Transliterated
The
Geography of Qur'anic Accounts: Eight Questions from Six Scholars of the
Qur'an *
Translated by I. Rasuli
Vol. 2, Nos. 2 & 3
While reading the holy Qur'an we
come across the names of certain nations, places and persons such as Dhul
Qarnayn Dam, Ashab-e Kahf Cave, Dhat al-`Imad,
etc. The question is that is it possible to locate these places in the
present natural geography or they have gone under any changes? Can we take
recourse to science and rely upon the scientific method in dealing with
these Qur'anic names?
All the matters in this context were
prepared in the form of questionnaire and were sent to some of researchers
and connoisseurs. Among them Dr. Ahmad Ahmadi, Ayatullah Muhammad Hadi
M`arifat, Baha al-Din Khorramshahi, Dr. Muhammad Husayn Ruhani, Dr. Abul
Qasim Imami and Dr. `Abbas Zaryab Khoi have replied which is hereby presented
to our readers. Hope the answers would be beneficial to the seekers of
the Qur'anic learning.
Q.1- Are the historic places
mentioned in the Qur'an in connection with the nations and events, available
in the present natural geography in the same form or have they gone under
any changes?
A- Ahmad Ahmadi:
Some of the places might have been destroyed. The historical changes do
not keep anything constant. Sometimes a riverbed changes or the sea advances
or regresses. Abeskun island in the Caspian Sea, was a residential
place once upon a time, where Khwarazm Shah had come from. It has now gone
under the sea and there is no sign of it. Its name only has come in the
history. We see some places which have earlier been at the coasts. Through,
in the course of historical changes, a hill might have disappeared. Therefore,
it cannot be said that the places mentioned in the Qur'an have remained
in the same original forms.
A- Abul Qasim Imami : There
are certain places related to the ancient tribes which has naturally been
changed or disappeared. Except in some cases like the holy house of God
(Bayt Allah al-Haram) and the related places or some other places
which have relatively retained their previous states. Of course, before
referring to the references which have computed these places, a prompt
comment is not possible in this regard. In this connection a consultation
with archeology organizations will be a good beginning in recognizing the
relevant countries.
A- Baha al-Din Khorramshahi:
Whereas the Qur'an points to the ancient lands or geographical places such
as Wadi Ayman, Madyan, Qura or Madain Lut,
M'arib Dam which had probably been built against Al-Iram
flood and so on, belonging to more than 15-20 centuries ago, their present
locations are probably unknown and require archaeological researches. On
the other hand, whatever is located or recognized will be quite different
from what have been in the past. 15-20 centuries are enough for not only
a city, but also a civilization to bloom or decline.
A- Muhammad Husayn Ruhani:
A geographical site on this globe may not remain in the same place due
to the following incidents:
a) An earthquake which is an underground
product known as Ptate-tectonic bringing about deep changes in the superficial
layer of the earth, demolishing surface of the earth easily in a short
time.
b) Tides have great effects on the
seas.
c) Human factor causes the increasing
destruction of the crust of the earth.
d) Falls of such as snow, rain and
hail, bring about destructive floods.
e) Soil erosion is a slow, constant
and gradual process that ever changes the structure of the earth. This
terminology has many applications throughout the present scientific geography.
I, as the editor-in-chief of the
Great Islamic Encyclopedia (from 7-10-85 to 16-12-87) asked for
a research grant from the management on the "Abeskun" article following
researches of British Orientalist "Minorski" and Dr. Manoocher Setudeh.
The fund was granted and days and days the geographers and researchers
investigated on a boat in the Caspian Sea, but they did not find its exact
location.
A- Muhammad Hadi M`arifat:
The regions pointed by the Qur'an may have some trace today, such as M'arib
dam, ruins of which are available today, even the valves and shutter used
to close or open the dam are available. To study those cases, some scientific
delegations (from Iran and abroad) visited the site and brought good information.
They even could understand how the flood destroyed this dam. Another example
is "Ahqaf" which are very soft sands is situated around `Adan,
even today.
