of Nokounam, (Session 1642)
The concept of ni in the Holy Quran shines like a radiant gem, displaying a manifestation of the infinite perfection and wisdom of the Lord within the Divine verses. This attribute, not only as one of the active Names of God but also in relation to the Prophets and human beings, is employed with each revealing a distinct meaning and a profound layer of Divine wisdom. In this treatise, relying on the Quranic verses and reflection on the semantics of the word an, an endeavour has been made to examine this exalted concept in a structured manner and with eloquent and clear language. The objective is that the reader, from a Quranic perspective, may access the depth of this Divine attribute and its applications in creation, prophethood, and human conduct, as if sitting in a garden of meanings, beholding the blossoms of wisdom.
The word ni in the Holy Quran, as one of the active Names of God, reflects a manifestation of His conscious, precise, and steadfast action. This attribute transcends the general concept of Fail (doer), which includes any agent of action. ni is an agent whose deed is accompanied by knowledge, subtlety, and firmness, as though the hands of Divine wisdom weave everything He creates with threads of precision and steadiness.
This distinction is clearly observed in the Quranic verses. God is the ni whose creation is accompanied by precision and perfection, distinguishing Him from every other agent. For instance, in a verse from Surah An-Naml, this perfection is beautifully portrayed:
صُنْعَ اللَّهِ الَّذِي أَتْقَنَ كُلَّ شَيْءٍ
(An-Naml: 88)
The workmanship of God, Who has perfected everything.
Divine workmanship is defined by three fundamental characteristics: precision, firmness, and purposefulness. Precision is like a light illuminating every part of creation; firmness is like a pillar sustaining the edifice of creation; and purposefulness is like a current guiding creation towards an exalted goal. These three features portray Divine creation as a flawless painting, every line and colour of which is drawn with wisdom and awareness.
In the Holy Quran, the attribute ni in describing God indicates a creation that is accompanied by unparalleled precision and firmness. This attribute introduces the universe and creation as Divine workmanship, every part of which is created with care and wisdom. A verse from Surah An-Naml beautifully expresses this truth:
صُنْعَ اللَّهِ الَّذِي أَتْقَنَ كُلَّ شَيْءٍ
(An-Naml: 88)
The workmanship of God, Who has perfected everything.
This verse views creation as a painting, every pattern and design of which has been created by the hands of Divine wisdom with unmatched delicacy. The term Itqn (perfection) in this verse signifies not only firmness but also completeness and comprehensiveness in creation.
In relation to the Prophets, the attribute ni describes an action carried out under Divine supervision and guidance. A prime example is the command to Prophet N (Noah) to construct the ark, accompanied by Divine revelation and oversight. This action is not only a material industry but also a symbol of obedience and connection to Divine will.
وَاصْنَعِ الْفُلْكَ بِأَعْيُنِنَا وَوَحْيِنَا
(Hd: 37)
And construct the ship under Our eyes and by Our revelation.
This verse appears to unveil a curtain of Divine wisdom, demonstrating that the industry of the Prophets, under the supervision and guidance of the Lord, is directed towards the good and salvation of humanity.
Conversely, the application of an regarding human beings (nss) is often associated with reproach and destruction. Such actions, due to lack of connection with Divine will and immersion in carnal desires, culminate in nothing but ruin. Several verses explicitly convey this truth:
وَحَبِطَ مَا صَنَعُوا فِيهَا
(Al-Arf: 118)
And what they had wrought therein was rendered void.
وَلَا يَزَالُ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا تُصِيبُهُمْ بِمَا صَنَعُوا قَارِعَةٌ
(Ar-Rad: 31)
And those who disbelieve will continue to be struck by calamities for what they have wrought.
These verses act as mirrors showing the destruction of carnal deeds. Industry devoid of faith and Divine wisdom is like a structure built on shifting sands, destined to collapse.
