of Nokounam (may his sanctity be honoured), Session Seventy-Eight
Surah Al-Fatiha, as the epitome of the Quranic knowledge, opens a gateway towards profound understanding of divine guidance. The verse اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ
(Guide us to the Straight Path) (Al-Fatiha: 6) constitutes the core of this chapter and serves as a collective supplication for guidance upon an exalted and unblemished course. This exegesis, employing a philosophical, mystical, and theological approach, elucidates the concept of collective guidance, the nature of the Straight Path, and the dynamic meaning of Straight. The present text, composed in an elevated and academic language for specialised audiences, employs allegories and metaphors akin to a steadfast bridge over an ocean of knowledge, directing the reader towards a deeper comprehension of divine guidance.
The guidance mentioned in the verse اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ
(Guide us to the Straight Path) is not merely instruction or provision of a route, but rather the facilitation of an existential condition for progression along a defined and exalted trajectory. This guidance demands harmony with the cosmic order and constitutes an existential preparation.
This concept aligns with the philosophy of causality and substantial motion posited by Mulla Sadra, who analyses the movement of beings within a network of causes and effects.
The progression of beings, due to their dependence on prior causes and conditions, is inherently collective. No entity moves independently; rather, it is influenced by factors such as the seed, environment, parents, and historical context.
This perspective criticises metaphysical individualism and emphasises the ontological interconnectedness of beings within the cosmic system.
The pronoun نا in اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ
(Guide us to the Straight Path) signifies collective guidance and the unity of the community (Ummah). The supplication اهْدِنِي
(Guide me) is incompatible with the nature of the path, as the path is a general and shared route.
This concept corresponds with the unity within multiplicity found in theoretical mysticism and emphasises the collective journey of existence.
The supplication اهْدِنِي in religious texts carries a specific meaning distinct from the path-oriented supplication. Given the generality of the path, the collective prayer اهْدِنَا is more appropriate.
This distinction highlights the necessity for precise understanding of Quranic prayers and their semantic differences.
The term الصِّرَاطَ in the verse, functioning as the second object, denotes a standardised and systematised route, without which progression is impossible.
This notion is analogous to legal principles in jurisprudence that render the transfer of property impossible without a lawful route. The Path provides order and structure for movement in existence.
The Path is a comprehensive and spiritual trajectory encompassing all aspects of life, from speech and behaviour to method and character. Even the misguided possess their own specific (deviant) paths.
This perspective instructs the believer that life must be purposeful, methodical, and aligned with the divine trajectory.
The term الْمُسْتَقِيمَ in the verse does not denote geometric straightness, but rather a dynamic and harmonious progression within the manifestations and determinations of existence.
This concept coheres with Mulla Sadras substantial motion, which elucidates beings movement towards perfection and divine manifestations.
Interpreting straight as merely right or not crooked is a negative and incomplete exegesis. Straight is an affirmative and dynamic quality indicating existential coherence and motion.
This critique distances itself from superficial and literal interpretations, emphasising the profound understanding of Quranic concepts.
Uprightness on the path means the manifestation of the effects and benefits of the route, not mere geometric standing. Uprightness depends on existential coherence and the quality of motion.
This concept is illustrated by the rooted tree in the earth: the trees uprightness denotes its steadfastness and fruitfulness, not merely physical standing.
Uprightness refers to the emergence of movement and its effects, whereas stability pertains to existential firmness and steadfastness. This distinction corresponds with the glorification and prostration of beings in the Quran.
The verse يُسَبِّحُ لِلَّهِ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ
(Whatever is in the heavens and earth glorifies Allah) (Al-Jumuah: 1) indicates the specific glorification and motion of every being.
The Path is a bestowed and exclusive route for the believers, unlike سبيل which is general and fraught with hazards.
This concept aligns with the verse صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ
(The path of those You have favoured) (Al-Fatiha: 7).
Contrary to some assumptions, the Path is not innate to all human nature but a special and exalted route for believers.
This critique emphasises the necessity for precision in Quranic concepts and avoidance of superficial exegeses.
Religious knowledge requires two stages: distinction (unique recognition) and discernment (differentiation and comparison). Discernment is a derivative of distinction and is attained through comparison.
This view regards scientific methodology as essential in religious sciences and stresses precise comparison to understand truths.
Oversimplification obstructs comprehension of differences and subtle epistemic nuances.
This critique underscores the importance of specialisation and meticulousness in religious sciences.
Scientific critique in religious sciences requires purity and sincere intention to approximate truth.
This view regards research ethics as a prerequisite for fruitful religious knowledge.
Critique with pure intention serves as a tool to clarify truths and resolve ambiguities.
This analysis presents critique as an instrument for approaching truth.
The Path is not merely a way to an objective, but the objective itself. Journeying on the Path is duty-oriented, not result-oriented.
This perspective aligns with practical mysticism and Islamic ethics, critiquing linear conceptions of spiritual progression.
Progress on the Path depends on fulfilling divine duties rather than achieving particular results.
This concept is rooted in Islamic ethics and emphasises performing obligations irrespective of outcomes.
The interpretation of the verse اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ
(Guide us to the Straight Path) delineates the Path as a real, collective, and gifted route exclusive to believers. Guidance is the provision of existential grounds for dynamic progression within the cosmic order, and Straight indicates an affirmative and unblemished quality. Emphasis on the collectivity of progression, the necessity of discernment in religious knowledge, and duty-centredness in spiritual journeying are among the salient points of this analysis. This treatise, akin to a boundless ocean of wisdom, directs the reader towards profound understanding of divine guidance and establishes a foundation for Quranic and philosophical research.
Under the supervision of Sadegh Khademi
