the Lectures of Nokounam, , Session (408)
The exegesis of verse 117 of Surah Al-Baqarah, centred on the concept of Kun Fayakn (Be, and it is), opens a profound window into understanding the divine rubbiyyah (lordship) and creative stations within the divine order of creation. This verse, which points to the unparalleled power of God in creation and the fulfilment of commands, encompasses two fundamental aspects: the rubbiyyah aspect, relating to divine governance and nurture, and the creative aspect, which examines the nature and manner of the material world and humanitys position therein. The concept of Kun as a divine mantle is not merely a sign of the absolute will of the Lord, but in lower ranks, it is bestowed upon the divine saints to enact Gods will in the world. This treatise, adopting a scientific and systematic approach and utilising exquisite Persian allegories and allusions, endeavours to elucidate the deep Quranic concepts for an erudite audience and researchers of religious sciences.
Central Analysis of Quran 2:117
وَإِذَا قَضَىٰ أَمْرًا فَإِنَّمَا یَقُولُ لَهُ کُنْ فَیَکُونُ
And when He decrees a matter, He only says to it, Be, and it is.
This verse, revealed in Surah Al-Baqarah, refers to the absolute divine power in creation and the realisation of commands. Kun Fayakn manifests the immediate will of God who, without need for instruments or intermediaries, brings beings into existence. This verse raises two key issues: the rubbiyyah issue, relating to the station of divine governance and nurture, and the creative issue, which pertains to the nature and structure of the material universe. Just as the sun dispels darkness with a single ray, the divine will, with a single Kun, creates existence from non-existence.
The rubbiyyah aspect refers to the exalted stages of divine governance that guide the cosmos in a wise order. The creative aspect, however, concerns the material container of creation which includes the heavens, the earth, and their governing systems. These two aspects are like the two wings of a bird, leading humanity towards an understanding of existential and divine reality.
The creative container is the physical and material environment wherein humans and other creatures reside. Inquiry into the nature of the heavens, the earth, and this existential bowl where humans dwell invites reflection on the order of creation. In Islamic philosophy, the material world is regarded as a container shaped by divine will, encompassing existential ranks from inanimate entities to humans. This container comprises not only physical dimensions but also natural laws such as causality and order. As a river flows within its bed, creation flows within its material container, with humanity, as a rational being, positioned at its centre.
Verse 117 of Surah Al-Baqarah, emphasising Kun Fayakn, reveals the unparalleled divine power in creation and governance of the world. By introducing the two rubbiyyah and creative issues, this verse invites humanity to contemplate its place within the system of creation. The rubbiyyah aspect concerns divine governance and the creative aspect relates to the material structure of the universe, both harmoniously realising the purpose of creation.
The key concept: The rubbiyyah station manifests in three ranks: Kun aqq (the True Be), Kun Khalaq Mabb (the Beloved Creative Be), and Kun Khalaq Muabb (the Loving Creative Be).
The rubbiyyah station relates to divine governance and nurture, appearing in three stages:
These ranks resemble a ladder by which humans ascend from the creative level towards the rubbiyyah level. Kun aqq is the summit of this ladder, occupied solely by God, whereas Kun Mabb and Muabb are steps upon which divine saints tread.
The station of Kun is a divine mantle bestowed upon Gods saints, including prophets, Imams, and mystic believers, at lower ranks. This mantle manifests the will of the mystic believer in the realisation of divine matters. Like a key unlocking the locks of the universe, the station of Kun enables the saints to implement Gods will within the container of creation.
This station is not attained through intellectual effort or jurisprudence but through the divine mantle and spiritual discipline. Kun is like a brocade garment that God clothes His saints with, elevating them to the station of spiritual aggregation and authority.
The station of Kun is employed in critical situations such as the miracles of the prophets or in special conditions like divine governance in creation affairs. This station is granted within the context of manifestation to perfect saints to act as intermediaries of divine will. Like a spring gushing in the desert, Kun opens the path of creation in moments of crisis.
The necessity container refers to circumstances where the fulfilment of divine will requires the direct intervention of Gods saints. The special container pertains to conditions in which divine will manifests through saints via the mantle of Kun, such as creating extraordinary matters or guiding the creation spiritually.
The station of Kun, as a divine mantle, manifests in various ranks (aqq, Mabb, and Muabb) and transforms Gods saints into instruments for realising divine will. This station transcends intellectual and scientific capacities and is employed in necessity and special contexts, leading humanity towards existential perfection.
The Holy Quran refers to the station of Kun in multiple instances. This station appears about eleven times in the singular form (Kun Fayakn) and about ten times in the plural form (Kn). The distinction indicates the difference between the true Kun (divine) and the creative Kun (created).