of Nekounam, , Session Seventy-Third
The sixth verse of Surah Al-Fatiha, "اِهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ" ("Guide us to the Straight Path"), resembles a celestial supplication calling humanity towards an epistemological and existential path in which the journey to divine perfection unfolds. This verse, through its request for guidance to the straight path, evokes two fundamental inquiries: What is the concept of "straight"? And why is guidance requested towards the "path" rather than the ultimate destination? This treatise, employing an esoteric and philosophical approach, endeavours to explore these questions and, by critically examining traditional interpretations rooted in quantitative understandings, redefines the Straight Path as a qualitative and existential trajectory. Like a river flowing from the source of truth towards the ocean of knowledge, this interpretation illuminates the profound layers of the verse for specialised audiences.
Traditional exegeses that interpret "straight" as a geometric straight line or the shortest distance between two points have failed to grasp the profound essence of this attribute. "Straight" is a qualitative descriptor transcending quantitative coordinates.
اِهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ
Guide us to the straight path.
This verse from Surah Al-Fatiha (Verse 6) introduces the Straight Path as a qualitative and epistemological route.
Interpreting "straight" as a line or flat surface reduces the existential journey of man to a mechanical framework. The Straight Path is not a geometric line but a path consonant with the existential act of humanity.
Key Point: "Straight" is a qualitative attribute originating from existential standing and is incompatible with quantitative interpretations.
Over the centuries, religious sciences, due to the absence of philosophical and scientific infrastructure, have inclined towards quantitative interpretations of "straight". This limitation acts like a shadow diminishing the brilliance of the truth's light.
Terms such as ir, Sabl, and arq are all qualitative concepts encompassing the existential journey of beings. These paths resemble currents flowing from the origin of creation towards divine perfection.
The term "مُسْتَقِيم" (straight) derives from the root "قام یقوم" meaning to stand or to rise. This standing is contrasted with sitting ("قعود") not as a mere opposition, but as a qualitative divergence.
Key Point: "Straight" originates from existential standing and signifies steadfastness and equilibrium in the epistemological journey.
The Straight Path is not only qualitative but transcends quality, alluding to existential manifestations of the world. This path resembles a mirror reflecting the truth of human existence.
The Straight Path is an epistemological vessel connecting humans to the Ever-Standing God (Qayyum). Within this container, human and path share a reciprocal relationship.
اِهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ
Guide us to the straight path.
This verse introduces the path as an epistemological trajectory leading man to the Qayyum.
The human journey along the Straight Path resembles the game of "Dali Dali" whereby God guides the individual through various existential stages until reaching the Qayyum. This journey, from the germinal state to death, is akin to a voyage that creates new knowledge at every step.
Key Point: The Straight Path is a trajectory whereby man is guided in a divine game towards the Qayyum.
The Divine saints, on the Straight Path, enjoy epistemological bliss that renders the hardships of this world negligible. This bliss is like a jewel shining deep within their hearts.
The request for guidance to the path, rather than the ultimate destination (such as Paradise), emphasises the importance of existential journey and movement. The path itself is the goal, not merely a means to reach an endpoint.
Key Point: The Straight Path is not only the route but an epistemological goal connecting man to the Qayyum.
Steadfastness denotes the desire for standing and its persistence, whereas continuity refers to the volitional prolongation of this standing. These two resemble wings that keep man on the Straight Path.
The absence of scientific foundations in religious sciences has led to superficial interpretations. Revising the methodology is akin to renovating a structure whose foundations have deteriorated.
The exegesis of the Holy Qur'an requires multidisciplinary knowledge (philosophy, social sciences, and natural sciences). These disciplines act as tools refining Qur'anic knowledge.
Key Point: Qur'anic exegesis, enriched by interdisciplinary sciences, attains deeper epistemological insight.
Prayer, as the establishment of Salat, is the manifestation of qualitative standing that sustains man on the Straight Path. This establishment acts as a pillar fortifying the existential edifice of man.
أَقِمِ الصَّلَاةَ لِذِكْرِي
Establish prayer for My remembrance.
This verse from Surah Ta-Ha (Verse 14) illustrates the link between prayer and epistemological standing.
If prayer is performed under compulsion or reluctance, it is devoid of epistemological spirit. Pure prayer is like a breeze guiding the heart towards the Straight Path.
The verse "اِهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ" acts as a luminous beacon guiding humanity towards an epistemological and existential path where qualitative standing and steadfastness against deficiency are actualised. The Straight Path is not a geometric line but an epistemological container connecting man to the Qayyum. The critique of quantitative interpretations reveals the necessity for methodological revision in exegesis. Steadfastness and continuity form the two wings of this journey, sustained by the establishment of prayer and the avoidance of coercion. This interpretation, through a philosophical and esoteric approach, demonstrates the capacity of the Holy Qur'an in producing epistemological knowledge and invites scholars to revisit it with a scientific and universal language.
Supervised by Sadegh Khademi
