Surah Shura 13

Mustafa Günen, Author

Abstract:

This article proceeds from the proposition that “If God is one and humanity is a single species created by Him, then religion must also be one.” It elaborates the thesis that religion is a universal “behavioral program” inherent in humanity’s biological and neurological constitution. This program, defined as “fitrah” (innate disposition), is independent of all religious texts, books, and cultural interpretations. While constructing the “one religion” idea, I examined many sacred texts, including the Torah and the Bible. However, I found this unifying and imperative emphasis with the clarity I sought only in verse 13 of Surah Ash-Shura in the Qur’an. Therefore, I have referenced the Qur’an.

Introduction

“If God is one and humanity is one species, then religion must be one.” This logical conclusion sheds light on one of humanity’s most ancient areas of conflict. Throughout history, religion has been known by different names, rituals, and denominations. Yet, the essence of religion is a universal “behavioral program” present in the very creation of the human species. This article aims to demonstrate that religion is an innate system, independent of books.

1. Religion: Humanity’s Natural “Behavioral Program

As supported by neuroscientific research, the human child is born with fundamental moral tendencies such as helpfulness, a sense of justice, and an aversion to violence. This is their “fitrah” – an innate program, much like a computer’s operating system. Religion, then, is the “user manual” containing the operating principles of this program. Therefore, religion itself is universal and singular; what differs are its cultural and historical interpretations.

2. The Qur’an as a Reference: A Matter of Clarity, Not Uniqueness

I examined numerous sacred texts, including the Torah and the Bible, to find clear statements supporting the “one religion” idea. The fact that these books uphold common moral foundations is undeniable. However, I found the universal, unifying, and imperative emphasis – stating, “This is the same religion He enjoined upon Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, and which He has revealed to you: ‘Establish this religion and do not become divided therein'” – with the clarity I sought, only in verse 13 of Surah Ash-Shura in the Qur’an. Similarly, the definition of religion as the innate “fitrah” of humanity (cf. Surah Ar-Rum 30) does not hold such a central position in other texts. This is why I use the Qur’an as the foundation for my thesis.

3. Prophets: “System Updates”

Prophets emerged during periods when humanity’s “fitrah” program became susceptible to corruption through cultural noise, conflicts of interest, and ignorance. Their mission was not to bring a new religion, but to call humanity back to its “original software.” In a sense, they are “system patches” that repair and update the corrupted program.

4. A Call Especially to Muslims

The artist emphasizes that his work is also a call to responsibility for the Muslim community:

“The Qur’an clearly declares that the same religion was revealed to all prophets. Other communities may have conflicted unknowingly of this truth. However, for Muslims, who profess faith in all prophets, harboring hostility towards the followers of other prophets on religious grounds is contrary to the spirit of the Qur’an and the explicit command of Shura-13. Muslims are obliged to understand this divine unity and carry it to the world. This artwork is an expression of that duty, undertaken as an artist’s responsibility.”

5. Artistic Expression: The Symbolism of the “SHURA 13” Artwork

The painting “SHURA 13” visualizes this thesis:

The Book: Represents science, reason, and universal truth.

The Scarecrows: Symbolize distorted, dogmatic interpretations of divine messages. They are virtual fears formed in people’s minds.

The Hollow-Heads and the Herd: Depict people who do not use their reason, act with herd mentality, and fail to see the truth.

The Shadowlessness of Truth: The fact that the Book casts no shadow from the scarecrows emphasizes that truth is pure and cannot be distorted.

Conclusion

Religion is a universal “behavioral program” inscribed in human “fitrah,” and it is one. The Qur’an is a vital reference source because it articulates this truth with a clarity not found in other texts. Prophets are “updates” that prevent the corruption of this program. Humanity’s task is to set aside dogmas and artificial divisions, to adopt reason and science as guides, and to return to this single, universal program. The artwork “SHURA 13” is an artistic expression of this ancient and scientific truth.

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