of Nekounam, may his sanctity be revered (Session 1033)
The Holy Quran, akin to a profound ocean, contains boundless knowledges whose comprehension necessitates divers who penetrate to the depths of truth. Among them, the concept of the Firm in Knowledge shines as stars in the celestial realm of divine cognition, who, with steadfast faith and profound knowledge, guide the path of guidance. This treatise, relying upon the luminous verses of Surah Al-Imran and Surah An-Nis, explores the station of the Firm in Knowledge, delving deeply into the distinction between the clear-cut (muhkamt) and ambiguous (mutashbiht) verses, examining the role of faith and knowledge in this exalted status. The objective is to unveil the mysteries of this Quranic concept with a clear and dignified language, directing the reader towards reflection on the reality of revelation.
Throughout the expanse of the Holy Quran, the term Firm in Knowledge (rsikhn f al-ilm) is employed only twice: once in Surah Al-Imran concerning the Muslim Ummah, and once in Surah An-Nis in relation to the People of the Book. This rarity, like a precious gem embedded in stone, signifies the grandeur and weight of this station. Just as the term As-Samad appears only once in the Quran, alluding to the unparalleled Divine Essence, so too are the Firm in Knowledge, due to the depth of their cognition and faith, amongst the rarest servants of God.
As-Samad is exclusive to the unparalleled Divine Essence.
Firmness (ruskh) denotes deep penetration and establishment within the depths of cognition, like a root that penetrates hard soil and remains steadfast. The Firm in Knowledge are those who have advanced to the utmost limits of knowledge and have placed the truth within the depths of their being with unparalleled precision. This trait distinguishes them from ordinary believers, much like a brilliant star in the dark night stands apart from other stars.
He is the One Who has sent down to you the Book; some of its verses are precise they are the foundation of the Book and others are ambiguous. But those in whose hearts is deviation follow the ambiguous seeking discord and seeking its interpretation. And no one knows its interpretation except Allah. And those firm in knowledge say, We believe in it. All is from our Lord. And none will take heed except those of understanding. (Quran 3:7)
This verse, like a clear mirror, elucidates the distinction between the clear-cut (muhkamt) and the ambiguous (mutashbiht) verses. The clear-cut are verses with explicit and definitive meanings, such as legal rulings which, like steadfast pillars, form the foundations of religion. The ambiguous, however, contain multiple or obscure meanings, like divine attributes, which resemble a profound ocean requiring contemplation and submission. Those whose hearts harbor deviation resemble lost travellers who follow the ambiguous verses to foment discord or propose incorrect interpretations. Yet, the Firm in Knowledge, with hearts full of faith, believe in all the verses and regard them as from their Lord.
The honoured verse emphasises that the interpretation (tawl) of the ambiguous verses belongs solely to Divine knowledge. The Firm in Knowledge, instead of attempting erroneous interpretations, humbly submit to the boundless knowledge of God, saying: We believe in it, all is from our Lord. This submission is a sign of the depth of their cognition and faith. Some have mistakenly believed, relying on the conjunction wa (and) in and the Firm in Knowledge, that the Firm share in the knowledge of interpretation. However, this interpretation, like a weak branch, conflicts with the apparent meaning of the verse. The wa here is stnf (an explanation or emphasis), not conjunctive, and portrays the Firm in Knowledge not as partners in divine knowledge but as believers who submit to Divine revelation.
The Firm in Knowledge, with unwavering faith in God and Divine revelation, distinguish themselves from ordinary believers. Their faith, like a deep root, is firmly established in the soil of cognition and protected from the affliction of doubt. This faith prevents them from pursuing erroneous interpretations and guides them to submission to revelation. However, firmness does not necessarily equate to perfect faith, and ordinary believers may possess faith without firmness in knowledge.
But the Firm in Knowledge among them and the believers believe in what has been sent down to you and what was sent down before you. (Quran 4:162)
This verse, like a radiant lamp, reveals the presence of the Firm in Knowledge both among the People of the Book and the Muslim Ummah. In Islam, the Imams (peace be upon them), as lofty summits of cognition, are the perfect exemplars of the Firm in Knowledge; nevertheless, this station is not confined to them. Anyone who proceeds with precision and depth in knowledge can attain this rank, though in degrees inferior to the Prophets and Imams. Among the People of the Book, the Firm are rarely found, like stars lost in the daylight sky, yet their existence is undeniable.
The rarity of the Firm in Knowledge, like a rare gem within the heart of a mountain, relates to the difficulty and profundity of firmness in knowledge. This station is attained solely by those who, through relentless effort, have intertwined knowledge and action. Just as As-Samad appears only once in the Quran due to its reference to the unique Divine Essence, the Firm in Knowledge, due to the gravity of their rank, are few.
The Firm in Knowledge differ from geniuses as a verdant forest differs from a single tree. A genius may excel in theoretical knowledge, but the Firm achieve a lofty rank by operationalising knowledge and blending it with faith. This distinction resembles the difference between a light that shines and a fire that gives warmth the difference is in their action and impact.
Faith, like a soul within the body of knowledge, is a necessary condition for firmness. The Firm in Knowledge, through faith in God and Divine revelation, are liberated from the snares of erroneous interpretations and guided towards submission to the truth. This faith acts as a bridge connecting knowledge to action, elevating the Firm to the exalted station of submission.
Ultimately, supplication for inclusion among the Firm in Knowledge is like wings that carry the soul towards the heavens of cognition. This prayer, through intercession by the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them), opens a pathway towards acquiring knowledge and guidance. Through prayer and righteous deeds, one can approach this exalted station, although this path, like climbing a lofty summit, is arduous and laborious.
The exegesis of verses 7 of Surah Al-Imran and 162 of Surah An-Nis, like a shining light, clarifies the station of the Firm in Knowledge within the Quranic epistemological framework. The Firm, through profound cognition and steadfast faith, distinguish themselves from ordinary believers and, by submission to Divine revelation, are freed from the snares of erroneous interpretations. Although this station reaches its zenith in the Imams (peace be upon them), it is not exclusive to them; anyone through effort and sincerity can attain it. This treatise, by exploring the concepts of the clear-cut and ambiguous verses and the role of faith in firmness, invites the reader to reflect upon the reality of revelation and strive for deep cognition.
Under the supervision of Sadegh Khademi
