This treatise is devoted to a profound and systematic examination of verse 269 from Surah Al-Baqarah, which emphasises the bestowal of Divine wisdom, abundant goodness, and the significance of admonition among the possessors of intellect (ul al-albb). This verse, regarded as one of the pivotal verses of the Holy Quran, opens a window towards understanding human perfections and the relationship between mankind and Divine blessings. Wisdom, as a Divine light, guides man towards knowledge, attention, and reason, bringing forth abundant goodness manifesting in various spiritual and material dimensions. This exegesis, with a scientific and refined approach, elucidates the theological, philosophical, and psychological aspects of the verse, integrating delivered lectures and complementary analyses, striving to present a comprehensive portrayal of this exalted verse. The structure of this treatise is designed systematically, employing elevated metaphors to clarify concepts for specialised and academic audiences.
He grants wisdom to whom He wills; and whoever is granted wisdom has certainly been given much good. And none will remember except those of understanding.
(Quran 2:269)
God bestows wisdom upon whomever He wills, and whoever is granted wisdom has indeed attained abundant good; none but the discerning are admonished.
Wisdom, as a Divine gem, is introduced in this verse as a gift that God grants to whomever He desires. This bestowal is not accidental but rather grounded in the merit and capacity of the servant. Wisdom, like a pure spring, overflows from the source of Divine Lordship and flows into the souls of the worthy. This gift, according to the Quran, brings forth abundant goodness manifesting in various spiritual, cognitive, and practical realms.
The use of the passive verb utiya (he was given) and the noun i instead of a (gave) in this noble verse indicates the grandeur of wisdom and the necessity of having the capacity within the individual to receive it. Unlike a, which may imply unconditional giving, i denotes a purposeful bestowal based on merit. Man, akin to a vessel, must prepare himself through effort and endeavour to receive this Divine gem. Just as a precious treasure is acquired through great toil, wisdom is granted only in the shadow of exertion and readiness.
Abundant good as the consequence of receiving wisdom in this verse denotes multiplicity and diversity of benefits. The question posed in the lectures is why abundant rather than complete or perfect good? Abundant good, like a boundless ocean, encompasses knowledge, Divine grace, spiritual perfections, love, and proximity to God. Unlike absolute good, it refers to the breadth and diversity of benefits derived from wisdom manifesting in various ranks.
Wisdom, as a Divine gift, is granted only to those who have cultivated the capacity to receive it through effort and readiness. This gift brings forth abundant good, manifesting widely from knowledge and spiritual perfections to Divine closeness. The bestowal of wisdom is founded on merit and preparedness, and abundant good is like a fruit borne from the tree of wisdom.
Admonition, meaning deep awareness and attention to Divine realities, is introduced as one of the principal foundations of wisdom. In the Holy Quran, the word tadhakkur and its derivatives appear approximately 301 times, demonstrating its significance in Quranic teachings. Admonition is like a key that opens the doors of wisdom. Those possessing high levels of attention and care are guided towards wisdom, and wisdom, in turn, elevates their awareness and attentiveness. This reciprocal relationship acts as an evolutionary cycle, guiding man towards perfection.
Admonition transcends mere listening or speaking; it encompasses attention with the heart, intellect, spirit, and subtle perceptions. This multifaceted attention is like a light that shines from various angles upon the human soul, guiding it towards knowledge and wisdom. The sage, employing this layered attention, perceives even the smallest environmental changes or distant events. This perception may be sensory, psychological, intellectual, or spiritual, transforming wisdom into a profound and enduring attribute.
From a psychological perspective, hearing, as a tool for long-term reception and processing of information, plays a key role in attaining wisdom. Unlike sight, which is limited by environmental conditions and vulnerable to obstacles such as dust or complexity, hearing is more effective in complex situations and over the long term. The sage is like a keen listener who is guided towards wisdom by attentively hearing truths and teachings. This superiority of hearing transforms wisdom into a lasting and profound quality.
The sages, according to the Quran, follow the best of it (yattabina asanah). This conscious selection requires precise listening and profound attention. The sage, akin to a skilled gardener, selects the best among words and teachings and, utilising intellect and admonition, is guided towards perfection.
Admonition, as the foundation of wisdom, directs man towards perfection through deep awareness and attention to Divine truths. This multifaceted attention, surpassing sensory perception, combined with the superiority of hearing for long-term comprehension, transforms wisdom into a deep and enduring attribute. Sages, by selecting the best teachings and admonitions, proceed on the path of perfection and manifest abundant good in their lives.
The term ul al-albb in the Holy Quran denotes possessors of intellect and perfection. Ul means possessors, and al-albb
