The Divine Address to the Believers: its Characteristics and Shariah Objectives

Abstract

This address holds special importance. Allah addressed them directly, using the most excellent name ("those who have believed"), an address encompassing both the near and far, transitioning from ambiguity to clarity for emphasis. The "هاء" (hā') following "أيّ" serves as an alert. The verb "ءامنوا" (have believed) indicates the occurrence of faith – which is a rank between Islam (submission) and Ihsan (excellence). There is a shift in discourse (iltifāt) from the third person to direct address to capture attention and create anticipation. This achieves numerous Shariah objectives: preserving the five essential necessities (religion, life, intellect, lineage, and property), realizing God-consciousness (taqwa), commanding obedience to Allah and His Messenger ﷺ, observing proper etiquette with them and with creation, fostering allegiance to the believers, prohibiting allegiance to disbelievers and commanding to fight them, commanding them with what achieves success, victory, and excellence in this world, and forgiveness of sins and entry into Paradise in the Hereafter.