The Holy Qur'an, like a profound and boundless ocean, conceals a treasury of divine meanings and knowledge, each of its words serving as a key to unlocking the gates of wisdom and cognition. Among the divine attributes, Al-Fatt and Al-Fir, like two radiant jewels, signify opening and creation, manifested with unparalleled subtlety in the luminous verses of the Holy Qur'an. This treatise, by reflecting on these two attributes and their related concepts, seeks to unveil the hidden secrets within these terms and, through a profound examination of the verses and their analysis, to open a new perspective toward understanding the nature of creation and divine unfoldings. This study, structured methodically and articulated eloquently, endeavours to explicate the meanings of these attributes within the context of the Holy Qur'an, interconnected with the knowledge of religious scholars, in a clear and comprehensive manner.
The attribute Al-Fatt in the Holy Qur'an, like a golden key, opens closed doors and paves the way for the emergence of both blessings and even calamities. This attribute stands in opposition to iqlq (closure), signifying opening and the removal of obstacles. The opening brought forth by Al-Fatt sometimes appears as mercy and blessing for the believers, and at other times as divine punishment and cunning for the heedless. This concept, like a breeze unlocking the locks of hearts, is manifested in numerous verses of the Holy Qur'an, indicating the breadth and diversity of its application.
The Holy Qur'an, with eloquent expression, portrays divine openings through the attribute Al-Fatt and its derivatives. These verses, like a mirror, reveal the scope of this attribute in good and evil, concerning both believers and non-believers.
Say: Our Lord judges between us and our people in truth, and He is the Wise Opener.
(Al-Arf: 89)
This verse portrays Al-Fatt in the role of a just and wise arbiter, accompanied by the attribute Alm, indicating an opening rooted in divine knowledge and wisdom.
Indeed, We have given you a clear opening.
(Al-Fat: 1)
This verse refers to the fat mubna manifest and tangible openingwhich in Islamic history is exemplified by the conquest of Mecca or other apparent victories. This opening occurs not only in material matters but also within hearts and minds.
The attribute fat in the Holy Qur'an, like a stream that sometimes reaches a verdant garden and sometimes a barren land, is employed in two aspects: good and evil. This opening manifests as blessings and mercy for the believers, and as punishment and divine cunning for the heedless.
So when they forgot what they had been reminded of, We opened to them the gates of all things.
(Al-Anm: 44)
This verse depicts the opening of material blessings which, due to heedlessness, culminates in painful punishment. This opening is like a door to a deceptive mirage that ultimately results in entrapment.
Indeed, We opened to them blessings from the heaven and the earth.
(Al-Arf: 96)
Here, fat signifies the opening of blessings for the believers, akin to life-giving rain that irrigates the soil of their hearts.
The attribute Al-Fatt in the Holy Qur'an is invariably linked with divine knowledge and wisdom. God, as the wise opener, with complete awareness, opens the doors of mercy and punishment. This knowledge distinguishes divine openings from human conquests, which may at times arise from ignorance or force.
And He is the Wise Opener.
(Sab: 26)
The compound of Al-Fatt and Alm in this verse is like a torch dispelling the darkness of ignorance and demonstrating an opening rooted in the infinite wisdom of God.
The terms mift (key) and maft (keys) in the Holy Qur'an refer to the keys of the unseen, which are in God's possession. Although the attribute mift is not explicitly ascribed to God in the Qur'an, since He holds the maft al-ghayb, He may be described as mift al-maftthe keyholder of the keys.
And with Him are the keys of the unseen; none knows them except Him.
(Al-Anm: 59)
This verse portrays God as the guardian of the treasures of the unseen, whose keys are solely in His hand. This concept highlights His unparalleled role in unfolding hidden mysteries.
The attribute Al-Fatt in the Holy Qur'an is like a light that opens closed doors and facilitates the emergence of both blessings and calamities. This attribute is intertwined with divine knowledge and wisdom and brings forth eternal and primordial openings. The terms mift and maft al-ghayb further indicate God's role as the keyholder of hidden secrets. These concepts manifest divine order and planning in the unfoldings of the universe, from creation to the Hereafter.
The attribute Al-Fir in the Holy Qur'an refers to a Creator who accomplishes creation through opening and expansion. This attribute, like a gardener sowing the seed of life in the soil of existence, emphasises the quality of creation and distinguishes itself from the attribute Bad, which denotes novel creation.
Praise be to God, the Originator of the heavens and the earth.
(Fir: 1)
This verse introduces Al-Fir as the Originator who completed the creation of the heavens and the earth through opening and expansion, displaying a consistent quality in this creation.
Fir refers to the initial creation with opening, whereas Futr denotes secondary transformations, such as the splitting of the heavens, the fissuring of the earth, and the falling of mountains. This distinction resembles the difference between planting a seed and the blossoming of a flower, each occurring at a different stage of existence.
The Day the heaven will be cleft with clouds.
(Al-Furqn: 25)
This verse alludes to secondary transformations associated with futr and splitting, reflecting the Qur'ans precision in employing vocabulary to express differing qualities.
The attribute Al-Fir in the Holy Qur'an is linked with concepts such as guardianship and the dispelling of doubt. It is like a torch that dissipates the darkness of uncertainty and paves the way for faith and knowledge.
Say: Should I take as a guardian other than God, the Originator of the heavens and the earth?
(Al-Anm: 14)
This verse places Al-Fir alongside guardianship, demonstrating that creation by opening is evidence of Gods truth and the dispelling of all doubt and hesitation.
The Holy Qur'an, as a heavenly book, is not only a spiritual guide but also a source for scientific inquiry. The terms Fir and Futr can serve as keys opening the doors to natural and biological sciences and leading to the discovery of the miracles of creation.
These concepts are like seeds sown in the soil of knowledge, capable of yielding abundant understanding in the natural sciences. If Muslims explore these terms meticulously, they may achieve discoveries both materially and spiritually beneficial in this world and the Hereafter.
The attribute Al-Fir in the Holy Qur'an, like a divine melody, portrays the quality of creation through opening and expansion. In contrast to Bad, which emphasises novelty in creation, Al-Fir points to the manner of creation. Futr refers to secondary transformations involving splitting and falling. These concepts are not only pivotal for understanding creation but also instrumental in scientific investigations, potentially leading to profound discoveries in the natural sciences.
The attributes Al-Fatt and Al-Fir in the Holy Qur'an, like two shining stars in the firmament of divine knowledge, illuminate the path to comprehending unfolding and creation. Al-Fatt, by opening the doors of good and evil, and Al-Fir, through creation accompanied by expansion, signify unparalleled wisdom and planning in the system of creation. These attributes are not only illuminating in the spiritual realm but also instrumental in the domain of natural sciences and can lead to profound discoveries. The Holy Qur'an, like an inexhaustible treasure, through its precise and eloquent vocabulary, invites contemplation and exploration of the mysteries of creation and divine unfoldings.
Supervised by Sadegh Khademi
