Importance of Remaining Committed to Divine Covenant
The Holy Quran considers this bravery to be related to man’s progress, according to Qolam Reza Behrouzinik, a Baqir al-Olum University scholar.
He made the remarks in a session on analysis of elements of divine-political progress based on Surah Al-Ma’idah. Following are excerpts from his remarks at the session:
We studied the issue of progress and development based on thematic interpretation of Surah Al-Ma’idah and extracted 60 key elements from the Surah in the area of political progress. For example:
1- The need for obeying God and the Holy Prophet (PBUH): “We have revealed the Book to you (Muhammad) in all Truth. It confirms the (original) Bible and has the authority to preserve or abrogate what the Bible contains. Judge among them by what God has revealed to you and do not follow their desires instead of the Truth which has come to you. We have given a law and a way of life to each of you. Had God wanted, He could have made you into one nation, but He wanted to see who are the more pious ones among you. Compete with each other in righteousness. All of you will return to God who will tell you the truth in the matter of your differences.” (Verse 48)
2- The need to follow God and the Holy Prophet (PBUH): “Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger. Beware; if you give no heed, know that Our Messenger's duty is only to give the clear delivery.” (Verse 92)
3- The Holy Book clarifying things: “People of the Book! Our Messenger (Muhammad) has come to clarify to you much of what you have hidden of the Book, and to forgive you much. A light has come to you from Allah and a Clear Book.” (Verse 15)
The concept of progress has pillars the first of which is the pivotal status of the Holy Book and divine laws. Because the Quran is everlasting and clarifying, based on the teachings of the Quran we should obey divine laws on the path of progress.
Another pivotal issue is Imamate and leadership. The actions and role of people is another pillar highlighted here, meaning that people accept responsibility. One important issue in Surah Al-Ma’idah is the necessity of commitment to divine covenant, not fearing unbelievers and only fearing God.
Hence, if we want to make progress, we should not fear the enemies but we should only have fear of God. Respecting other people is also among the issues that we should keep in mind.
