Reading the therapeutic contract in the Quran

Day # 19

On change and experiential learning

Mapping the therapeutic contract in the Quran has been the primary task of this project. Thinking of the unfolding verses in Surat Al-Baqara, in terms of a therapeutic contract that lays out the prerequisites of this relationship (see day # 1), then addresses our internal processes in terms of anxieties and psychic defences points to a Lord concerned with the wellbeing of its subjects. This concern is broadened to society and interpersonal relationships in groups.

The verses that follow relate to the functioning of the organisation of the believers. (For organisational theory, see day # 11)

God addresses this community in verse 2:143, describing its role in the broader society, as a just community or a moderating community that is there to bear witness to the truth. Again, this shift into action, is marked by a change and a separation. A change of direction of prayer pointing to the centre of the organisation being in Makkah, and a separation from the Jews and Christian through this change of direction.

It is the first challenge to crowd mentality and what happens in groups. The command to change the direction of prayer is very symbolic of the capacity to go against set group beliefs, especially that Arabs in Makkah,, unlike Jews, had no prophets before Prophet Muhammad. So changing the tradition of the established monotheistic faiths was a big test.

God names the key to what deepens our faith which is steadfastness in the face of tests, trials and tribulations.

These tests can be thought of as awakenings from states of sedation with which the forces of habits lull the mind. This brings to mind verse 24 in Surat Al-Anfal:

“Believers, respond to God and His Messenger when he calls you to that which gives you life. Know that God comes between a man and his heart, and that you will be gathered to Him.”

Mark Solms commented on the process in the mind that automatises responses that hold the key to our survival, in order to minimise the response time in the case of danger. He then reflected on how this pauses a perplexing question about the purpose of consciousness as it is not necessary for our survival as a species. (Solms, 2020). We can then understand the verse above from Surat Al-Anfaal, in that when we respond to the call of God and his prophet, we awaken from a life of basic needs to live for a higher purpose, that distinguishes the human race.

In other words, the task of returning to God requires a constant effort of awakening, of consciousness. And we are given practical tasks to do so and to remedy these psychic processes. We are given the five pillars of Islam. This helped me understand why they are called the pillars of faith, because they call us back to consciousness.

Turning our face towards the sacred mosque is a command encompassed in the declaration of faith or shahada, to turn towards God, and is put into practice by physically directing ourselves toward his sanctified house in Makkah. Steadfastness or sabr can then be understood as the manifestation of this trust in God.

Hence, through prayers, we disrupt the lulling effect of daily routines, at least five times a day to remember this task. This suggests that consciousness and remembering does not happen without a state of tension (symbolised by disruption of routine). Tension creates anxiety, anxiety is relieved by reliance on God. The circulatory system (see day # 11) of the healthy functioning of the organisation is set in motion.

So how does this apply to the rest of the pillars of Islam?

TBC…

Surat Al-Abqara

2:142  The foolish people will say, ‘What has turned them away from the prayer direction they used to face?’ Say, ‘East and West belong to God. He guides whoever He will to the right way.’

2:143  We have made you [believers] into a just community, so that you may bear witness [to the truth] before others and so that the Messenger may bear witness [to it] before you. We only made the direction the one you used to face [Prophet] in order to distinguish those who follow the Messenger from those who turn on their heels: that test was hard, except for those God has guided. God would never let your faith go to waste [believers], for God is most compassionate and most merciful towards people

2:144  Many a time We have seen you [Prophet] turn your face towards Heaven, so We are turning you towards a prayer direction that pleases you. Turn your face in the direction of the Sacred Mosque: wherever you [believers] may be, turn your faces to it. Those who were given the Scripture know with certainty that this is the Truth from their Lord: God is not unaware of what they do

2:145  Yet even if you brought every proof to those who were given the Scripture, they would not follow your prayer direction, nor will you follow theirs, nor indeed will any of them follow one another’s direction. If you [Prophet] were to follow their desires, after the knowledge brought to you, you would be doing wrong

2:146  Those We gave Scripture know it as well as they know their own sons, but some of them hide the truth that they know

2:147  The truth is from your Lord, so do not be one of those who doubt

2:148  Each community has its own direction to which it turns: race to do good deeds and wherever you are, God will bring you together. God has power to do everything

2:149  [Prophet], wherever you may have started out, turn your face in the direction of the Sacred Mosque- this is the truth from your Lord: He is not unaware of what you do

2:150  wherever you may have started out, turn your face in the direction of the Sacred Mosque; wherever any of you may be, turn your faces towards it, so that people may have no argument against you- except for the wrongdoers among them: do not fear them; fear Me- and so that I may perfect My favour on you and you may be guided

2:151  just as Wehave sent among you a Messenger of your own to recite Our revelations to you, purify you and teach you the Scripture, wisdom, and [other] things you did not know

2:152  So remember Me; I will remember you. Be thankful to Me, and never ungrateful

2:153  You who believe, seek help through steadfastness and prayer, for God is with the steadfast

2:154  Do not say that those who are killed in God’s cause are dead; they are alive, though you do not realize it

2:155  We shall certainly test you with fear and hunger, and loss of property, lives, and crops. But [Prophet], give good news to those who are steadfast

2:156 those who say, when afflicted with a calamity, ‘We belong to God and to Him we shall return.’

2:157 These will be given blessings and mercy from their Lord, and it is they who are rightly guided

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