of Nokounam, (Session 110)
The interpretation of the Holy Quran, particularly in the realm of the disjointed letters (urf muqaaah), constitutes one of the profound and intricate subjects within Quranic sciences, necessitating a scientific, documented, and methodical approach. The disjointed letters, as among the most enigmatic textual elements of the Holy Quran, open a gateway to comprehending the metaphysical, semiotic, and epistemological dimensions of this divine scripture. This work, focusing on the opening verse of Surah Al-Baqarah (الم), examines the position, characteristics, and functions of the disjointed letters. The objective of this treatise is to provide a comprehensive and systematic analysis for specialised audiences and academic environments, written in an elevated, solemn, and research-appropriate style. In this process, literary analogies and references have been utilised to maintain scientific authenticity while ensuring the contents richness and appeal.
Key Note: The disjointed letters, like a radiant gem within the Quranic text, are not merely divine verses but refer to the immaterial beings of the cosmos that will assume a decisive role in human knowledge and power in the future.
The study of the disjointed letters must focus on scientific and practical aspects to yield traceable and well-documented results. These letters, appearing at the beginning of certain Quranic chapters, such as الم (Alif, Lam, Meem), cannot be interpreted solely through literary or poetic lenses. A scientific approach demands analyses grounded in robust and presentable evidence, revealing the functional and epistemological efficacy of these letters within Quranic sciences, semiotics, and even metaphysics. Such diligence elevates the disjointed letters from a peripheral status to a central position within Quranic sciences and facilitates their utilisation in practical domains, including invocations (adhkr) and esoteric sciences.
For researchers, this approach underscores the necessity of a coherent methodology. Methods such as linguistic analysis, historical review, and comparative studies with other texts can assist in a more precise understanding of these letters. The disjointed letters, like keys to unlocking doors of knowledge, require a perspective that penetrates beyond surface appearances into the depths of inner meanings.
Unlike the names of the Surahs, which are derived merely from the themes of the verses and are not considered part of the revelation, the disjointed letters are unequivocally part of the divine verses of the Holy Quran. This status precludes any doubt regarding their authenticity or corruption. For example, الم in Surah Al-Baqarah, as an integral portion of the revealed text, holds a distinguished position not only textually but also spiritually and functionally. This attribute differentiates the disjointed letters from marginal elements such as Surah names and underscores the necessity for their meticulous analysis.
For academic audiences, this distinction clarifies the imperative to differentiate between textual and peripheral elements of the Holy Quran. This separation refines textual and interpretative analyses and prevents conflation of topics.
Key Note: The disjointed letters, like stars in the firmament of revelation, are an inseparable component of the divine verses, whose authenticity and exalted status invalidate any doubts of distortion or marginality.
The disjointed letters, such as Alif, Lam, and Meem in الم, are all simple (bas) and, contrary to certain erroneous interpretations that consider them composite, are inherently indivisible and singular. This feature distinguishes them linguistically and semantically and introduces them as independent units within the structure of the Holy Quran. For instance, the Lam in الم, contrary to some commentators view that it is a combination of the letters L, A, and M, is a simple letter, just as the Qaf in ق is simple. This simplicity allows for the analysis of these letters within the frameworks of the science of letters and semiotics.
This characteristic necessitates for Quranic sciences researchers a detailed linguistic and metaphysical investigation of the disjointed letters. In contrast to literary approaches that may mistakenly interpret these letters as composites, esoteric sciences and semiotics stress their simplicity, opening avenues for practical and spiritual applications of these letters.
Surahs that commence with disjointed letters, such as Surah Al-Baqarah with الم, differ in content and structure from those without these letters. This distinction manifests in the objectives, themes, and spiritual and practical functions of the Surahs. The disjointed letters have a profound connection with the overall content of the Surah and are not interchangeable with other letters or Surahs. For example, الم cannot be transferred from Surah Al-Baqarah to another Surah or replaced by other disjointed letters.
