zulüm

What is the only enemy that the Quran declares?

Nadir Kemal Yılmaz

Nadir Kemal Yılmaz

— 2 min read
What is the only enemy that the Quran declares?

The only enemy that the Quran declares is clearly the concept of "zulüm". With Kuran's miraculous expression, "zulüm" has three meanings crystallized in one word:

  1. Oppression, despotism, tyranny
  2. Exploitation, imperialism
  3. Ignorance

As expressed in the "zulüm" concept, these are the only enemies of the Quran. Coming from the same root, "zulmet" means darkness and darkness means ignorance in the Quran language.

We should also note that the Quran presents a world of mathematical consistency. When the Quran states its only enemy, it is valid throughout Quran's world. For example, idolatry is shown as an enemy of humanity. However, it is not because of theological discussion. Idolatry (Turkish: Şirk) is considered to be an enemy not because of theological reasons but because it causes a great "zulüm". The reinforcement of the three meanings hazardous to humanity are the reasons of idolatry's being declared as enemy.

The opposite of "zulüm" is justice. In Quran's language "adalet" (justice) is related to two meanings:

  1. Placing everything in their righteous / deserved place
  2. Acting without going to extremes and by middle of the way principle

This "being middle of the way" is a main concept of the Quran. In Quran's language, it is expressed with the word "itidal" and its root is the same with the word "adalet" (justice). So, justice and being middle of the way and not going into extremes are closely related. The miraculous expression of the Quran suggests humanity that in order to be just, punishment and use of force by law, even during wars must be proportionate. Disproportionate use of force or punishments are prohibited by the Quran.

What the Quran is doing with its world of mathematical consistency is a revolution in the history of religions. The Quran is prioritizing principles and values above individuals for the first time. The revolutionary Quran equation can be given as follows:

Principles > Individuals

Salvation is achieved by creating a life in line with these principles and values. This is different from other religions which declare the Prophet as an individual as the source of salvation. Certainly, God's Messenger Muhammed is also the source; however, he is only "our friend and a teacher" as clearly expressed in the Quran.

Now let us try to ask this same question to ChatGPT!

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In the Quran, the primary enemy is often referred to as "Shaytan," which is the Arabic term for Satan or the devil. Shaytan is depicted as an adversary of God and a tempter who seeks to lead humans astray from the path of righteousness. The Quran portrays Shaytan as an enemy of all humanity, and encourages believers to seek refuge in God from the whispers and temptations of the devil. However, it is important to note that the Quran also identifies other enemies of humanity, such as oppression, injustice, and ignorance, which are all obstacles to the realization of God's will for humanity.

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