Some other regions have been referred
to in the holy Qur'an and they were existing during the revelation of the
Qur'an, such as the remnants of Lut's tribe (37: 137-138).
1- It is obvious that there has been
something in front of them on the journey routes of Quraysh. I did not
find anybody in the present era to follow this matter, which is worth following.
One of the essential issues is follow up, the geographical regions of the
history of Islam such as sites of the wars of Ahzab and Khandaq,
or Uhud war. We have seen these places but are not reliable. A serious
research is required to locate their real sites.
Q. 2- What is the objective
of studying archaeological subjects of the Qur'an?
A- Ahmad Ahmadi: Many
ancient historical and geographical regions have been mentioned in the
stories of the holy Qur'an such the river or sea through which the Bani
Israel passed, the land of Ashab-e Hijr, Dhul Qarnayn Dam,
Ashab-e Kahf's Cave, earthy paradise of Dhat al-`Imad etc.
Research on these and finding their traces is very effective in understanding
the Qur'an. In addition, being involved in exploring the past would provide
a good background to take lessons from the past on which the holy Qur'an
in the following verses to persuade us to do so:
"Have they not travelled in the
earth and seen how was the end of those before them? They were stronger
than these in powers..." (30:9)
"Indeed there have been examples
before you; Therefore travel in the earth..." (3:136)
"...Therefore travel in the land,
then see what was the end of the rejecters." (16:36)
"Say: Travel in the earth, then
see how was the end of the guilty." (27:69)
"But we will this day deliver
you with your body that you may be a sign to those after you, and most
surely the majority of the people are heedless of our communications."
(10:92)
In this verse, the God's intention
of bringing the body of Pharaoh out of water rather than leaving it decaying
or being eaten by the sea animals is to give a lesson to future generations.
As far as I remember Tantawi says: "The body of Pharaoh contemporaneous
to Moses is now in a museum in Egypt."
Many of the existing problems in
our national culture and literature need extensive archaeological research.
In case of finding new information, our views will be changed about our
culture and literature. For example, Alexander dam with its present condition
has its effects on our literature stories and proverbs, and we can feel
its position in our culture. Supposing that Alexander is the same Dhul
Qarnayn of the Qur'an, he has been given a great status (like a prophet)
and a poet like Nizami has written one of his complete poetical works in
his name. When the archeology or the history proves it wrong that Alexander
is not Dhul Qarnayn, our cultural views will change.
With respect to the importance of
this subject, we suggested the Cultural Revolution Council in 1982 to include
Qur'anic archeological studies in the educational curricula of the universities.
A- Abul Qasim Imami: The
objective of archaeological endeavor is to work out the best method and
necessary preparations for recognition of geographical places mentioned
in the Qur'an and study condition of those people whose names in the Qur'an
are associated with those places. Concluding that such studies are necessary
for better understanding the Qur'an.
A- Baha al-Din Khorramshahi:
The objective of taking up archaeological subjects of the Qur'an is to
understand the lessons pointed out by the Qur'an. As we intend to recognize
Prophet Ibrahim (s), the father of prophets Sho`ayb, al-yas`a and Khidr
in the stories of the Qur'an, likewise, for the same reasons and motives,
we should try to understand geographical places of the Qur'an.
A- Muhammad Husayn Ruhani:
In my opinion, "archaeological discussions" with its present meaning has
not been dealt with in the Qur'an. There are many historical accounts in
the Qur'an which are considered to be historical facts. Even the opponents
in the Qur'an reproach themselves for the phrase "stories of the predecessors"
is attributed to them . (6:25; 16:24; 8:31; 23:83; 25:5; 27:68; 46:17;
68:15; 83:13.)
All those are historical facts which
signify the continuity, constancy and everlasting feature of the "divine
order" on permeate in the individual, family, and social life of the people.
These facts always give alarming to those who deviate from the right path.