Divine industry is like a clear stream flowing from the source of Divine wisdom. This industry, with precision, firmness, and purposefulness, guides creation towards perfection. A verse from Surah An-Naml clearly articulates this truth:
صُنْعَ اللَّهِ الَّذِي أَتْقَنَ كُلَّ شَيْءٍ
(An-Naml: 88)
The workmanship of God, Who has perfected everything.
The industry of the Prophets is like a sapling growing under the shade of Divine revelation. This industry is conducted under Gods direct supervision and with the aim of human welfare and salvation. An example is the construction of the ark by N (Noah), carried out under Divine revelation and oversight:
وَاصْنَعِ الْفُلْكَ بِأَعْيُنِنَا وَوَحْيِنَا
(Muminn: 27)
And construct the ship under Our eyes and by Our revelation.
Human industry, when devoid of faith and Divine wisdom, is like a palace built on unstable foundations destined to collapse. Numerous verses demonstrate this truth:
وَأَلْقِ مَا فِي يَمِينِكَ تَلْقَفْ مَا صَنَعُوا إِنَّمَا صَنَعُوا كَيْدُ سَاحِرٍ
(-H: 69)
And cast what is in your right hand; it will swallow what they have wrought. Indeed, their craft is but that of a magician.
From a Quranic perspective, modern industry may be recognised as a valid example of an, provided it is accompanied by precision, firmness, and purposefulness. Devices such as aeroplanes, missiles, and advanced technologies, constructed with care and stability and fulfilling human needs, exemplify this industry. These tools, as if pens of Divine wisdom, draw lines of good and comfort on the canvas of human life.
For instance, an aeroplane transporting hundreds of people safely through the sky is a sign of precision and firmness. These instruments not only meet material human needs but can also be considered manifestations of dominion over the universe (سَخَّرَ لَكُمْ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ).
Productive industry, serving public good and meeting human needs, is distinct from consumptive industry, which aims at ostentation and display. Consumptive industry is akin to Pharaohs palaces, built for arrogance and display, destined for destruction.
وَدَمَّرْنَا مَا كَانَ يَصْنَعُ فِرْعَوْنُ وَقَوْمُهُ وَمَا كَانُوا يَعْرِشُونَ
(Al-Arf: 137)
And We destroyed what Pharaoh and his people were building and what they had erected.
This verse serves as a warning that carnal and consumptive industry, no matter how arduously constructed, is doomed to ruin due to lack of Divine purposefulness.
The Prophets, as Divine intermediaries, play a crucial role in transmitting knowledge and industry to humanity. Teaching armour production to Prophet Dwd (David) is an example of this role, performed for protection and public welfare.
وَعَلَّمْنَاهُ صَنْعَةَ لَبُوسٍ لَكُمْ لِتُحْصِنَكُمْ مِنْ بَأْسِكُمْ
(Al-Anbiy: 80)
And We taught him the craft of making coats of armour to protect you from your violence.
This verse shines like a torch illuminating the path of the Prophets in teaching industry to mankind, an industry serving the cause of good and protection.
Human formation, especially in the upbringing of Prophet Ms (Moses), is introduced as the highest manifestation of Divine an. This industry is performed under Gods direct supervision and with the aim of preparing humanity for Divine mission.
وَأَلْقَيْتُ عَلَيْكَ مَحَبَّةً مِنِّي وَلِتُصْنَعَ عَلَىٰ عَيْنِي
(-H: 39)
And I cast love upon you from Myself, that you may be fashioned under My eye.
This verse presents human formation as a radiant jewel among Divine industries, as if God, with the hands of His wisdom, carves man for a great mission.
Neglecting the principles of social and industrial growth in some Islamic societies has cast a heavy shadow over progress. Excessive focus on peripheral issues and neglect of fundamental principles such as dominion over the universe and utilisation of reason and knowledge have led to dependency and backwardness.
سَخَّرَ لَكُمْ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ
(Jthiyah: 13)
He has subjected to you whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth.
This verse is like a Divine command calling humanity to conquer the universe and utilise its potentials for the public good.
Productive industry, serving public good and fulfilling human needs, is like a clear stream nourishing social life. Conversely, consumptive industry,
