of Nokounam (may his sanctity be preserved), session thirty-two
The phrase "Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim", as the gateway to the profound knowledge of the Holy Qur'an, is not merely the commencement of Surah Al-Fatiha, but a key to unlocking the treasury of divine knowledge. This phrase, with its mystical and philosophical depth, unveils the concept of the "Name" within the ontological system. This treatise, focusing on the concept of the "Name" in this verse, explores the meanings of "sublimity," "eminence," and "elevation," and through a scientific and systematic approach, elucidates the profound layers of this concept for a specialised audience. By utilising etymological roots, mystical analysis, and Qur'anic evidences, the work endeavours to clarify the station of the "Name" in the spiritual journey and the system of divine names, akin to a light emanating from the summits of knowledge illuminating the path of the seeker.
Contrary to the common perception that the "Name" is merely a sign or symbol for the named (essence), in mystical interpretation, "Name" denotes "sublimity," "eminence," and "elevation." This meaning originates from the etymology of "Name," derived from samaw or samiya, which indicate height and superiority. From this perspective, the "Name" not only signifies the Divine essence but itself manifests the essence at a transcendent and supreme level, like a summit from which the entire existence is perceived.
This verse from Surah Al-A'raf (verse 180) indicates that the divine names are exalted attributes that elevate human beings to the proximity of the Divine.
Within the Divine system, the "Name" is not merely a sign or marker of the named entity; rather, it is an attribute that manifests the Divine essence at the level of eminence. Being a sign is a secondary necessity resulting from the clarity and luminosity of the "Name," not its primary meaning. In Arabic literature, "Name" sometimes refers to a word that specifies the named (e.g., "Zayd"), but concerning the Divine essencewhich is free from any particularitythe "Name" is an attribute that makes the knowledge and recognition of the essence possible, like a lamp illuminating the path in darkness.
The eminence and loftiness of the "Name" naturally result in illumination, clarity, and knowledge. A person at the level of eminence is better able to comprehend divine realities, akin to one observing distant horizons from a mountain summit. This concept aligns with the mystical philosophy of "manifestation"; the divine names are intrinsic manifestations that, at the level of eminence, grant knowledge to the seeker.
This verse from Surah An-Nur (verse 35) introduces the divine light as the epitome of illumination and knowledge.
The linguistic root of "Name" is derived from samaw or samiya, meaning height and elevation. Words such as samaa (sky) and simat (lofty direction) share this root and denote the concept of eminence. This etymology is akin to a river originating from the source of height and flowing towards human comprehension of exalted meanings.
For example, the expression samaa basaruhu ("his vision was elevated") indicates the elevation of insight, and samaa stands in contrast to ard (lowland).
Exalted individuals, by virtue of elevated intellect and insight, can perceive distant horizons and sublime truths. This eminence arises from mental and spiritual ranks, like a bird surveying the earth from the heights of the sky. In Islamic mysticism, "elevation of thought" and "noble aspiration" are prerequisites for the spiritual journey leading the seeker to the comprehension of divine names.
These verses from Surah Al-Ghashiyah invite contemplation upon the eminence of the sky.
Samaa, meaning the highest and most exalted rank, stands in opposition to ard (the worldly rank). Within the cosmic order, every entity is a samaa relative to what lies below it, and an ard relative to what is above it. Samaa ad-dunya, as the highest level of the material world, stands opposite the earth.
This verse from Surah As-Saffat refers to the adornment of the nearest heaven.
In the Divine essence, which is transcendent above all deficiency and worldliness, the concept of ard (lowness) does not exist, and the entire realm of truth resides at the rank of samaa (eminence). This perspective is like a sun that admits no shadow of imperfection and corresponds with the concept of the unity of divine actions.
The Divine names, due to the absence of any deficiency or lowness, are called hasan (beautiful). All names exist at the level of eminence and majesty, like treasures hidden on the summits of perfection.
In the system of Divine names, unlike the realm of creation, inferior and superior ranks do not exist; for all names reside at the level of perfection and eminence. This intrinsic unity resembles an ocean whose all waves emanate from a single reality.
The multiplicity of Divine names arises from the indeterminacy of the Divine essence, enabling the manifestation of infinite names. This infinity is like a sky with countless stars, each reflecting a light of Divine reality. The seeker can eternally proceed in discovering new names.
All creatures of the universe, from earth and sky to walls and doors, are manifestations of Divine names. Each being is like a mirror reflecting a specific attribute or name of the Divine essence.
The invocation "Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim", due to its grandeur and eminence, is thaqil (heavy) and its utterance requires Divine assistance (the letter ba indicating seeking help). This invocation is like a treasure whose key is knowledge and spiritual readiness.
The treasures of the Throne lie under the banner of the mention of "Bismillah", for the eminence of this mention transforms it into a key to unlocking all divine perfections. The Throne resembles a fortress wherein all divine treasures are hidden, and "Bismillah" is the gate to enter it.
Uttering "Bismillah" with the intent of meaning (comprehending eminence and majesty) is a prerequisite for benefiting from it and attaining proximity to the Divine. This intent acts like a compass guiding the seeker on the path of truth.
The phrase "Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim" contains four names: "Name" (a general descriptor), "Allah" (encompassing all attributes), "Rahman" (universal mercy), and "Rahim" (special mercy). This classification resembles a ladder indicating levels of determination from general to specific.
The order of names in the verse signifies levels of determination: "Name" being the broadest and most inclusive, "Allah" encompassing attributes, "Rahman" as universal mercy, and "Rahim" as particular mercy. This sequence resembles a river flowing from a general source toward specific branches.
The Holy Qur'an invites invocation by "Allah" or "Rahman" rather than "Ya Ism" ("O Name"), because the "Name," due to its grandeur and weight, cannot be addressed absolutely.
This verse from Surah Al-Isra emphasises the invitation to more specific names.
In spiritual practice, repetition of "Bismillah" with the intent of meaning can elevate the seeker to exalted stations and render other invocations unnecessary. This mention is like a journey guiding the seeker from the beginning of creation to the perfection of existence.
The repetition of "Bismih" or other names in prayers aims to facilitate the invocation and reduce the weight of the Divine names. This practice resembles breaking a large stone into small pieces to ease its carriage.
In the Holy Qur'an, "Name" is sometimes used in the sense of designation and title, such as:
This verse signifies designation and title. Similarly:
