of Nokounam, (Session Three)
The Holy Qur'an, the unparalleled Divine Word, is akin to a boundless ocean in which the apparent words conceal inner realities and within its inner meanings lie the mysteries of existence. This Divine book is not merely the testament of the realm of being, but a living and conscious entity that establishes a spiritual dialogue with its audience. In this work, relying upon profound and insightful lectures, we examine the fundamental concepts of entry and penetration into the Holy Qur'an, the distinction between interpretation (tafsir) and esoteric exegesis (tawil), and the pivotal role of recitation in establishing intimacy with this exalted Word. The aim of this treatise is to provide a scientific and systematic framework for the understanding and engagement with the Holy Qur'an, composed in an elegant language appropriate for a highly educated academic audience. The structure of this book, with precise divisions and detailed analyses, delineates a clear path for exploration into the depths of the Divine Word.
Entry into the Holy Qur'an is the initial step in the epistemological journey towards the Divine Word. This entry, which occurs at the level of the apparent verses, constitutes the permission to enter the sacred realm of the Qur'an. The metaphor of the shore of the Qur'an aptly describes this stage: just as a swimmer must become acquainted with the shore before entering the sea, the exegete of the Qur'an must first become familiar with the apparent verses. The Holy Qur'an proposes this path in a luminous verse:
So recite what is easy [for you] of the Qur'an.
(Al-Muzzammil: 20)
This verse introduces recitation as the gateway to entering the realm of the Qur'an. Recitation is an act both devotional and epistemological, providing the groundwork for intimacy with the Divine verses and serving as a prelude to deeper stages such as contemplation and penetration. Nonetheless, recitation in itself is not contemplation, but rather the foundation for it.
Entry into the Holy Qur'an can occur via multiple paths: some approach it with knowledge and scholarship, others with reverence and humility, and yet others by focusing on the words and apparent meanings. This diversity arises from differences in perspectives and the capacities of individuals. For instance, a scholar versed in linguistics and literature considers the verses from a lexical standpoint, whereas another, possessing a pure heart and spiritual intimacy, contemplates them from an inner perspective. This multiplicity of entries beautifully demonstrates the comprehensiveness of the Qur'an, which opens a window to truth for every individual.
However, awareness of the perspective of entry requires epistemic self-consciousness. Just as a wrestler must know his own technique, the exegete must be cognisant of the vantage point from which they approach this exalted Word. This awareness prevents confusion of concepts and interpretative deviations.
Without correct entry into the Qur'an through recitation and understanding of its apparent meanings, attempts to comprehend its esoteric sense will lead to deviation. Groups who, neglecting the stages of entry, directly pursue esoteric exegesis, due to the absence of a solid foundation in the apparent Qur'an, have arrived at baseless and misleading interpretations. The Holy Qur'an warns concerning this issue:
As for those in whose hearts is deviation, they follow that which is ambiguous thereof, seeking discord and seeking its interpretation.
(Al Imran: 7)
This verse cautions against improper esoteric interpretations and underscores the necessity of adherence to the apparent verses as the basis for inner understanding.
Entry into the Holy Qur'an is a foundational stage accomplished through recitation and comprehension of the apparent verses. This entry is analogous to the shore of the boundless ocean of the Qur'an, without which any attempt at penetration will prove futile. The diversity in entry perspectives reflects the comprehensiveness of the Qur'an, yet precise recognition of these perspectives and adherence to the apparent verses prevent interpretative deviations.
Penetration into the Holy Qur'an is an inner and profound stage that transcends the apparent verses to apprehend the hidden realities within the Divine Word. Unlike entry, which is multiple and diverse, penetration is unified and exclusive to the firmly grounded in knowledge. The Holy Qur'an describes this group as follows:
None knows its [true] interpretation except Allah and those firmly grounded in knowledge.
(Al Imran: 7)
The firmly grounded (rsikhn) due to their connection with the unified Divine reality, are united in their inner understanding of the Qur'an and their insights from the verses are dynamic and continuous, without cessation or monotony. This characteristic distinguishes them from the entrants, who remain confined to fixed and apparent meanings.
Penetration into the Holy Qur'an cannot be consistent with the denial of the apparent verses. Any esoteric interpretation contradicting the literal meaning of the verses is neither characteristic of the firmly grounded nor is it deemed valid. This principle constitutes one of the criteria for evaluating Qur'anic exegeses and emphasises the importance of adhering to the apparent as the foundation for inner understanding.
