Senegal: Ansar Al-Quran Association in Thiès Organizes a Distinguished Scientific Seminar on Surah Al-Kahf with the Participation of Prominent Scholars
On Saturday, December 14, the Senegalese Ansar Al-Quran Association organized a scientific seminar titled “Surah Al-Kahf” at the Quba Mosque in the city of Thiès, Senegal, featuring the participation of an elite group of scholars and researchers.
Dr. Anjugu Mbaki Samb, a member of the International Union of Muslim Scholars, delivered a remarkable lecture titled “The Political Dimensions in Surah Al-Kahf”. The lecture was delivered in Wolof, the most widely spoken local language in the country, ensuring that the message reached a broader audience.
Dr. Samb highlighted the profound political aspects of Surah Al-Kahf, sparking significant engagement among attendees. Additionally, Professor of Tafsir Babacar Sarr, Professor Lamin Diop, and Professor Hadrami Ndiaye presented rich papers addressing various topics related to the Surah.
The seminar witnessed the presence of notable figures, including former Minister of Economy Abdallah Diop, Imam of Quba Mosque Sheikh Khalifa Mbaye, and Dr. Abdallah Lam, a member of the Board of Trustees of the International Union of Muslim Scholars.
The event also saw the participation of a delegation from the Al-Azhar Mission in Senegal, university professor Younes Ann, former director of the World Assembly of Muslim Youth's Senegal office, Sidi Galy Louh, Ansar Al-Quran Association President Hussein Niane, and Director of Al-Manba’a Islamic School Hajjah Zainab Diop.
The seminar attracted a diverse audience, including Qur'an teachers from Thiès, representatives of Sufi orders, and a delegation from the Labor Inspectorate under the Ministry of Labor.
This seminar is part of the ongoing efforts of the Ansar Al-Quran Association to enhance Qur'anic awareness and shed light on the multifaceted aspects of the Holy Qur’an, reflecting the depth of its universal message and emphasizing the importance of the ethical and social values it upholds.
(Dr. Anjugu Mbaki Samb’s Address)
Lecture Title: The Objectives of Sharia Politics Through the Story of Dhul-Qarnayn
Introduction
All praise is due to Allah, Lord of all worlds, and peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and companions.
The Holy Qur'an is the revealed Book of Allah, encompassing guidance for all times and places. It addresses all aspects of life, from religion and morality to politics and economics. Allah says:
“And We have revealed to you the Book as an explanation for all things, a guide, and a mercy, and glad tidings for the Muslims.” [Surah An-Nahl: 89].
Among the primary objectives of the Qur'an is managing the affairs of the Muslim community in ways that achieve their benefits and prevent harm. Ibn Ashur, in the introduction to his unique Tafsir, stated:
“The governance of the nation is a significant theme in the Qur'an, aimed at ensuring the well-being of the community and preserving its order.”
Allah has chosen to narrate numerous stories in His Book about past nations, offering lessons and wisdom for believers to learn how to navigate worldly life and prepare for the hereafter.
The Qur'an uses the stories of righteous kings and just leaders as a means of illustrating the principles of Sharia governance. Among the most notable of these is the story of Dhul-Qarnayn, recounted in Surah Al-Kahf (verses 83–98). This story provides invaluable lessons and reveals essential aspects of Sharia politics—a set of divine principles and rules for managing societal affairs with justice and righteousness.
I. Defining the Objectives of Sharia Politics
The objectives of Sharia politics refer to the purposes, benefits, and wisdom behind rulings concerning the management of public affairs in the Muslim community. These encompass the collective interests derived from Islamic rulings related to leadership and governance.
Through careful study of such rulings, it becomes evident that the Divine Law aims to achieve specific goals outlined in explicit evidence or deduced by scholars using sound jurisprudential methodology.
II. Who is Dhul-Qarnayn?
Dhul-Qarnayn was a righteous ruler endowed by Allah with unprecedented power and authority. He ruled over vast regions of the earth, journeyed east and west, and subdued many peoples. However, he did not exploit his authority for tyranny or oppression. Instead, he utilized it to serve Islam, uphold justice, and ensure fairness among all people.
Key Objectives of Sharia Politics Derived from the Story of Dhul-Qarnayn
Establishing Religion and Promoting Noble Values and Ethics
Dhul-Qarnayn is among the greatest conquerors in history. Allah granted him dominion over the earth to spread His religion, uphold justice, and bring stability to its regions. Allah says:
“Indeed, We established him upon the earth, and We gave him from everything a means.” [Surah Al-Kahf: 84].
Sheikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah remarked:
“The fundamental aim of leadership is to ensure the people's religious and worldly well-being, to protect them from loss in the hereafter, and to safeguard their worldly interests.”
Justice and Fairness
Justice is a cornerstone of Sharia governance. Allah commands:
“Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice.” [Surah An-Nisa: 58].
Dhul-Qarnayn exemplified justice in his dealings with all peoples, granting everyone their due without oppression.
Acquiring Strength for Construction and Reform
Among Sharia's directives is the pursuit of strength in all forms—unity, economic resilience, technological advancement, and military preparedness. Dhul-Qarnayn’s governance reflected this through his reliance on local resources and skilled labor to build the great barrier against Gog and Magog.
Compassion and Mercy for the People
Dhul-Qarnayn's governance also emphasized compassion for the people, refraining from overburdening them with taxes or exploiting public wealth.
Reliance on Allah and Gratitude for Success
Dhul-Qarnayn sought strength from Allah and his people rather than external forces, ensuring independence and sovereignty.
“So when he had leveled [them] between the two mountain walls, he said, ‘Blow [with bellows].’ And when he had made it [like] fire, he said, ‘Bring me that I may pour over it molten copper.’” [Surah Al-Kahf: 96].
This insightful seminar underscores the importance of integrating Qur'anic principles into contemporary governance and highlights the enduring relevance of Sharia's objectives.