of Nokounam, (Session 142)

Introduction

The Holy Quran, akin to an eternal light, serves as humanitys guide throughout all eras. Verse 3 of Surah Al-Baqarah, الَّذِينَ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِالْغَيْبِ وَيُقِيمُونَ الصَّلَاةَ وَمِمَّا رَزَقْنَاهُمْ يُنْفِقُونَ (Those who believe in the unseen, establish alh, and spend from what We have provided for them), as one of the fundamental verses, delineates the characteristics of the pious with an emphasis on the establishment of alh. The concept of alh, like a golden key, opens a gateway towards the truth of worship and attentiveness to the Divine. This work, through a scientific and systematic approach, undertakes a precise analysis of the lexical root of alh, critiques traditional interpretations, and offers a comprehensive definition of alh as attention and regard to the Truth. The objective is to present a coherent and dignified text for academic audiences that, while preserving all details, contributes to the reconstruction of religious knowledge in this domain.

Section One: Critique of the Erroneous Understanding of the Meaning of alh in Traditional Exegeses

Analysis and Elucidation

alh, like a gem hidden in the darkness of erroneous interpretations, has not been accurately elucidated in many exegetical and lexical works. This error, akin to a heavy shadow, has distorted the understanding of worship and faith and diminished the spiritual allure of alh.

This critique, like an illuminating torch, emphasises the necessity of a precise reexamination of religious concepts relying on lexical and conceptual analyses. alh, as a fundamental pillar of faith, must be liberated from the ambiguities of traditional interpretations.

Section Two: Ignorance of the Fundamental Meaning of Religious Concepts

Analysis and Elucidation

Despite the long history of religious studies, the precise meanings of concepts such as لا إله إلا الله and صلوة, like buried treasures, remain obscure. This deficiency, resembling a void in the edifice of religious knowledge, indicates a weakness in understanding the foundations of religion.

This perspective, like an invitation for reassessment, directs scholars towards deeper and more systematic analyses in the field of religious concepts.

Section Three: Absence of Root-Analysis and Derivation in Religious Sciences

Analysis and Elucidation

Religious science, like a tree whose roots lie in weak etymological soil, suffers from the absence of instruction in root-analysis and derivation. This deficiency, like an obstacle on the path to precise comprehension of Quranic concepts, has led to errors in explaining alh.

Root-analysis, as a precise instrument, facilitates profound analysis of Quranic vocabulary and must be incorporated in religious education.

Section Four: Deficiency in the Study of Arabic Literature in Religious Sciences

Analysis and Elucidation

The neglect of studying prominent literary works such as the Maqmt of Al-arr and Al-Hamadn, like a void in the treasury of knowledge, has led to weakness in understanding Arabic literature and lexicography within religious sciences. This deficiency has limited the ability to perform precise analyses of Quranic terms such as alh.

This critique, like a call for reconstruction of religious education, underscores the necessity to strengthen literary knowledge alongside Quranic sciences.

Section Five: Distinction between the Lexical Roots alh and al

Analysis and Elucidation

alh, derived from the root -l-w (with a ww), signifies attention and regard to the Truth, whereas al, from the root -l-y (with a y), means an offering upon fire. Confounding these two roots, akin to losing ones way on a clear path, has resulted in misunderstandings of the meaning of alh.

This distinction, like a key unlocking the bolt of ambiguities, reconstructs the understanding of alh as a spiritual act devoid of violence.

Section Six: Critique of the Association of alh with Fire

Analysis and Elucidation

Certain interpretations have linked alh to fire, as though God and worship were placed in a burning furnace. This viewpoint, like a dark shadow, diminishes the spiritual appeal of worship and renders it a fearful act.

This critique, like a refreshing breeze, stresses the necessity of redefining alh as an act imbued with gentleness and love.

Section Seven: Critique of Mulla Sadras Perspective on alh

Analysis and Elucidation

Mulla Sadra, in the first volume of his exegesis (page 271), conflated alh with al and associated it with fire. This definition, like a fragile edifice, lacks lexical and conceptual precision and is incompatible with the reality of alh.