The firmly grounded in knowledge are identified by their continuous and dynamic reception of meanings and realities from the verses. These receptions occur without interruption or uniformity, as if the verses engage in a living dialogue with them. Conversely, entrants remain limited to fixed and identical meanings, lacking transformation and diversity in understanding. This criterion aligns with the concept of tafakkur (contemplation) in the Qur'an:
Will they not then ponder on the Qur'an?
(Muhammad: 24)
Penetration into the Holy Qur'an is an exalted stage exclusive to the firmly grounded in knowledge, recognised by the esoteric and dynamic comprehension of the verses. This stage necessitates a firm foundation in the apparent verses, and any interpretation contradicting the apparent is invalidated. The firmly grounded, through continuous and living receptions from the verses, connect to the unified Divine reality.
Interpretation (tafsir) is confined to the elucidation of the apparent meaning of the verses and corresponds to the entry into the Holy Qur'an. This practice requires linguistic, literary, and logical knowledge and is accessible to a wider audience. In contrast, esoteric exegesis (tawil) pertains to understanding the inner meaning of the verses and corresponds to penetration. Esoteric exegesis is exclusive to the firmly grounded and necessitates purity and inner insight. The Holy Qur'an states regarding this matter:
And no similitude do they bring to you except that We bring you the truth and the best explanation.
(Al-Furqan: 33)
This verse is the sole occurrence of the term Tafsir in the Holy Quran and defines it as the explicit exposition and clarification of the apparent meaning. In contrast, the term Tawil appears seventeen times in the Quran, emphasising the inner, esoteric dimension.
Key Point: Tafsir denotes the elucidation of the apparent aspect of the verses and is equivalent to entry, whereas Tawil connotes understanding the inner meaning of the verses and is equivalent to deep insight. These two are complementary and must not be conflated.
Tafsir is specifically confined to expressing the apparent meaning of the verses, and without this restriction, its definition remains incomplete. For instance, in the exegesis of the verse
الرَّحْمَنُ عَلَى الْعَرْشِ اسْتَوَى (Th: 5)
, the apparent meaning is the establishment of the Merciful upon the Throne, whereas the Tawil might refer to Divine sovereignty and authority.
The interpretation of the Holy Quran requires two fundamental elements: knowledge (including precision, logic, wisdom, intellect, propriety, and derivation) and purity (inner cleanness). Knowledge provides the external tool for tafsir, whereas purity ensures its inner dimension. Understanding the speakers intention beyond the literal meaning necessitates purity and a sound heart:
اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَيُعَلِّمُكُمُ اللَّهُ
(Al-Baqarah: 282) Fear God, and God will teach you.
This verse indicates the role of piety and purity in acquiring Divine knowledge.
Tafsir and Tawil are two complementary aspects of the Holy Quran; the former relates to the apparent meaning, the latter to the inner essence of the verses. Tafsir, relying on knowledge and precision, is accessible to the general audience, whereas Tawil, requiring purity and insight, is reserved for the deeply rooted. Observing this distinction prevents conceptual confusion and interpretative deviation.
The Holy Quran is not merely a text or a map, but a sentient and living entity interacting with its audience. The term rational being (ذیالعقول) refers to the Qurans spiritual life and awareness, rendering it an active and judicious entity. This characteristic is manifested in the following verse:
لَا يَمَسُّهُ إِلَّا الْمُطَهَّرُونَ
(Al-Wqiah: 79) None but the purified touch it.
This verse indicates the necessity of both outer and inner purity in interacting with the Holy Quran.
Key Point: Due to its rational nature, the Holy Quran is a living entity demanding reverence and proper etiquette in interaction.
Because of its spiritual vitality, the Holy Quran curses the neglectful reciter (تالین غافل)those who recite without attention and due respect. This concept is confirmed in the following narration:
There may be a reciter of the Quran whom the Quran itself curses.
This curse results from improper engagement with the Divine Word and underscores the necessity of genuine intimacy and adherence to proper etiquette.
The Holy Quran serves as the comprehensive document of the universe of existence, wherein all existence has its identity. Srah al-Tawd, as the identity card of the Divine Essence, expresses the monotheistic attributes of God:
قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ * اللَّهُ الصَّمَدُ * لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ * وَلَمْ يَكُنْ لَهُ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ
(Al-Ikhl: 14) Say: He is God, the One; God, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent.
