Answer
Harut and Marut are a pair of angels mentioned in the Quran's Surah 2:102, associated with teaching sorcery in Babylon
They encountered a beautiful woman named Zohra (Venus) who presented them with three temptations: idolatry, alcohol, and intimacy. After consuming alcohol, they committed several sins including murder
Following their transgressions, they were given a choice between punishment on Earth or in hell. They chose earthly punishment and were condemned to hang by their feet in a well in Babylonia until the Day of Judgment
Imam Tabari provided a detailed account but didn't support the view that these were sinning angels. Instead, he interpreted them as ordinary humans who taught magic
Syed Qutb offered a different perspective, stating that Harut and Marut were indeed angels who served as a divine test for people, without committing any sins themselves
Many Muslim theologians argue against the possibility of angels committing sins. Some scholars, including Imam Abu'l-Faraj ibn al-Jawzi, went so far as to declare that believing Harut and Marut were punished angels constitutes disbelief
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. Their story has generated significant theological discourse and various interpretations among Islamic scholars.The Quranic Account
The primary mention of Harut and Marut describes them as beings who taught magic in Babylon, with the crucial detail that they would warn their students by saying "We are only a temptation, so do not disbelieve"4
. This teaching included knowledge that could potentially separate spouses, though they could not harm anyone without Allah's permission.Traditional Narrative
The most widely circulated narrative describes how these angels came to Earth after angels expressed criticism of human wickedness. When angels complained about mankind's sins, God challenged them by sending representatives to Earth with human desires1
. The traditional account includes:The FallThey encountered a beautiful woman named Zohra (Venus) who presented them with three temptations: idolatry, alcohol, and intimacy. After consuming alcohol, they committed several sins including murder
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.The PunishmentFollowing their transgressions, they were given a choice between punishment on Earth or in hell. They chose earthly punishment and were condemned to hang by their feet in a well in Babylonia until the Day of Judgment
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.Scholarly Interpretations
Classical ViewsImam Tabari provided a detailed account but didn't support the view that these were sinning angels. Instead, he interpreted them as ordinary humans who taught magic
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.Contemporary AnalysisSyed Qutb offered a different perspective, stating that Harut and Marut were indeed angels who served as a divine test for people, without committing any sins themselves
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.Theological DisputeMany Muslim theologians argue against the possibility of angels committing sins. Some scholars, including Imam Abu'l-Faraj ibn al-Jawzi, went so far as to declare that believing Harut and Marut were punished angels constitutes disbelief
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.Historical Context
The narrative shows significant parallels with other religious traditions:- The story shares similarities with Jewish legends about the fallen angels Shemḥazaī, ʿUzza, and ʿAzaʾel2
- The names Harut and Marut appear to have etymological connections to Zoroastrian archangels Haruvatāt and Ameretāt2
Alternative Readings
Some scholars, including Ibn Abbas, read the Quranic term as "malikayn" (two kings) rather than "malakayn" (two angels), suggesting they were human rulers who taught sorcery5
. This alternative reading resolves the theological tension regarding the impeccability of angels.***
How do different scholars interpret the fall of Harut and Marut
Answer
The interpretation of Harut and Marut's story has generated significant scholarly debate, with various perspectives on their nature and actions.
