Derived from the Lecture Series of Nokounam (May his secret be sanctified) Session 113
The exegesis of the Muqattaat letters at the beginning of Surah Al-Baqarah and their connection with the Divine Names, especially the Greatest Name (Ism Azam), constitutes one of the most profound topics within Qur'anic sciences. This necessitates a scientific, precise, and systematic perspective. This treatise focuses on the status of the Muqattaat letters, the role of words within the cosmological system of existence, and critiques views that consider these letters as merely conventional or ineffective. The aim is to provide a coherent and academic analysis that furnishes scholars and learned audiences with a deep understanding of these Divine verses. All verses are presented according to the Qur'anic text with precise translation, and analyses are solely content of the referenced lecture.
The Muqattaat letters, such as الم at the beginning of Surah Al-Baqarah, are an inseparable part of the revelatory text of the Holy Quran. Due to their presence in Divine speech, they cannot be devoid of meaning or effect. Turning away from their apparent form and interpreting them with unnecessary meanings is, from the perspective of Islamic jurisprudence principles, incorrect, since allegorical interpretation (tawil) is permissible only when there is an incompatibility with reason or Sharah.
الم * ذَٰلِكَ الْكِتَابُ لَا رَيْبَ فِيهِ (Al-Baqarah: 1-2)
Alif Lam Mim. This is the Book about which there is no doubt.
This verse indicates that the Muqattaat letters serve as a prelude to the introduction of the book of guidance, and cannot be separated from the semantic and cosmological system of the Quran.
The Muqattaat letters may be part of the Divine Names or even the Greatest Name, which in the system of existence have cosmological effects. Contrary to views that consider these letters purely verbal and ineffective, these letters, as components of Divine speech, carry profound meanings and exert influence in the celestial realm.
وَلِلَّهِ الْأَسْمَاءُ الْحُسْنَىٰ فَادْعُوهُ بِهَا (Al-Arf: 180)
And to Allah belong the best names, so invoke Him by them.
This verse emphasises the importance of the Divine Names and implicitly includes the Muqattaat letters as part of this system.
Certain exegetes have diverted the Muqattaat letters towards non-verbal allegories, distancing from their apparent meaning. This approach is analogous to allegorising attributes such as "hand" or "throne" when their apparent meaning conflicts with monotheistic beliefs. However, the Muqattaat letters bear no such contradiction and therefore do not require allegorical interpretation. Islamic jurisprudence principles stress that the apparent meaning of the Quran should be preserved unless there is rational or scriptural evidence mandating allegory.
Some expressions in Tafsir Tasnim that consider the Muqattaat letters as merely conventional or ineffective are inconsistent with scientific and Quranic principles. These views, lacking access to the cosmological effects of the letters, liken them to "useless wires" or "ineffective glass." This simile stems from a misunderstanding of the role of words. Just as a lamp does not illuminate without a fuse, letters and names require knowledge and faith to manifest their cosmological effects.
Altering the apparent form of Quranic words or denying their role results in the deprivation of Divine realities. The Quranic words, including the Muqattaat letters, carry truths that God has granted mankind. Denying the efficacy of these words means ignoring the spiritual and cosmological potentials of the Holy Quran.
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ (Al-Ftiah: 1)
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
This verse, according to traditions, is regarded as the key to solving difficulties and demonstrates the efficacy of words within the cosmological system.
A pure intention and good will in religious research, even when accompanied by errors, are valuable and can be rewarded by God. Investigations in religious sciences, even if flawed, hold merit due to their sincere intention. Conversely, without a pure intention, even correct actions become void of value.
Certain statements in Tafsir Tasnim, due to their incoherence and internal inconsistency, lack scientific precision. For example, the claim that "Ar-Rahman" is the Greatest Name contradicts Quranic and traditional evidence, as Ar-Rahman is a general name and the Greatest Name possesses special and unique characteristics. These contradictions stem from inadequate research depth.
The name "Ar-Rahman" is a general name and cannot be equated with the Greatest Name. A general name, like "Ar-Rahman," encompasses names under its dominion (such as "Ar-Razzaq"). Conversely, the Greatest Name has unique features and singular effects.
قُلِ ادْعُوا اللَّهَ أَوِ ادْعُوا الرَّحْمَنَ ۖ أَيًّا مَا تَدْعُوا فَلَهُ الْأَسْمَاءُ الْحُسْنَىٰ (Al-Isr: 110)
Say: Call upon Allah or call upon the Most Merciful; whichever you call upon, to Him belong the best names.
This verse introduces Ar-Rahman as a general name, not the Greatest Name.
The concept of the "cosmological Greatest Name," as presented in some interpretations, lacks precise foundation. The claim that the Greatest Name is purely cosmological and unrelated to verbal expression conflicts with the definition of Divine Names and Attributes. A name indicates Divine essence and attributes and cannot be limited to a non-verbal reality.
In the Du Kumayl, it is stated: "By Your Name through which You created Your Throne." This phrase indicates the role of words in the cosmological system and cannot be reduced solely to a non-verbal station.
The Greatest Name is a combination of verbal expression and spiritual cognition. Its efficacy requires accompanying specific remembrance, faith, and volition. The analogy of this relationship to the Samsamah sword and the arm of Mahdi illustrates the necessity of combining both elements. Just as the Zulfiqar sword was effective in the hand of Imam Ali (peace be upon him), the Greatest Name produces cosmological effects in the hands of Gods saints, underpinned by cognition.
The claim that words have no effect in the cosmological system contradicts Quranic, traditional, and philosophical evidence. In Islamic philosophy, no entity in existence is ineffective. Words, especially within the framework of occult sciences and Divine Names, possess cosmological and celestial efficacy. For instance, an abusive word can cause an individual to suffer a stroke, which evidences the influence of words in the cosmological system.
The assertion that words are merely conventional and have no cosmological impact contradicts Islamic philosophical principles. Even conventional matters possess real existence. Words, particularly in the occult sciences and Muqattaat letters, have cosmological effects and cannot be regarded as purely conventional.
فَلَمَّا أَلْقَوْا قَالَ مُوسَىٰ مَا جِئْتُم بِهِ السِّحْرُ ۖ إِنَّ اللَّهَ سَيُبْطِلُهُ (Yunus: 81)
When they cast down, Moses said, "What you have brought is magic; indeed, Allah will invalidate it."
This verse introduces magic as an effective reality that can only be nullified by Divine revelation.
Magic, as a science utilising letters and Divine Names, has historically served as a primary rival to the prophets. Sorcerers, through their knowledge of the secrets of letters and names, were able to create cosmological effects, but Divine revelation nullified these effects.
Religious knowledge, due to its lack of engagement with occult sciences and Divine Names, has failed to play a central role in society. Unlike other social institutions whose closure causes social disruption, the current weakness of religious knowledge has no palpable effect on the social system.
Supplications and traditions, as effective words, require proper prescription and special conditions to manifest their cosmological effects. Just as a key without a suitable lock is ineffective, so too is a supplication ineffective without cognition and faith.
In Du Kumayl it is stated: "By Your Name which filled the pillars of all things." This phrase illustrates the role of words in connection with Divine essence and in creating cosmological effects.
The Muqattaat letters and occult sciences will play a significant role in humanitys future utilisation of spiritual and cosmological capacities. Just as humanity uses material tools, in the future, letters, Divine Names