The Holy Quran, as the document of the universe of existence, is a living and sentient entity interacting with its audience. This spiritual vitality demands reverence and etiquette, and any heedless recitation leads to the Qurans curse. Srah al-Tawd, as the identity card of the Divine Essence, demonstrates the elevated position of the Quran in elucidating the truth of existence.
At the time of the Prophetic mission, the disbelievers raised doubts such as Why was the Quran not revealed all at once? The Holy Quran responds:
وَقَالَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا لَوْلَا نُزِّلَ عَلَيْهِ الْقُرْآنُ جُمْلَةً وَاحِدَةً
(Al-Furqn: 32) And those who disbelieve say: Why was the Quran not revealed to him all at once?
The Divine reply is in the verse:
وَلَا يَأْتُونَكَ بِمَثَلٍ إِلَّا جِئْنَاكَ بِالْحَقِّ وَأَحْسَنَ تَفْسِيرًا
(Al-Furqn: 33) And they do not bring you an example except that We bring you the truth and the best explanation.
The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) complains of the abandonment of his people:
وَقَالَ الرَّسُولُ يَا رَبِّ إِنَّ قَوْمِي اتَّخَذُوا هَذَا الْقُرْآنَ مَهْجُورًا
(Al-Furqn: 30) And the Messenger said: O my Lord, indeed my people have taken this Quran as forsaken.
God responds consolingly with the verse:
وَكَفَى بِاللَّهِ هَادِيًا وَنَصِيرًا
(Al-Furqn) And sufficient is God as a guide and helper.
This intimate dialogue illustrates the grandeur of the prophetic relationship with the Quran and assures the believers that God supports them in adversity.
The Holy Quran, through decisive responses to doubts and Divine consolation to the Prophet, establishes its status as an exalted and guiding Word. These verses emphasise the Qurans role in dispelling ambiguities and guiding the believers.
The Holy Quran, due to its unparalleled precision and eloquence, is the supreme reference for understanding words and meanings. Each word in the Quran is employed in a unique context, rendering it an unparalleled source for lexicography. For instance, the term Rahmn, in its distinct context, refers to the universal aspect of Divine mercy.
Interpretation of the Holy Quran demands precise understanding of the meanings of words with regard to congruent indication, derivation, and literary context. Without observing these principles, approaching the Quran is impossible. The Holy Quran states:
لَا رَطْبٍ وَلَا يَابِسٍ إِلَّا فِي كِتَابٍ مُبِينٍ
(Al-Anm: 59) No moist or dry [thing] but is in a clear Book.
This verse demonstrates the comprehensiveness of the Quran as the document of existence, necessitating precision in understanding its words.
The Holy Quran, as the finest lexical book, is an unparalleled source for understanding meanings and concepts. Precision in understanding words and observance of literary and derivational principles is essential for correct exegesis of this exalted Word.
Repeated recitation of the verses, prior to consulting interpretative works, is necessary for intimacy and deeper understanding. This recitation enables the listener to establish a living and dynamic connection with the verses. The Holy Quran describes its verses as living and dynamic, as though engaged in dialogue with the audience.
Genuine intimacy with the Holy Quran is a sublime goal requiring Divine grace. Such intimacy signifies spiritual nearness and deep connection with the Divine Word:
رَبَّنَا وَاجْعَلْنَا مُسْلِمَيْنِ لَكَ
(Al-Baqarah: 128) Our Lord, make us Muslims [in submission] to You.
This prayer alludes to submission and proximity to God, of which intimacy with the Quran is a part.
Genuine intimacy with the Holy Quran requires repeated recitation, precise understanding, and Divine grace. This intimacy connects the believers heart to the Divine Word and guides them towards the truth.
The Holy Quran, like a boundless ocean, possesses an apparent shore and a profound inner depth. Entry into this realm is possible through recitation and understanding of the apparent meanings of the verses, whereas deep insight is reserved for the firmly rooted who, through purity and insight, grasp the inner reality of the verses. Tafsir and Tawil constitute the two wings of Quranic understanding, the former concerning the apparent and the latter the inner meaning. The Quran, as the document of the universe of existence and a sentient being, demands observance of reverence and etiquette. Genuine intimacy with this exalted Word is achieved through repeated recitation, knowledge, purity, and Divine grace. This framework not only guides theoretical understanding but also the practice and living in accordance with the Quran.
Supervised by Sadegh Khademi
