Defining General Knowledge and Its Characteristics
General knowledge refers to the understanding of the divine attributes and characteristics as they manifest in the world, which the seeker perceives through the opening of their heart and mind to the qualities of divine perfection. This knowledge is akin to the opening of a window to the boundless garden of truth, guiding the seeker to behold the divine traits within the creatures of the world, thus transitioning them from the darkness of ignorance to the light of insight. General knowledge represents the initial stage in the "Bab al-Ma'rifa" (Gate of Knowledge), yet it forms the fundamental base for all mystical progression.
It is through this knowledge that the seeker perceives the divine characteristics in the manifestations of the world, much like a bird that, from a high vantage point, beholds the beauties of the earth, while others remain blind to such perception. This disparity in awareness is akin to the difference between the blind and the sighted. The seeker, with the eye of the heart, sees the divine manifestations in the world.
The Position of General Knowledge in Mystical Progression
As the first stage in the "Bab al-Ma'rifa," general knowledge is the gateway to higher mystical stages. This station, much like a clear spring, purifies the heart of the seeker from the impurities of the soul and prepares them for the journey through the valley of oneness. General knowledge not only encompasses the perception of divine attributes but also lays the foundation for the realization of certainty and servitude, much like a seed planted in the soil of the heart that grows into a robust tree.
"General knowledge, as the perception of divine attributes, guides the seeker to the realization of the divine perfections in the manifestations of existence."
Legislative and Existential Paths
The seeker attains general knowledge through two main paths: the legislative path, which is derived from the holy scriptures and the Qur'anic verses, and the existential path, which comes through the observation of creation and contemplation on existence. These two paths are akin to two wings of a bird, lifting the seeker toward the sky of knowledge. The legislative path serves as a lamp that illuminates the way in the darkness, while the existential path is like a mirror that reflects the truth in the manifestations of the world.
"We will show them Our signs in the horizons and within themselves." (Fussilat 41:53)
The existential realm itself is a book of creation that elaborates upon the written scriptures, such as the Qur'an and Hadith. These two realms, like two rivers, converge into one sea, leading the seeker from theory to direct mystical experience. The verse "We will show them Our signs in the horizons and within themselves." emphasizes the role of both existential and legislative signs in this journey.
The Appellative Nature of Divine Names in Sharia
The attribution of names and attributes to the Almighty is, in the Shari'ah, restricted. This means that only those names which have been revealed in the Qur'an and Hadith can be attributed to the Divine. This restriction functions like a boundary designed by the Shari'ah to preserve the sanctity of the divine names. The lectures emphasize that only those names and attributes conveyed by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through the Qur'an and Hadith are valid, and the seeker must avoid those that have not been mentioned by the sacred texts.
While the attribution of divine names is restricted in the Shari'ah, in the realm of general knowledge, any attribute of perfection can be ascribed to the Almighty, even if it is not explicitly mentioned in the scriptures.
General Knowledge and the Removal of Deficient Attributes
In general knowledge, every attribute of perfection, like light emanating from the essence of the Divine, can be attributed to God. However, deficient attributes, such as human deceit, must be transformed into divine perfection. The Qur'anic verse "وَاللَّهُ خَيْرُ الْمَاكِرِينَ" (Al-Imran 3:54) serves as a clear example of this principle. The deceit mentioned in this verse is not to be understood as a human flaw but rather as the divine plan and wisdom, akin to a masterful strategy devised to guide His servants.
"And Allah is the best of planners." (Al-Imran 3:54)
Divine Attributes Manifested in Creatures
All creatures are attributed to the beautiful divine names and serve as evidence of the divine presence, reflecting the attributes of the Divine through the various manifestations of creation. Creation within the created, provision within the provided, and power within the empowered are all like mirrors reflecting the light of divine attributes in the world. These signs, much like stars in the sky of existence, reveal the truth of the divine names to the seeker.
The distinction between "creation in the created" and "the Creator in the created" is crucial in ascribing the attributes, not the essence, to the manifestations. Creation is a concept that appears in the created, but the Creator is the essential attribute of the Divine that cannot be contained within creation. This distinction is like a ruler marking the boundary between truth and appearance.
