and the shackles that were upon them—so those who believe in him, honor him, and help him and follow the light that has been sent down with him, they are the felicitous” ().
Verse of Sūrah al-Aʿrāf presents the criteria for identifying a true religion, emphasizing principles embodied in the mission of the Prophet Muḥammad (s.a.w.).
ʿAllāmah Ṭabāṭabāʾī’s analysis of this verse highlights the interconnected aspects of the Prophet Muḥammad’s mission and the principles enshrined in the Qur’an. The five essential qualities outlined in this verse—promoting what is right, forbidding what is wrong, permitting what is wholesome, prohibiting what is foul, and lifting burdens—represent a universal and comprehensive approach to religion. According to him, these principles reflect both Islam’s consistency with the natural human disposition (fiṭra) and its continuity with earlier divine revelations, fulfilling and perfecting the teachings of the Torah and the Gospel.
The first criterion mentioned is amr bil ma‘rūf (enjoining what is right). This principle reflects the essential role of religion in guiding individuals and society toward moral and spiritual excellence. What is ma‘rūf—what is “right” or “good”—is not arbitrary but resonates with the innate moral consciousness that God has instilled within human beings. Islam elevates this universal sense of right and codifies it into actionable guidance that encompasses ethical behavior, social justice, and spiritual refinement. Similarly, nahy ‘an al-munkar (forbidding what is wrong) functions as a safeguard, protecting individuals and societies from corruption, injustice, and harmful practices. These dual principles—promoting good and forbidding evil—are not merely passive ideals but active responsibilities that shape an ethical society committed to moral integrity.
The second criterion involves permitting all good things (ṭayyibāt) and prohibiting all foul things (khabā’ith). According to ʿAllāmah, this quality highlights Islam’s balance and practicality as a way of life. The Qur’an permits what is pure, wholesome, and beneficial while prohibiting that which is impure, harmful, and destructive. This includes dietary laws, ethical conduct, financial dealings, and personal habits. While previous divinely revealed laws also included guidelines on purity and prohibition, Islam provides a comprehensive framework that integrates the physical, spiritual, and social dimensions of human existence. The Prophet Muḥammad’s mission brought clarity and balance, emphasizing that religious observance aligns with human well-being. This characteristic emphasizes that the true divine message harmonizes with both reason and the natural order, enabling individuals to thrive without unnecessary hardship.
The third criterion—relieving burdens and breaking shackles (aghlāl)—is particularly significant in understanding Islam’s role as a religion of ease and liberation. ʿAllāmah emphasizes that many earlier religious traditions had imposed intricate and burdensome rituals, rules, and prohibitions that were difficult for people to bear. These “shackles” arose from both divine injunctions that had served specific historical contexts and human distortions that accumulated over time. Islam, through the teachings of the Prophet (s.a.w.), lifted these excessive burdens, restoring religion to its essence: a balanced, accessible, and universally applicable path to God. By removing unnecessary formalism, Islam liberated the human soul, enabling individuals to engage in worship and ethical conduct with sincerity and ease.
Through these three interconnected principles—enjoining good, prohibiting evil, and relieving burdens—Islam emerges as a transformative force that refines individuals, builds just societies, and establishes a balanced approach to life. For ʿAllāmah, these principles are not limited to religious rituals but encompass every aspect of human life, offering comprehensive guidance for spiritual, ethical, and social well-being.
In the broader context of the verse, the Prophet Muḥammad (s.a.w.) is described as “the unschooled prophet” (al-nabī al-ummī), whose advent was foretold in the Torah and the Gospel. ʿAllāmah explains that the term ummī does not simply mean illiterate; rather, it signifies that the Prophet received his knowledge directly from divine revelation, untainted by human learning or external influences. This attribute serves as a profound indication of the Prophet’s authenticity, as his teachings—free from cultural or historical biases—represent pure divine wisdom. Furthermore, the reference to the Torah and the Gospel indicates the continuity of the Prophet Muḥammad’s mission with previous prophets, including Moses and Jesus (peace be upon them). The Qur’an repeatedly emphasizes that Islam is not a novel faith but the culmination and perfection of earlier revelations, fulfilling God’s promise to guide humanity across generations.