It seems that at the time of the revelation of the Qur'an, the word "history"
did not exist in Arabic language and according to Dr. Muhammad Muhammadi
this word was derived from the Persian word Mahrooz. There is a
delicate probability of "story" or "stories" (Arabic from the branches
of semitic mother tongue) to be taken from the words "histor, historia,
histoire, history". This seems impossible. I was a member of a group working
on "Ibdal" in Arabic, at the Academy of Iranian Languages, to trace
the words and then to compare them with Indo-European mother tongue in
order to extract the common root words. There were signs of common root.
It is not surprising to know that
the main root of "history" is the Greek word "weid". Perhaps the Qur'an
has used the word "stories" for history or report or a historical report.
A- Muhammad Hadi M`arifat:
Historical problems have two important restrictions, i.e., they
are bound by two things: one is "time", the other is "place". That means,
a historian needs the exact time of a historical event to be able to study
it. It has sometimes been noted that the historians study scientific and
religious books to trace a geographical location. For instance, the palace
of "Ibn Hubayrah" has been around Kufa. Finding location of an incident
has vital importance for a historian, that means as the time is important
for a historian, the place is more important. Perhaps the ancient historians
were not giving much importance to the element of place, but the present
historians give much importance to the place than time, and I am also of
the same opinion. Many unclear historical problems and authenticity or
untruth of a historical event can be proved by finding the place.
Q.3) What are the advantages
or outcome of determining the sites and ancient positions of the stories
of the Qur'an?
A- Abul Qasim Imami:
Reaching at an accurate image of ancient places mentioned in the Qur'an,
or specifying the geography of the Qur'anic accounts is naturally effective
in understanding the verses of the Qur'an. It can clarify the lessons given
in the Qur'anic accounts and makes their experimental values more evident.
The advantages of every research is known after its completion. Whatever
stated in advance cannot be the final conclusion. On the other hand, this
depends on the nature of archaeological science as well as accuracy of
their methods. It is to be pointed out that all, archeology itself is an
important part of historical science, hence, with its potentialities it
should be evaluated, taking into account its methods and data as well.
A- Baha al-Din Khorramshahi:
The advantages and outcomes of determining the geographical sites as referred
to, directly or indirectly, in the Qur'an, is related to its objective
which I clarified in the answer given to the earlier question. Moreover
, these studies and the scientific outcomes would provide a better understanding
of the holy Qur'an and the philosophy of particular history of the Qur'an.
Ultimately, such studies will be at the service of the exegesis of the
Qur'an.
A- Muhammad Husayn Ruhani:
The advantages and outcomes of finding geographical sites and archaeological
positions would help to develop a new understanding of the Qur'an, the
necessity of which is felt.
A- `Abbas Zaryab Khoi:
Recognition of the places mentioned in the Qur'an about the ancient nations
and stories of the prophets is important from scientific, historical and
geographical point of view, but it has a pure scientific aspect and is
useful to satisfy ones curiosity. But the holy Qur'an is not for explanation
of the history of nations. Its stories are lessons and examples. It will
not harm the understanding of the Qur'an if the geographical sites are
not traced except in cases like Hajj (pilgrimage) and understanding
its rites.
The Europeans made various efforts
in the 19th century to find unknown regions in Saudi Arabia
and Palestine. They traversed throughout the Saudi territory by camel and
horse and found many stones and inscriptions. They took away most of them
and started finding their scripts and languages. It can be stated that
they have discovered the history and geography of pre-Islamic areas. It
is obvious that this work was performed for the sake of knowledge and information.
For example, the purpose of reading Himayri or Thamudi scripts
was not for unscientific or colonial aims, because colonization is possible
without knowledge of Ma'rib dam or old cities of Yemen and Roab,
and the colonizers are other than those who spend their days and nights
in reading inscriptions and discovering their secrets. A number of books
have been written in finding locations and ancient places of Saudi Arabia
by Europeans. The list of these books and many other articles are in many
volumes. In order to gain a very brief knowledge of this immense ocean,
the multi-volume history book Arabs before Islam written by Dr.
Jawad `Ali will be useful.
