Comparative Studies of Quran

Comparative Studies of Quran

An Analysis of the Reasons Behind the Selection and Arrangement of Divine Attributes in Surah al-Nas [Qur’an 114] Based on the Sunni and Shi'i Exegeses

Document Type : Original

Author
Mahyar khani Moghaddam
Assistant Professor, Department of Qur'an and Hadith, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran.
10.22034/csq.2025.477190.1466
Abstract
Detailed Abstract
Research Objective: This study aims to investigate the reasons behind the selection and arrangement of the divine attributes at the beginning of Surah al-Nas [Qur’an 114]. This is based on the understanding that divine wisdom renders every lexical employment in the Qur’anic discourse meaningful. It is evident that God, the Wise, who possesses numerous blessed names and attributes, has purposefully employed the three attributes “Lord (Rabb),” “God (Ilah)” and “King (Malik)” in this Surah. One of the important elements in human lifestyle is belief, and undoubtedly, the arrangement of words and divine attributes in the Qur’an can influence individuals’ perspectives, inclinations, and actions. Accordingly, analyzing the causes of the selection and ordering of words in the verses of the Holy Qur’an can yield guiding insights for human guidance.
Research Methodology: This study has been conducted through a library-based method, and the data were analyzed using a descriptive-analytical approach. Initially, over 120 authoritative Qur’anic exegeses from both Shia and Sunni traditions, spanning from the early Islamic centuries to the contemporary period, were selected and studied. Relevant points regarding the opening verses of Surah al-Nas were extracted from them. The data were then categorized and analyzed concerning the two main aspects of the research question: the reasons behind the selection of these three divine names and attributes, and the reasons for their specific ordering.
Findings: The findings of this study reveal that with the shift in the initial audiences of the Qur’an and the development of societies and sciences, Qur’anic exegesis experienced transformations, leading to the addition of interpretative views and an engagement with new dimensions of Qur’anic knowledge. Reviewing the Qur’anic exegeses of both schools of thought from the early centuries to the modern period shows a gradual increase in attention to the selection and arrangement of the three divine attributes “Rabb,” “Malik,” and “Ilah” in Surah al-Nas [Qur’an 114]. From the sixth century onwards, due to scientific exchange with other regions and the elevation of audience inquiries, the number of Qur’anic exegetes seeking answers to such questions increased. Observing the cultural context of Islamic societies in analyzing the development of interpretive attention to the mentioned verses is considered an appropriate method for understanding exegetical approaches.
The analysis of exegetical views indicates that, due to the significance of hidden evils and their crucial role in human perfection, the three divine attributes—“Rabb,” “Malik,” and “Ilah”—which correspond to essential spheres of human life, were selected. These attributes not only respond to the innate call within humans but also remind them of God's constant power, sovereignty, and grace, thereby fostering and enhancing the motivation to seek refuge in Him. However, Satan, through misleading responses to this innate call, seeks to divert humans from the dangers of these hidden evils and to present a deceptive image of false lords, kings, and deities, to mislead them into seeking help from such entities, ultimately rendering their efforts ineffective.
Qur’anic exegetes generally regard the current arrangement of the three attributes in Surah al-Nas as reflecting divine wisdom aimed at using familiar human concepts to facilitate understanding. Moreover, given the alignment of this order with the gradual process of human material and spiritual development—both from an intellectual and mystical standpoint—there exists an inherent acceptance in humans of the presence of a divine benefactor and guide throughout all stages of life. This, once again, supports seeking refuge in the sole omnipotent and generous Being to intelligently confront hidden evils. Another significant point is the emphasis on the stepwise relationship between these attributes, suggesting that they function complementarily to exert a complete influence on human life. Just as a person realizes that to witness the effect of something, it must be followed by another element, so too does he comprehend that accepting divine Lordship alongside acknowledging God's sovereignty and kingship yields quantitative and qualitative impact. Furthermore, recognizing God's kingship and sovereignty, coupled with the acceptance of His divinity, effectively guides one in the proper management of hidden evils.
Conclusion: Among the reasons for the selection of the three attributes “Rabb,” “Malik,” and “Ilah” in this Surah are the critical nature of hidden evils, responding to the innate human call, fostering and enhancing the motivation to seek divine refuge, and preventing deviation in the path of seeking protection. Additionally, the reasons behind the specific order of these three attributes can be attributed to their relevance to ordinary human life, their alignment with the gradual process of material and spiritual growth, and the complementary function of each attribute as influenced by its predecessor.
Keywords
Ilah
Surah al-Nas
Rabb
Divine Attributes
Malik
Sunni and Shi'i exegeses

Subjects

The Holy Quran 
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  • Receive Date 06 September 2024
  • Revise Date 22 November 2024
  • Accept Date 24 January 2025
  • Publish Date 15 March 2025