"The creatures, as witnesses to the divine presence, reflect the divine attributes in the world, guiding the seeker towards divine knowledge."
Divine Light in the Seekers Heart
The divine light within the seekers heart is like a gem concealed within the shell of the heart, serving as the tool for the seekers inner vision. With this light, the seeker is able to perceive the divine mercy within manifestations such as a flower. The verse "أَفَمَنْ شَرَحَ اللَّهُ صَدْرَهُ لِلْإِسْلَامِ فَهُوَ عَلَىٰ نُورٍ مِنْ رَبِّهِ" (Az-Zumar 39:35) affirms this truth.
"Is one whose heart Allah has opened to Islam so that he is on a light from his Lord?" (Az-Zumar 39:35)
This inner vision, like a lamp in the dark, reveals the beauty of the world. The mystic, with this light, not only perceives the divine attributes but also comprehends the grace and wisdom of God in every manifestation.
The Difference Between the Mystics Insight and Others
Unlike others, the mystic sees the world with the eye of the heart, much like a poet who reads the verses of creation in every leaf. This difference is like the distinction between one who gazes at a flowers surface and one who perceives the creators hand in it. The mystics insight arises from the vastness of their heart and knowledge.
The noble life of the intellect, through its purity and cleansing from whims and desires, prepares it for direct contemplation. This clarity is akin to polishing a mirror that reflects the light of truth. Love, as the blossom of the intellect, brings purity and knowledge, much like a flower blooming from the branch of reason, spreading the fragrance of truth. The noble intellect, free from the control of Satan, is like a fortress impervious to the enemy. The divine saints, such as Amir al-Mu'minin (AS), regard Satan with contempt, like a playful child standing before the grandeur of the Divine, insignificant.
Love, the offspring of the intellect, brings clarity and knowledge. It liberates the intellect from confusion and elevates it to the station of direct mystical knowledge. The mystics love is like a breeze that blows from the valley of truth, drawing the heart towards the Divine.
The noble life of the heart, achieved through abstraction from the veils of the self and the body, purification from the impurities of nature, and the enlightenment of the insight through the light of guidance, is like a spring of pure water flowing from the mountain of truth, cleansing the heart from its contaminants. The noble heart is free from ignorance and degradation, and it reaches the station of seeing the goodness in all creation. This purity is like polishing the mirror of the heart, preparing it to reflect the light of the Divine clearly. The seeker with a pure heart is like a traveler stepping from the darkness of the self into the light of guidance.
Certainty is attained only through the realization of common knowledge and the observation of divine signs in the creation. This certainty is like a light that dispels doubt and suspicion from the heart. The noble verse of the Quran وَفِيَ الْأَرْضِ آيَاتٌ لِلْمُوقِنِينَ (Qur'an: 51:20) emphasizes the role of these cosmic signs in this journey. Certainty is like a fortress that protects the heart from the storm of doubt. Common knowledge serves as the soil in which the seed of faith grows.
Purity of the heart and intellect is the necessary condition for common knowledge. This purity is like clear water flowing only in a clean vessel. Distance from whims, desires, and the impurities of nature prepares the heart and intellect for direct contemplation and correct vision. This purity, like a breeze that clears the dust from the mirror of the heart, prepares it to reflect the light of truth. The seeker, with purity, is like a traveler who, with a clean heart, steps towards the destination.
Love is the blossom of the intellect, bringing clarity and knowledge. This love, like a flower growing from the branch of intellect, spreads the fragrance of truth. The mystics love frees the intellect from whims and desires, guiding it towards higher mystical realization. The saints, through love, look at Satan with contempt, like a king who dismisses a weak enemy. This superiority is like a light that dispels the darkness of delusion.
Illuminated insight guides the seeker to a benevolent view of creation and to reverence for the Creator of all. This insight, like a lamp, illuminates the beauty of the world. Seeing kindness in a flower is like a poem that tells the story of creation in each petal. This benevolent view, the result of a purified heart and abstraction from the self, is like a mirror that clearly reflects the light of the Divine.