Q. 4) Is it possible to clear
certain geographical sites in the Qur'an such as Adna al-`Ard, M'utafikat,
al-`Udwah al-Duniya and al-`Udwah al-Quswa and Ashab-e Hijr, etc.?
A- Abul Qasim Imami:
Although it is a very difficult task, losing hope is not fair.
A- Baha al-Din Khorramshahi:
In this regard, I should say that the work of science and research is to
clear up the things which have been obscure prior to the investigation.
The Muslim commentators and geographers acquainted with the Qur'anic culture
and interested in its development and expansion have spared no effort in
clearing up the geographical sites of the Qur'an such as Adnal `Ard
(Shamat), Mutafikat (the village of Lut which according to
some researches is under Bahr al-Mayyit), al-`Udwah al-Duniya
and `Udwah Quswa (two hills or strategic points near Medina), or
Babylon. Such attempts have reduced superstitions and increased the certainty.
A- Muhammad Husayn Ruhani:
Yes, it is possible to clear up such uncertainty from geographical sites
of the Qur'an.
A- Muhammad Hadi M`arifat:
It is definitely possible. The present historians have cleared up these
places. Today "Adna al-`Ard and al-`Udwah al-Duniya and Quswa
in Badr war are known. The Ashab-e Hijr is Ahqaf.
I have seen in some history books that the geographical route through which
Imam Husayn travelled from Mecca to Karbala has been shown accurately,
and this is valuable for us. The migration of Imam `Ali from Medina to
Kufa, or the route that took the captives from Karbala to Damascus are
clear and hence many questions have been answered.
Q. 5) What is the difference
between archeology of the Qur'anic accounts and scientific interpretation
of the verses? Does it have the same problem of scientific interpretation?
A- Ahmad Ahmadi: Scientific
interpretations are always unstable due to the instability of the hypotheses
and the theories adopted by the theoreticians. Since no hypothesis is the
last one, every new invention requires a new theory for its interpretation
or explanation. Therefore, scientific theories are subject to change. Like
the Einstein's theory of relativity that changed the Newton's physics,
the results of archaeological studies cannot be taken for granted to be
the definite meaning. Of course, this possibility also helps us to solve
some of the obscurities to some extent.
A- Abul Qasim Imami:
The scientific interpretation, if accepted in the same term, is the adaptation
of the meanings of some verses to the relative and variant data, and this
is nothing but a superficial understanding of the Qur'an, because the knowledge
has a new word or theory every time. But in archeology of the Qur'anic,
accounts have a constant meaning and possess incomplete or sometimes complete
existence outside. The work of archeology is to unveil the fact which once
upon a time existed with its special position and has now changed or disappeared
but has exactly been the subject matter of the Qur'anic verses. Perhaps,
from this point of view, it can briefly be stated that archeology of the
Qur'an is more tangible than some other subjects of revelation.
A- Baha al-Din Khorramshahi:
About the difference between archeology of the geography of the Qur'anic
accounts and scientific interpretation, it should be stated that it is
very close to the methods and attitudes of scientific interpretation. Naturally,
it may bear the shortcomings of the scientific interpretation. A question
may arise here as: if for example, all the Qur'anic geography researchers
come to the conclusion that there has been no city or a region known as
"Madyan" in ancient world and that this region is not compatible
with the natural geography of the world in the past or present, then, what
stand should be adopted and what comment should be made? It is against
the shari`ah (religious law) to consider them as myth. For example,
such an approach would affect the real historical fate and identity of
the prophets like Moses and Sho`ayb (peace be upon them) and ultimately
it reaches a point where the historic ruins and geography of the Qur'an
are looked at in a mythical sense or as literary creation. This is obviously
against the official creed of Islam.
Thus, if scientific researchers are
determined that cities like Madyan was not a historic or geographical
fact, then scholars of the Qur'an cannot admit it for science deals with
senses and natural objects, while religion is based on revelation, i.e.
permanent realities which are beyond observation, experiment and natural
facts. Certainty of faith and realities of the Qur'an should not be dealt
with conjectures of the science.