Although Mulla Sadra contributed greatly to Islamic philosophy, this error indicates the necessity of precision in lexical and Quranic analyses.

Section Eight: Critique of Defining alh as Supplication

Analysis and Elucidation

Some have defined alh as supplication; however, this definition, like ill-fitting clothing, does not conform to all Quranic instances of alh. alh essentially means attention and regard to the Truth, of which supplication may be only one manifestation.

This critique, like a clear mirror, highlights the importance of a comprehensive definition of alh encompassing all its applications.

Section Nine: Psychological Critique of Mulla Sadras Viewpoint

Analysis and Elucidation

Mulla Sadra considers humans initially hard-hearted, requiring softening by fire; yet this perspective, like a tree without roots in reality, is psychologically inaccurate. Humans, especially in childhood, resemble soft flowers ready to receive good.

This viewpoint, referencing the Hadith كل مولود يولد على الفطرة (Every newborn is born upon a pure nature), emphasises the inherent gentleness of human nature.

Section Ten: The Pure Human Nature in the Holy Quran

Analysis and Elucidation

Verse فَأَقِمْ وَجْهَكَ لِلدِّينِ حَنِيفًا ۚ فِطْرَتَ اللَّهِ الَّتِي فَطَرَ النَّاسَ عَلَيْهَا ۚ لَا تَبْدِيلَ لِخَلْقِ اللَّهِ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ الدِّينُ الْقَيِّمُ (Ar-Rm: 30; So set your face firmly towards the religion, inclining to truth the nature made by Allah on which He has created mankind there is no altering the creation of Allah; that is the correct religion) emphasises the pure human nature. Humans, like a young sapling, are created with a nature prepared to accept the Truth.

This verse, like a clear spring, testifies to the inherent gentleness of humans and their readiness to receive divine guidance.

Section Eleven: The Impact of Authoritarian Culture on Religious Interpretations

Analysis and Elucidation

The association of alh with fire, like an old wound, has roots in authoritarian culture that injected violence and fear into society, infiltrating religious interpretations. This perspective has reduced worship from spiritual gentleness to violence and fear.

This critique, like a mirror reflecting truth, reveals the impact of historical and social factors on religious interpretations.

Section Twelve: The Necessity of Re-examining History and Culture

Analysis and Elucidation

The failure to acknowledge the negative influences of authoritarian culture in history, like a void in collective awareness, has led to the persistence of erroneous mentalities in religious interpretations. Re-examining history, like opening an ancient dossier, is essential for understanding the impact of despotism on culture and religion.

This perspective invites researchers to revisit history and its influences on religious knowledge to prevent repetition of past errors.

Section Thirteen: Critique of the Method of Softening the Heart with Fire

Analysis and Elucidation

Mulla Sadras view advocating softening the hard-hearted human with fire is akin to a harsh gardening method and is incompatible with the truth of religion. alh, like a gentle breeze, should guide the heart towards the Truth with tenderness and love.

Section Fourteen: Critique of the Combination of Dhikr and Fire
Analysis and Elucidation

Mulla Sadra believes that dhikr and fire soften the heart; however, this combination, akin to the mixing of light and darkness, is incorrect and influenced by authoritarian culture. Dhikr, like a celestial melody, should incline the heart towards the Truth with tranquility and gentleness.

This viewpoint, like a clear spring, emphasises the necessity of redefining religious concepts away from violence.

Section Fifteen: Salawt and the Tranquillity of the Heart
Analysis and Elucidation

"Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Indeed, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured." (Ar-Ra'd: 28)

This verse highlights the calming effect of the remembrance of God. Salawt, as a form of dhikr and attention to the Truth, soothes the heart, rather than placing it in burning fire.

This verse, like a cool breeze, testifies to the gentleness and calming nature of salawt, negating harsh perspectives.

Section Sixteen: Salawt in Non-Islamic Cultures
Analysis and Elucidation

"And their prayer at the House was nothing but whistling and clapping." (Al-Anfal: 35)

This verse indicates that salawt in non-Islamic cultures existed as attention-seeking acts (such as whistling and clapping), but lacked spiritual truth.