This point highlights for researchers the necessity of a comparative analysis of Quranic Surahs. Examining the structural and thematic differences between Surahs with and without disjointed letters can lead to the discovery of specific functions of these letters. This deep connection reinforces semiotic and interpretative analyses and introduces the disjointed letters as a key element within the Surah structure.
The disjointed letters possess a simple language, whereas other Quranic verses, such as ذَٰلِكَ الْكِتَابُ لَا رَيْبَ فِيهِ هُدًى لِلْمُتَّقِينَ ("This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for the righteous"), exhibit composite language. This distinction enables the combinability of the disjointed letters in spiritual and practical applications. Unlike composite verses, whose structural alteration would imply exiting the Quranic essence, the disjointed letters can be combined and employed in invocations or esoteric sciences without losing their status as divine verses.
For academic audiences, this difference signifies the importance of examining the disjointed letters within the frameworks of the science of letters and practical mysticism. Their combinability transforms them into tools for generating new meanings and metaphysical effects, necessitating meticulous study in semiotics and metaphysics.
Key Note: The disjointed letters, like clear streams emanating from the source of revelation, with their simple language, enable combination and creation of metaphysical effects, while the composite verses of the Quran stand like firm edifices, immutable.
The Holy Quran, unlike previous divine scriptures limited to a specific time and nation, is a comprehensive and final book sufficient for all humanity until the end of time. Verses such as يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ ("O mankind") in Surah Al-Baqarah signify the universality of this book for all humans. The disjointed letters, as one of the distinguishing features of the Holy Quran, possess the capability to address the epistemological and practical needs of humanity until the end of the temporal world.
For researchers, this attribute necessitates studying the Holy Quran as a text transcending time and space. The disjointed letters, as indicators of the Qurans comprehensiveness, can be examined in comparative studies with other scriptures or interdisciplinary analyses.
The disjointed letters, such as الم, allude to immaterial and unseen entities in the cosmos that humanity has not yet fully comprehended. The Holy Quran, in verses such as قُلْ أُوحِيَ إِلَيَّ أَنَّهُ اسْتَمَعَ نَفَرٌ مِنَ الْجِنِّ ("Say: It has been revealed to me that a group of the jinn listened"), references entities like the jinn, still unknown to humans. The disjointed letters, as signs of these beings, open a window to understanding the hidden dimensions of existence.
For educated audiences, this point underscores the importance of studying the disjointed letters within metaphysics and esoteric sciences. Analysing these letters as indicators of immaterial beings can lead to new discoveries in philosophical and mystical studies.
In the future, humanity will acquire the ability to communicate with immaterial beings, such as the jinn, and this interaction will play a decisive role in human power and knowledge. This prediction highlights the dynamic nature of the Holy Quran in presenting concepts that will become apparent through scientific progress. In the past, such interaction was rare and exceptional but will become a scientific norm in the future.
For researchers, this point emphasizes the necessity for forward-looking studies in Quranic sciences. Projects examining verses related to unseen beings alongside scientific advancements can facilitate better understanding of this subject.
Key Note: The disjointed letters, like a transparent mirror, reflect the immaterial beings of the cosmos who, with the advancement of human knowledge, will assume a pivotal role in human power and cognition.
Verses such as لَا تَنْفُذُونَ إِلَّا بِسُلْطَانٍ ("You shall not penetrate except with authority") in Surah Ar-Rahman refer to humanitys future metaphysical capabilities that transcend material tools. The concept of "authority" (suln) encompasses not only material instruments like technology but also metaphysical powers, such as teleportation (ayy al-ar) or communication with immaterial entities. These powers are reported in verses like سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي أَسْرَىٰ بِعَبْدِهِ لَيْلًا ("Glory be to Him who took His servant by night") illustrating metaphysical phenomena.
For academic audiences, this point highlights the importance of examining the Holy Quran as a text forecasting scientific and metaphysical advancements. Analysis of these verses within the philosophy of science and metaphysics can reveal novel dimensions of the Holy Quran.