A- `Abbas Zaryab Khoi
= As we believe that the Qur'an is from God, the places and locations mentioned
therein are relied to be real and if sometimes the geographical or archaeological
discoveries fail to comply with them. Then, this will be regarded as drawback
of the discoveries, because the archaeological researches and discoveries
are not certain, but it is a science based on guess, but not a baseless
guesses. It is a guess concluded from reasons such as guess concluded from
rational principles and its usage in principle discussions. But the words
of God are certain, so the guess and certainty are not equal. As a long
time has passed from the revelation of the holy Book, therefore, many of
the verses are of reasonable guess. Here the guess of the archaeological
discoveries and the reasonable guess of the holy verses do not allow contradiction
of those unconvincing discoveries with Qur'anic verses. In case discoveries
help the certainty then we have to interpret and paraphrase the verses.
This is specially true in cases like universe, skies and earth layers.
The science is attaining progress
and perfection, but one in hundred thousands of the mankind's obscurities
has not been unveiled, so the divine verses cannot be interpreted in conformity
with the science for the apparent controversy with scientific data, because
with new discoveries and invalidity of the previous scientific theories
a new interpretation should be made for the Qur'an which is not advisable.
A- Muhammad Hadi Ma`rifat
= Yes, it has drawbacks of scientific interpretations, because for example
to find Dhul Qarnayn Dam it is possible to use the presently available
scientific theories while they might have totally gone wrong.
Therefore, making use of archaeological
science or geography to determine some locations cited in the Qur'an should
be like the use of other sciences in understanding some of the verses.
They may be used as the probabilities. Of course, some places like the
M'arib Dam are definite and in these cases it cannot be said that
the Qur'an was based on conjectures. Thus the Qur'an should not be based
on sciences for the Qur'an and religious laws are fixed. It does not change
by lapse of time unlike the science which is based on uncertain laws. It
is not advisable to deal uncertain matters with certain ones. Except the
fixed findings of the science such as the rotation of the earth around
sun. Similarly the geographical regions are no exception, some discoveries
are certain.
Q-6 Which sciences can be used
to locate the geographical sites of the Qur'an?
A- Ahmad Ahmadi: A
number of sciences can be used in finding geographical sites of the holy
Qur'an, such as: History, archeology, including identification of scripts,
stamps, coins, inscriptions, statues, tools instruments, and tombs, geography,
sociology, and studying of the nations' characteristics.
A- Abul Qasim Imami
= This question is related to the archeology experts who know the tools
of their science better. Naturally, they would take help from the Qur'an
and the science of history.
A- Baha al-Din Khorramshahi
= The sciences which can be used are: Historical geography, history, and
archeology and their branches such as linguistics and etymology and so
on.
A- Muhammad Husayn Ruhani
= A book comprises 2,000 pages with about 1,000 satellite figures and cosmic
maps and computerized tables is published under the title of Elements
of Natural Geography written by Arthur N. Strahler (the greatest and
most famous contemporary geographer ).I have translated this book into
Persian. It is a very good book . This book could be used to understand
the geographical places of the Qur'an.
Q-7 How much the knowledge
of incidents and stories of the Qur'an can help the commentators of the
Qur'an ? What are the demerits of ignoring such issues?
A- Ahmad Ahhmadi =
a commentator of the holy Qur'an should explain and interpret the historical
and geographical events, otherwise his writings cannot be called an interpretation.
It only be the collection of others' writings and sayings which does not
have research value. Therefore, a commentator of the Qur'an should provide
his research on historical narrations and try to clarify the dark and obscure
angles of his work with reference to geographical and archaeological sciences
and carry out his researches with methodological analysis. For example,
in some narrations the palace of Dhat al-`Imad was contrasted with
fabulous and fanciful heaven of Shaddad. Whereas a commentator of the Qur'an
should not confine to the narrations only, but he should deal with it accurately
and comprehensively as the late scholar `Allamah Tabatabai did so.
