of Nokounam, may his sanctity be preserved (Session 810)
The Blessed Srah l Imrn, like a radiant jewel within the treasury of the Holy Quran, opens a window towards understanding monotheism and the Divine Names which, in its initial verses, elucidate with profound and esoteric expression the essence and attributes of the Exalted God. This treatise, by contemplating the opening verses of this Srah, especially the honoured verse Alif-Lm-Mm. Allah - there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence, delves into the inner and apparent meanings of the intrinsic Divine Names. This examination, with a deep focus on the detached pronouns of the Quran and the numerical values of the Names, endeavours to present the monotheistic system of the Holy Quran as a clear and transparent mirror before the eyes of the discerning intellects. The aim of this work is not only to elucidate Quranic knowledge but also to reflect the light of Divine wisdom upon the hearts and souls of its readers.
Alif-Lm-Mm. Allah - there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence.
This verse, placed as a mysterious beginning in Srah l Imrn, commences with the disjointed letters Alif-Lm-Mm. These letters, like keys unlocking Quranic secrets, have been interpreted diversely in various exegeses. What is highlighted in this lecture is the focus on the intrinsic Divine Names, namely Huwa (He), Allah, Al-Hayy (The Ever-Living), and Al-Qayym (The Sustainer), each of which, like a star in the firmament of monotheism, refers to an aspect of the Divine essence and attributes.
Although the honoured verse Allah - there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence appears in Srah al-Baqarah (known as yat al-Kurs) and Srah l Imrn with an apparent similarity, the exegetical content of this lecture opens a new pathway in understanding this verse. In yat al-Kurs, emphasis is placed on the verbal and apparent aspects of the Divine Names, whereas in this Srah, the mystical and inner meanings of these Names flow like a pure spring, guiding towards a deeper comprehension of monotheism. This distinction is as evident as the difference between the sunlight at dawn and at dusk.
Detached pronouns in the Holy Quran, like a string of pearls linking beads of knowledge, include Anta (You), Antum (You, plural), Antum (You two), Nanu (We), Hum (They, masculine), Hum (They two), Hunna (They, feminine), Huwa (He), and Hiya (She). These pronouns appear a total of 1,350 times in the Quran:
This data, like an accurate map of pronoun usage in the Holy Quran, indicates the central position of the pronoun Huwa, which, both as a pronoun and as the intrinsic Name of the Divine essence, holds an unparalleled role in the Quranic monotheistic system.
The pronoun Huwa, like a jewel in the crown of monotheism, is employed both as a pronoun and as the intrinsic Divine Name. Its 478 occurrences demonstrate its significance in referring to the unique essence of God. Huwa, like a key unlocking the mysteries of the Divine, appears in constructions such as Huwa Allah and L ilha ill Huwa, pointing to the unity of Divine essence and attributes.
In the honoured verse of Srah l Imrn, various combinations of the Divine Names appear, each like a branch of the tree of monotheism, revealing specific meanings:
These combinations, like mirrors reflecting the light of the Divine essence, indicate the unity of the inner and outer aspects of God. Huwa, as the inner essence, and Allah, as its outward manifestation, together form an integrated system of monotheism.
According to narrations from the Infallibles (peace be upon them), Huwa is recognised as the first and highest intrinsic Divine Name. This Name, with a numerical value of 11 (H = 5, Ww = 6), is renowned for its simplicity and immutability. In contrast, Allah, with a numerical value of 66, refers to the apparent aspect of the Divine essence. The combination of these two, which totals 77, like a precious gem in the ring of monotheism, manifests the unity of the Divine Names.
The Greatest Divine Name, like a lofty summit in the chain of Divine Names, is formed from the combination of Huwa and Allah. Huwa represents the inner container and Allah the outer container. These two, like the two wings of the bird of monotheism, place the unity of Divine essence and attributes in the heart of the believer in phrases such as Huwa Allah or L ilha ill Huwa. This Name, as the vessel of monotheism, holds a unique position within the mystical system.
Expressions such as L ilha ill Allah, L ilha ill Huwa, and Huwa Allah are repeated in various forms across Srahs al-Baqarah, l Imrn, An-Nis, Th, and At-Taghbun. This diversity, like different colours in a painting, displays the depth of monotheistic meanings. For example:
ٱللَّهُ لَآ إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ Translation: God - there is no deity except Him.
This construction, specifically mentioned in five Srahs, demonstrates the Qurans emphasis on Gods unity.
The numerical values of combinations of the Divine Names, like a mathematical map of the Quranic monotheistic system, are examined in this lecture:
The sum of these numbers (110 + 176 + 187 = 473) has a close relation to the number of occurrences of the pronoun Huwa (478) in the Quran. This numerical proportion, like an invisible thread, links the inner order of Quranic verses.
The numerical value of L ilha ill Huwa (110) corresponds with the honoured name of Imam Al (peace be upon him). This connection, like a bridge between monotheism and guardianship, demonstrates the profound link of Divine Names with the station of Wilayah.
The Names Al-ayy and Al-Qayym, like two firm pillars in the edifice of monotheism, refer to Divine life and sustenance:
