Islam in History

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ccording to a tradition, Prophet Muhammad observed that every verse of the Quran has two levels of meaning, one apparent and one hidden. That is, we have to read between the lines in order to go beyond the literal meaning and then, by keener concentration, arrive at its deeper significance.

So far as the literal import of the Quran is concerned, this was fully understood by the people at the time of revelation itself. For instance, the verse, ‘Say, God is one,’ (Quran, 112:1) was correctly construed by the Muslims of the early period of Islam, just as it will be today. There will be no difference in meaning with the passage of time. But, on more profound reflection, Quranic nuances, hidden in the lines, become unveiled. Such close study is engaged in in every period of time, so that new shades of meaning will continue to be revealed in every age.

According to a hadith, Prophet Muhammad observed: “The wonders of the Quran will never come to an end.” (Mishkat al-Masabih, Vol. 1, p. 659). This hadith refers to that aspect of the Quran which is of deeper significance, or that which lies between the lines. The Quran being the scriptures of an eternal religion, new connotations will go on being revealed in every succeeding age as a result of profound reflection. This process will continue uninterrupted until Doomsday.

Here I should like to focus on certain very apt verses appearing at two places in the Quran. (2:193, 8:39). They concern qital-e-fitna, that is, the abolition of religious persecution. When we study these verses in the light of other related verses of the Quran, we find that it was God’s plan to abolish religious persecution and replace it with complete religious freedom, so that His servants could worship Him alone without any fear of persecution. Along with that, the door to the call of monotheism also was to be thrown wide open.