The latter part of the verse describes the actions of those who embrace this guidance: “those who believe in him, honor him, help him, and follow the light sent down with him.” ʿAllāmah interprets “the light” as the Qur’an, a divine illumination that leads humanity from darkness to truth. This “light” is inseparable from the Prophet himself, as he is the medium through which the Qur’an was revealed and explained. By following this light, believers align themselves with God’s guidance, achieving success in this world and the Hereafter. The verse further highlights the importance of honoring and assisting the Prophet—a call that extends beyond his lifetime. Honoring the Prophet entails upholding his teachings, while helping him involves preserving and spreading the divine message he conveyed.
ʿAllāmah also draws attention to the universal scope of this verse. Although it specifically addresses the People of the Book—Jews and Christians—it conveys a message applicable to all of humanity. By fulfilling the qualities described in the verse, Islam provides a framework for recognizing true religion and achieving felicity. In the subsequent verse (), God commands the Prophet to proclaim: “O humankind! I am the Messenger of God to you all.” This shift in address highlights the universality of Islam’s message, transcending geographic, cultural, and historical boundaries to offer guidance for all people.
In conclusion, ʿAllāmah Ṭabāṭabāʾī’s exegesis of verse presents Islam as the embodiment of divine guidance and the culmination of earlier revelations. The verse outlines clear criteria for a true religion: promoting what is right, forbidding what is wrong, permitting what is wholesome, prohibiting what is harmful, and lifting undue burdens. These principles, brought to completion through the mission of the Prophet Muḥammad, (s.a.w.) establish Islam as a comprehensive and balanced path that aligns with human nature and fulfills humanity’s spiritual and moral needs. By adhering to these teachings and following the divine light of the Qur’an, believers achieve success, honor, and closeness to God, affirming Islam’s role as the final and universal message for all humankind.
Verse highlights eight defining attributes of the Prophet Muḥammad (s.a.w.): (1) his role as a messenger, (2) his unschooled nature, (3) his status as a prophet, (4) his enjoining of what is right, (5) his forbidding of what is wrong, (6) his legalization of good and beneficial things, (7) his prohibition of foul and harmful things, and (8) his removal of burdens and shackles that had been imposed upon previous nations. These characteristics emphasize his mission to guide humanity with wisdom, balance, and compassion. ↩︎
True religion resonates deeply with human nature, affirming innate moral sensibilities rather than contradicting them. Verse highlights this by showing that Islam not only appeals to reason but also nurtures the spiritual instincts inherent in all human beings. This harmony with fitra strengthens Islam’s universality and accessibility. ↩︎
Islam’s role in “breaking shackles” symbolizes its emphasis on liberating individuals from oppressive traditions, superstitions, and inequities. By focusing on inner freedom and outer justice, Islam ensures both personal spiritual growth and social reform. ↩︎
The phrase “whose mention they find written with them in the Torah and the Gospel” indicates that the Prophet Muḥammad (s.a.w.) was described in these scriptures with the three qualities mentioned: being a prophet, a messenger, and unschooled. These characteristics were highlighted to enable the People of the Book to recognize him based on his descriptions in their sacred texts. Otherwise, there would be no specific reason to emphasize these particular qualities, especially the attribute of being unschooled. Notably, this verse and the next () are the only instances in the Qur’an where these three qualities are mentioned together, further highlighting their significance in identifying the Prophet. ↩︎
By acknowledging the Torah and Gospel, Islam positions itself as part of a continuum rather than an isolated phenomenon. True religion affirms and fulfills earlier divine messages, uniting humanity under a shared spiritual heritage. ↩︎
The Prophet Muḥammad’s (s.a.w.) integrity, truthfulness, and consistency in embodying the principles of this verse reinforce the authenticity of his mission. A true religion is reflected not just in its texts but also in the character and actions of its leaders. ↩︎
Faith in Islam is demonstrated through action—belief is coupled with honoring, helping, and following the Prophet and the Qur’anic light. This integration of belief and practice ensures that religion remains a dynamic force in shaping lives. ↩︎
This interpretation is reinforced by verse , which describes the Prophet’s mission as reciting the manifest signs of God “to bring those who have faith and do righteous deeds out of darkness into light.” The verse further emphasizes the eternal reward for faith and righteousness, highlighting the transformative role of divine guidance. ↩︎
The earlier revelations refer to the scriptures given to prophets Noah, Abraham, Moses & Jesus (peace be upon them). ↩︎
The principles laid out in the verse are not bound to a specific era or culture. They remain relevant across different historical contexts, demonstrating the adaptability and timelessness of true religion. ↩︎