Interpretation of Verse 177 Journal Article

Machine summary:

Therefore, its implementation by the Islamic government and the relevant leaders and guides at all times is necessary and clear; they must pay attention to and implement the best and most worthy way to carry out God's command, and under the supervision and with the approval of the contemporary leader and practitioners [relevant officials and experts] by following the true Islamic principles, so that through this, the Virtuous City (Madinah al-Fadilah) is realized and human society steps onto the path of righteousness, correctness, success, and salvation. While the verse serves as a rebuke to the People of the Book and any ideology or school of thought whose sole thought is to take pride in such matters, it is itself another factor for attracting predisposed individuals to the true religion; because some souls are sometimes more influenced by rituals and practical programs that align with their nature and disposition than by scientific foundations and spiritual truths. And these are the ones who guard themselves and restrain themselves from the sins of the Lord, meaning: they do not take a step contrary to the pleasure of the Truth, they avoid the punishment of the Lord, and they refrain from acting upon what is forbidden; in conclusion, it must be known that the expression of righteousness and goodness in this verse is itself an incentive and encouragement so that humans, in the process of acquiring the true realities of faith, perform their individual and social duties and ordinary matters, and strive to adorn themselves with moral virtues; it is narrated from the Prophet of God that whoever acts upon this verse has perfected their faith.