A- Abul Qasim Imami
= If a commentator of the Qur'an cut off from the real sources in dealing
with the Qur'anic ancient places he would relapse into illusion.
A- Baha al-Din Khorramshahi
= Some points have been made on necessity and advantages of discovering
the geographical sites mentioned in the Qur'an which is a part of the science
of commentary. It is very obvious that every Muslim is eager to know as
who were Jalut and Talut, likewise, it is very obvious that
he likes to know where are the places mentioned in the Qur'an such as Madina,
Qaryah or Bahr. Such need may lead to writing and compiling
books on issues such as Dhul Qarnayn .
A- Muhammad Husayn Ruhani
= For interpretation of the Qur'an it is necessary to identify the sites
of the events as mentioned in the historical reports of the Qur'an. Not
paying attention to this fact will grow into an undesirable result .
A- Muhammad Hadi Ma`rifat
= The Qur'an has paid attention to the historical aspects as well . The
battles of Islam against the infidels have been mentioned in the Qur'an
- definitely have some obscure points for the commentators. If the historical
places and figures could be cleared up with reference to time and place,
it could enlighten even a faqih in certain issues, such as,
the case of qasr prayer(prayer in shortened form). Or take the case
of a figure like Dhul Qarnayn which has not been identified as to
who is he? Where is the real site of the dam constructed by Dhul Qarnayn
?
Fakhr Razi was the first person who
said that Dhul Qarnayn is the same Macedonian Alexander of Greece.
His justification is: the Dhul Qarnayn mentioned in the Qur'an travelled
to the east and the west achieving victories. Then Fakhr Razi says: "While
a survey in the history we do not find anybody other than Macedonian Alexander,
therefore, the Dhul Qarnayn is the same Macedonian Alexander. This
is the logic of Imam Fakhr Razi: Since you did not find it therefore it
is he. It means to infer a positive proposition from a non-existential
proposition. We could not find anybody in the history with the specifications
of Dhul Qarnayn as mentioned in the Qur'an. Since we could not find
him, therefore Dhul Qarnayn should be Macedonian Alexander. Although
it seems that Dhul Qarnayn belongs to ante historic periods, like
some of the prophets. "The first people appeared on the earth were Dhul
Qarnayn and Abraham, while according to the Old Testament, the Macedonian
Alexander existed 800 years after the Prophet Abraham. This does not concur
with the idea of Fakhr Razi. Recently Maulana Abulkalam Azad has compared
Dhul Qarnayn with Cyrus and on the basis of the reasons and evidences
cited in Old Testament, he claims that this personality has remained unknown
to Muslims for being away from the Old Testament thus, while by referring
to Old Testament it becomes obvious that Dhul Qarnayn is the same
great Cyrus. This is a controversial statement, because it is said that
when Cyrus conquered Babylon, he shook hand with a great idol called as
"Mordoukh" to conciliate the nation of Babylon. While the Dhul
Qarnayn as described by the Qur'an was a pure servants of God. Thus
this idea contradict Abul Kalam's viewpoint.
One of the subjects is Dhul Qarnayn
dam which has not been located and late Sayyid Hebat Allah Shahrestani
compared it with China wall, while it is not in agreement with the Qur'an
because Qur'an says: "That dam was made from molten iron and copper."
Some others have thought that Dhul Qarnayn dam is the same dam of
Bab al-Abwab of Russia (i.e., present Turkmenian).
One of the other subjects is Nile
Sea. Many of our commentators have cited it Nile Sea, while it is not a
sea but the River Nile and Prophet Moses (s) did not cross the River Nile
because he moved towards Palestine with his people. When he departed from
Egypt and reached the land of Sina; The water that obstructed their way
was the Red Ocean which is mentioned in both Old Testament and Samaat prayers
as Sauf Sea which means Red Sea.