Imam Tabari rejected the notion that they were sinning angels, instead viewing them as ordinary humans who taught magic in Babylon
Hasan al-Basri maintained that it was impossible for angels to teach sins like magic
Hasan ibn Ali ibn Muhammad, the 11th Imam of the Twelver Shi'ah, firmly refuted the possibility of angels becoming transgressors, arguing that angels lack free will and operate solely on God's command
Most Salafi scholars reject the notion that Harut and Marut were punished by God
Some scholars, based on different Quranic readings (Qira'at), interpret them as "two kings" rather than angels who learned sorcery from devils
Ibn Arabi offered a metaphorical interpretation, viewing Harut and Marut as representations of theoretical and practical intellect. In his view, their "sorcery" symbolizes the veiling of the heart from the soul
Most contemporary scholars agree that Harut and Marut were angels sent to test people of Babylon with magic, acting on Allah's orders without committing sins
The story shows parallels with Second Temple traditions but differs significantly in its core message. Unlike biblical accounts of fallen angels, the Islamic narrative focuses on demonstrating the challenges of human existence rather than angelic revolt
Classical Scholarly Views
Tabari's InterpretationImam Tabari rejected the notion that they were sinning angels, instead viewing them as ordinary humans who taught magic in Babylon
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. This interpretation resolves the theological tension regarding angels' capacity to sin.Hasan al-Basri's PositionHasan al-Basri maintained that it was impossible for angels to teach sins like magic
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. This view aligns with the fundamental Islamic concept of angels' impeccability.Contemporary Analysis
Shia PerspectiveHasan ibn Ali ibn Muhammad, the 11th Imam of the Twelver Shi'ah, firmly refuted the possibility of angels becoming transgressors, arguing that angels lack free will and operate solely on God's command
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.Salafi PositionMost Salafi scholars reject the notion that Harut and Marut were punished by God
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. They view the traditional narrative of their punishment as inconsistent with Islamic theology.Alternative Readings
Linguistic InterpretationSome scholars, based on different Quranic readings (Qira'at), interpret them as "two kings" rather than angels who learned sorcery from devils
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.Sufi Metaphorical ViewIbn Arabi offered a metaphorical interpretation, viewing Harut and Marut as representations of theoretical and practical intellect. In his view, their "sorcery" symbolizes the veiling of the heart from the soul
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.Modern Scholarly Consensus
Nature of Their TeachingMost contemporary scholars agree that Harut and Marut were angels sent to test people of Babylon with magic, acting on Allah's orders without committing sins
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. They emphasized that these angels always warned people before teaching them, stating "We are only a temptation, so do not disbelieve"4
.Historical ContextThe story shows parallels with Second Temple traditions but differs significantly in its core message. Unlike biblical accounts of fallen angels, the Islamic narrative focuses on demonstrating the challenges of human existence rather than angelic revolt
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Provide references and citations in terms of published books, kitaabs, manuscripts, etc.
Answer
Major Classical Sources
Quranic CommentariesThe most detailed early exegesis appears in Tabari's (839-923 CE) comprehensive tafsir, where he presents multiple interpretations while rejecting the notion of sinning angels
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. Ibn Kathir's (14th century) "Stories of the Qur'an" provides an alternative narrative, though he notes that since the chain of narration goes back only to Ibn Abbas and not to Muhammad himself, Muslims should exercise caution1
.Medieval Scholarly Works
Mystical InterpretationsRumi's "Masnavi" incorporates the tale as a spiritual metaphor, using it to warn against self-righteousness
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. The story appears in various forms in:Traditional Collections- Ahmad ibn Hanbal's (780-855 CE) works accept aspects of the narrative, connecting it to angels' opposition to Adam's creation1
- Al-Kalbi's (737-819 AD) commentary identifies Harut and Marut with earlier angelic figures, drawing parallels to their original names being 'Azā and 'Azāyā4
Contemporary Academic Research
Historical AnalysisThe earliest comprehensive academic study was conducted by Paul Lagarde, who discovered the etymological connection between these angels and the Avestan Haurvatāt and Amərətāt
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. John C. Reeves's analysis demonstrates that while the Quranic narrative alludes to Judeo-Christian material, the Muslim version predates the Jewish Midrash versions1
.Comparative StudiesPatricia Crone's research suggests that later Jewish accounts adapted the Islamic narrative, rather than vice versa, particularly since stories of fallen angels were considered unauthentic in Rabbinic Judaism
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. This view is supported by the fact that the earliest Hebrew versions of similar stories date only to the eleventh century1
.Modern Theological Works
Shi'a PerspectiveThe interpretation found in "Hayat Al-Qulub" by Muhammad Baqir Majlisi presents a detailed refutation of the fallen angels narrative, emphasizing the Islamic doctrine of angelic infallibility
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.Contemporary Translation"The Study Quran" provides a nuanced translation of verse 2:102, offering critical commentary on the various interpretations of the Harut and Marut narrative
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Provide the importance of learning the nature of this Harut Marut story from the perspective of scholars, especially Malaysian muftis. I believe what should be emphasized is the teachings, the moral of the story rather than the nature and the sorcery and supernatural aspect of the revelation.
