Quran Garden

Session 350

Chapter 3

Verse 19

a continuation

Indeed, the true religion in the sight of God is Islam. Those who were given the Book did not differ except after true knowledge had come to them, out of envious rivalry among themselves. Whoever disbelieves in the Revelations of God should know that God is swift to take account. (Chapter 3, Verse 19)

The word “the Book,” mentioned in multiple placed in the Quran, is translated from the Arabic origin “al-Kitab.”  The Quran itself is sometimes referred to as “the Quran,” which means “the read” or “the recited.”  At other times, it is referred to as “the Book” “al-Kitab”, indicating that it is also written.  Allah preserved the Quran in the hearts and memories of the believers and on the pages of the book.  Similarly, Allah refers to the followers of Judaism and Christianity as the “People of the Book,” indicating that they had a clear written scripture for all to see.    

Here, we should take a few moments to study the phrase "Those who were given the Book did not differ except after true knowledge had come to them." More specifically, let’s explore the meaning of “true knowledge.”  To have true knowledge is to understand a fact that is both true and can be proven through evidence.  Any issue besides that does not reach the level of true knowledge.  For example, we say that the earth is spherical; it is a fact that has been proven through evidence beyond any doubt.  In the past, people used to claim that the earth is flat, and they tried to find supporting evidence.  But when scientists came and presented the data proving the earth is spherical through mathematics, and then through direct observation from space, the discussion ended.  The earth is a sphere; it is a fact that you can prove through evidence beyond any doubt.  This is what we call true knowledge.

Another way to learn facts is from your teacher, or from someone you trust.  This is a lesser level of knowledge -called imitation or tradition- because it is based on someone else’s proof and evidence. As your knowledge in a particular field increases, you would be able to investigate the evidence and rise to the level of true knowledge. 

Most of the scientific fraud these days stems from people claiming that unresolved issues are true knowledge.  Take, for example, the theory that states, man originated from apes.  It cannot be considered true knowledge because it lacks clear evidence to prove it. 

At the other end of the scale, there is a lack of knowledge, and there is ignorance.  Lack of knowledge happens when you are simply not aware of something.  All you need is to take time to learn or for someone to teach you. 

The real danger does not come from a lack of knowledge; it comes from ignorance.  What is the difference? An ignorant person believes wholeheartedly in something that is false.  So, in order to move from ignorance to knowledge, the ignorant person needs to be persuaded that his or her belief is wrong first; only then can true knowledge be introduced.  Therefore, you will find that damage to societies often comes from those who are ignorant, not from those who are illiterate.  Finally, there are matters that fall between true knowledge and ignorance, such as doubt, possibility, and probability.

This brings us back to the verse.  God says, “Those who were given the Book did not differ except after true knowledge had come to them.”  Take note that Allah did not say that they differed out of ignorance or doubt; rather, He said that they differed after they had true knowledge; A knowledge that came from the Lord. 

Then, what are all the disagreements about? God answers, “out of envious rivalry among themselves“ translated from the Arabic origin ”Al-Baghi” البغي.  Rivalry, in and of itself, is good and healthy for the society.  Ambition drives people to research and work hard to beat the competition.  Without rivalry, innovation grinds to a halt.  Where is the problem then? We answer that rivalry is praiseworthy as long as it is based on effort.  When people start to cheat or lie, rivalry leads to corruption. 

Allah is informing us that the disputes between the clergy, or between two religions, is due to envy and hatred.  Quite often, corrupt imams give religious opinions -or fatwas- based on what pleases the people, not what God has revealed.  Moreover, such clergy regularly claim modernity and accuse the adherents of faith of being too rigid.  They want to put their whims and desires ahead of God’s teachings.