If our respected commentators had
paid attention to the route travelled by Prophet Moses (s), they would
not have committed mistake by diverting their mind to River Nile, because
Nile is between Egypt and Africa, and Prophet Moses (s) did not want to
go to Africa or Algeria. However, inattention to these places is misguiding
in interpretation.
Q- 8 Does Qur'an use symbolic
language in connection with the places or does it refer exactly to the
natural historical sites as existed in the world?
A- Ahmad Ahhmadi =
some Islamic sects have gone to extremes in paraphrasing the outer beings
of certain verses. For instance, even they paraphrase zakat, prayers
and Hajj (pilgrimage). By doing so the Qur'an which is the referral of
all Muslims will lose its authenticity. Of course, in some cases it is
allowed to touch the inner meanings of the verses by virtue of its own
specific criteria, instance of which can be seen in Al-Mizan. Sometimes
we come across certain hadith as see in a saying: "This is the inward
meaning of Qur'an."
A- Abul Qasim Imami
= It's too early to answer this question. This question should be postponed
to a time that final stage of researches in the field of archeology have
been carried out.
A- Baha al-Din Khorramshahi
= Regarding the places cited by the Qur'an either in the stories or in
symbolic way, my definite opinion as a Qur'an researcher and the translator
of the Qur'an into Persian is that all the places pointed by the Qur'an
are historical and real. Of course, it is possible to find some differences
in the opinions of the commentators of the Qur'an for instance about Tur
as to whether it is a proper mountain or is a mountain in general equal
to Jabal or for example where was Wadi Iman or Aljanib
al-Gharbi (i.e., west side), west as per which direction? Here it should
be stated that differences of opinion among the scholars is a mercy and
bring in its wake scientific progress. Moreover, it is a trimmed of the
truth and uncompromising with dogmatistic approach but this should not
lead into the denial of historical fact or doubt in reality of geographical
places of the Qur'an.
At the end, I should add that I regard
the Qur'an as linguistic - literary miracle, therefore, I regard usages
of figurative, metaphoric, allusion, symbol and other linguistic and literary
points, as definite inevitable, positive, desirable and even natural and
obvious. It is very wise and acceptable when God, the Owner and main Speaker
of the Qur'an uses figurative, speaking about a wall He says: "They
found a wall about to collapse" (Kahf, Verse 77). It is not
acceptable if one doubts the existence of a wall or city with a treasure
under the wall .
A- Muhammad Husayn Ruhani
= Name of not even a single place has come throughout the Qur'an symbolically.
A- Muhammad Hadi Ma`rifat
= Regarding the Qur'anic accounts it is a question as to whether the stories
are symbolic, or real. Some people have gone to extremes and dealt with
them as unreal things. Some others have said: "The Qur'an is not other
than the reality." In this context a middle way can be selected. Because
the Qur'an itself says: "Surely Allah is not ashamed to set forth any
parable-(that of) a gnat or any thing above that..."(1:26) .Now let
us cite one example from the Qur'an: "Surely we offered the trust to
the heavens and the earth..."(33:72)
Now can we say that God offered the
trust which is wisdom to the heaven it and the heaven said: "I do not want."
In fact this holy verse of the Qur'an reveals something on behalf. It means
when we evaluate all the creatures, it is found that they do not deserve
to enjoy wisdom. By evaluating human, it is found that he deserves wisdom.
Therefore, accepting or rejection of wisdom depends on the nature of the
creatures. Many such subjects exist in the Qur'an. Therefore, we can neither
deny absolutely nor become absolutely positive. They must be evaluated
case by case. Some cases are definitely symbolic and are the scenarios
and at places they are absolutely real and many other things are still
obscure. For example, the story of Adam and Eve, heaven and Satan.
The scholars definitely work on these subjects to find whether they are
scenario or reality. Most of the scholars believe them to be realities.
But it is also being spoken that this is also a scene. This means it is
a secret and so is the mankind's nature. We do not want to believe it,
but there is a croon.
*The present article is the English
version of Geografiyaye Qisas-e Qur'an which was published in Bayyinat-3
(A Quarterly Magazine on the Holy Qur'an).
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