Critique of the Concept of “Liqa’ Mehr Rabb al-‘Alamin” in Tasnim

Key Point

The expression “Liqa’ Mehr Rabb al-‘Alamin” in the book Tasnim is incorrect due to its lack of technical rigor and absence of a Qur’anic foundation. Liqa’ pertains to the Divine Essence, while Mehr is an attribute that is not ascribed to the Essence.

The book Tasnim, on pages 458 and 467, presents the goal of human spiritual journey as “Liqa’ Mehr Rabb al-‘Alamin” and asserts that a human being, as a dynamic seeker, requires a path free from distortion and satanic interference to reach this goal. This expression, like an artificial flower in the garden of knowledge, lacks a Qur’anic root. Liqa’, meaning encounter with the Divine Essence, belongs to the Divine Names of Essence, whereas Rabb is among the active Names and Mehr is an attribute not attributed to the Essence. This combination, therefore, resembles a painting whose colours are incompatible with the Qur’anic palette.

Liqa’ in the Qur’an

Liqa’ in the Qur’an, like a pearl within the shell of the verses, appears approximately twenty times to signify encounter with the Divine Essence. This Liqa’, related to the Names of Essence, transcends “Rabb al-‘Alamin,” which refers to lordship and Divine action. The expression “Liqa’ Mehr” is like adding an unnatural branch to the tree of truth; it lacks a Qur’anic basis and cannot properly convey the meaning of Liqa’.

Yawm Yalqawnahu (Yunus: 15)
The day they will meet Him.

Critique of the Concept of Pure Encounter in Christianity

In Christianity, the “pure encounter” signifies meeting God in a state of exemption from sin. This concept, like a stream pointing to purity, differs from “Liqa’ Mehr.” The Qur’an mentions Liqa’ as an encounter with the Lord, but it does not associate it with the attribute Mehr, as this attribute, like an ill-fitting garment, does not correspond to the reality of Liqa’.

Distinction Between Salik and Rajul in Mystical Practice

Key Point: In mystical terminology, Salik refers to one who progresses along the spiritual path with special attention, whereas Rajul refers to ordinary people lacking such attention.

In mystical terms, the Salik is like a bird flying in the sky of spiritual journey with wings of attention and knowledge, while the Rajul walks along ordinary paths of life. This distinction, like that between a shining star and the dust of the earth, indicates different levels in the path of guidance. Nevertheless, the prayer “Ihdina al-Sirat al-Mustaqim” is universal, inviting all humans, both Salik and Rajul, toward the straight path.

Universality of the Prayer “Ihdina”

The prayer “Ihdina” acts like a door open to all humans. It is like a light guiding both the attentive Salik and the ordinary Rajul toward the straight path. This universality, like an ocean, embraces all human streams.

Endless Spiritual Journey and Denial of Ultimate Goal

Key Point: In Divine spiritual practice, the ultimate goal does not imply cessation; the journey is an ongoing process calling the seeker to continuous movement.

Contrary to Tasnim‘s view that “Liqa’ Mehr” is the goal, Divine spiritual journey is like a river that never reaches a stopping shore. The further the seeker progresses, the more they must continue moving, as Divine perfection is like a horizon that recedes with each step. This perspective, like a melody, speaks of the infinitude of Divine perfection.

Analysis of Verses Related to Sirat and Subul

Key Point: The verse “Wa alladhina jahadu fina lanahdiyannahum subulana” (Al-Ankabut: 69) refers to commendable Divine paths (subulana).

Verse Al-Ankabut illuminates the paths of good Divine guidance. These paths, leading to Divine guidance, are like streams flowing from the source of Divine mercy.

Wa alladhina jahadu fina lanahdiyannahum subulana (Al-Ankabut: 69)
And those who strive in Our way, We will surely guide them to Our paths.

Key Point: The verse “Wa anna hatha sirati mustaqiman fatatbi’uhu wa la tattabi’u al-subul” (Al-An’am: 153) prohibits following deviant paths.

Verse Al-An’am distinguishes the straight path from deviant ways, which, like scattered branches, mislead the seeker from the main route.

Wa anna hatha sirati mustaqiman fatatbi’uhu wa la tattabi’u al-subul (Al-An’am: 153)
And this is My straight path; follow it and do not follow other ways.

Consistency Between Verses

There is no contradiction between the verses of Al-Ankabut and Al-An’am. Subulana in Al-Ankabut refers to good paths, while al-subul in Al-An’am denotes deviant paths. These indications serve as keys to understanding the precise meaning of the verses and the Qur’anic coherence.

Divine Justice and Causes of Guidance

The difference between the guided (Sirati) and others (Subuli) in the Barzakh resembles a fair allocation determined by Divine wisdom and complex causes such as conception, environment, and ancestors’ prayers. Divine justice evaluates each according to deeds and circumstances.

Conclusion

Exegesis of “Ihdina al-Sirat al-Mustaqim” is like a journey to the source of Divine guidance. The verse emphasizes the distinction between Sirat and Subul, inviting the seeker toward a safe and straight path. Critiques of non-Qur’anic expressions such as “Liqa’ Mehr Rabb al-‘Alamin” clarify the truth, while analysis of related verses, including Al-Ankabut and Al-An’am, demonstrates the Qur’anic coherence in distinguishing good and deviant paths. This interpretation encourages reflection on the prayer “Ihdina” and striving to follow the straight path toward Divine perfection.

“Ihdina al-Sirat al-Mustaqim” is a profound and insightful prayer, calling humans toward an infinite, straight, and Divine path. The verse invites contemplation on the nature of the Sirat and humanity’s position within the cosmos. The study examines existential, cognitive, and practical aspects of the straight path, distinguishing Sirat from Subul, and the role of Sharia and reason in seeking guidance.

Importance of In-depth Knowledge in Exegesis of Sirat

The verse “Ihdina al-Sirat al-Mustaqim” requires deep contemplation and philosophical reflection beyond mere linguistic or literary analysis. The Sirat al-Mustaqim, as an infinite path, necessitates profound knowledge for understanding and traversal. The exegesis calls the human being to reflection and active engagement in the pursuit of Divine guidance.