Answer
The scholarly emphasis on the Harut and Marut narrative focuses primarily on its ethical and spiritual lessons rather than its supernatural elements.
The primary purpose of the story is to demonstrate how Allah provides clear warnings before allowing people to make their choices. The angels consistently warned people about the consequences of learning magic, stating "We are only a trial, so do not disbelieve"
Scholars emphasize that this narrative illustrates Allah's method of testing mankind. The story serves as a reminder that every person faces trials that require moral choices and spiritual discernment
The narrative emphasizes personal responsibility in decision-making. Despite clear warnings about the harmful nature of magic, some people still chose to learn it, knowing it would harm them and provide no benefit
The story teaches the importance of protecting one's faith from corrupting influences. Scholars highlight how the angels' warning demonstrates Allah's mercy in providing clear guidance before allowing people to make their choices
Malaysian scholars particularly emphasize the story's relevance to maintaining social harmony. The narrative warns against practices that can cause separation between spouses and community members
The story provides a framework for understanding how to approach morally challenging situations. It emphasizes the importance of:
Key Educational Aspects
Warning Against EvilThe primary purpose of the story is to demonstrate how Allah provides clear warnings before allowing people to make their choices. The angels consistently warned people about the consequences of learning magic, stating "We are only a trial, so do not disbelieve"
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.Divine TestingScholars emphasize that this narrative illustrates Allah's method of testing mankind. The story serves as a reminder that every person faces trials that require moral choices and spiritual discernment
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.Moral Lessons
AccountabilityThe narrative emphasizes personal responsibility in decision-making. Despite clear warnings about the harmful nature of magic, some people still chose to learn it, knowing it would harm them and provide no benefit
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.Protection of FaithThe story teaches the importance of protecting one's faith from corrupting influences. Scholars highlight how the angels' warning demonstrates Allah's mercy in providing clear guidance before allowing people to make their choices
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.Contemporary Relevance
Social HarmonyMalaysian scholars particularly emphasize the story's relevance to maintaining social harmony. The narrative warns against practices that can cause separation between spouses and community members
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.Ethical Decision-MakingThe story provides a framework for understanding how to approach morally challenging situations. It emphasizes the importance of:
- Recognizing harmful practices
- Understanding consequences before taking action
- Maintaining strong faith in the face of temptation1
Educational Purpose
Rather than focusing on the supernatural aspects, scholars emphasize that the story serves as a practical guide for:- Distinguishing between beneficial and harmful knowledge
- Understanding the importance of intention in seeking knowledge
- Recognizing divine tests in daily life13
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How do Malaysian muftis interpret the moral lessons of the Harut and Marut story
Answer
Malaysian Islamic scholars emphasize several key moral dimensions from the Harut and Marut narrative, focusing on practical spiritual lessons rather than supernatural elements.
Malaysian scholars emphasize two fundamental aspects:
The story serves as a reminder about:
Malaysian scholars interpret the story as demonstrating Allah's method of testing mankind through:
The Faculty of Quran Studies at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia highlights several modern applications:
Malaysian scholars emphasize that the story provides practical guidance for:
Core Educational Elements
Faith DevelopmentMalaysian scholars emphasize two fundamental aspects:
- The importance of following Prophet Muhammad's teachings
- The necessity of maintaining strong faith in the face of trials3
The story serves as a reminder about:
- The obligation to follow religious law (syariat)
- The importance of distinguishing between beneficial and harmful knowledge3
Practical Applications
Testing and TrialsMalaysian scholars interpret the story as demonstrating Allah's method of testing mankind through:
- Clear warnings before choices
- The responsibility to resist harmful practices
- The importance of proper intention in seeking knowledge3
Contemporary Relevance
Social HarmonyThe Faculty of Quran Studies at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia highlights several modern applications:
- Protection of family relationships
- Avoiding practices that harm social bonds
- Understanding the consequences of our choices3
Malaysian scholars emphasize that the story provides practical guidance for:
- Distinguishing between beneficial and harmful knowledge
- Understanding that harm can only occur with Allah's permission
- Recognizing the importance of proper religious education3
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