This verse, like a mirror, reflects the difference between spiritual salawt in Islam and its non-spiritual forms in other cultures.

Section Seventeen: The Historical Antiquity of Salawt
Analysis and Elucidation

Salawt, like a river flowing from ancient eras, is a pre-Abrahamic and even pre-prophetic concept that appeared among various peoples in forms of attention and attracting notice.

This perspective, like the rereading of an ancient book, emphasises the universality and antiquity of salawt in human history.

Section Eighteen: Critique of Religious Historiography
Analysis and Elucidation

Religious history, like an unwritten book, is not limited to Prophet Adam and spans billions of years. The claim of the existence of 124,000 prophets is like an unsupported myth lacking historical credibility.

This critique, like an invitation to exploration, calls researchers to reread religious history with a scientific and precise perspective.

Section Nineteen: Corruption of the Predecessors in the Holy Quran
Analysis and Elucidation

"They said, 'Will You place upon it one who causes corruption therein and sheds blood, while we declare Your praise and sanctify You?' He said, 'Indeed, I know that which you do not know.'" (Al-Baqarah: 33)

This verse refers to the existence of beings prior to humans (jinn), of whom the angels were aware of their corruption.

This verse, like a window to the past, underscores the breadth and complexity of human history.

Section Twenty: Salawt as Attention in All Instances
Analysis and Elucidation

Salawt, like a thread connecting all beads of knowledge, means attention in all its instances: God's attention to creation, the Prophet's attention to the Ummah, the Imams' attention to believers, and believers attention to God and the saints.

This definition, like a master key, covers all usages of salawt in the Holy Quran and prevents inconsistencies in traditional interpretations.

Section Twenty-One: Critique of Usul (Principlist) Exegeses on Salawt
Analysis and Elucidation

Usul exegeses, like a building without a firm foundation, are incorrect due to neglecting the linguistic root of salawt. This deficiency, like an obstacle to precise understanding, results in ambiguity regarding the meaning of salawt.

This critique, like a call for reconstruction, emphasises the importance of linguistic analysis in fundamental discussions.

Section Twenty-Two: Salawt upon the Prophet and the Infallibles
Analysis and Elucidation

Salawt upon the Prophet and the Infallibles, like a glance towards guiding stars, means attention to them as religious guides, not supplication or seeking forgiveness for them. This attention, like a bridge to guidance, connects believers to the path of Truth.

This definition elevates salawt from a formal act to a spiritual and guidance-seeking practice.

Section Twenty-Three: The Reality of Salawt in Prayer
Analysis and Elucidation

Prayer, like a flower blossoming with presence of heart, becomes true salawt only through attention and pure intention. Prayer without attention is like mere lip service, lacking spiritual reality.

This viewpoint, like light dispelling darkness, stresses the importance of presence of heart in worship.

Section Twenty-Four: Salawt of Beings in the Quran
Analysis and Elucidation

"Do you not see that Allah is exalted by whomever is within the heavens and the earth and by the birds with wings spread? Each [of them] has known his prayer and exalting [Him]." (An-Nur: 41)

This verse introduces salawt as an existential attention in all beings.

This verse, like an engraving on the page of existence, explains salawt as a universal and inherent behaviour in all creatures.

Section Twenty-Five: Critique of Defining Salawt as Forgiveness
Analysis and Elucidation

Salawt does not mean forgiveness, since this definition, like a tight garment, is incompatible with instances such as Gods salawt or salawt upon God. Attention is the only comprehensive meaning encompassing all instances.

This critique, like a precise key, resolves ambiguities in traditional interpretations and introduces salawt as a unified and comprehensive concept.

Section Twenty-Six: Critique of Mu'jam al-Mufahras in Analyzing Salawt
Analysis and Elucidation

Mu'jam al-Mufahras, like an incomplete map, did not distinguish between the two roots salawt and al, resulting in confusion in understanding salawt.

This critique, like an invitation to precision, stresses the necessity of employing accurate lexical tools in Qur'anic analysis.