the lecture series of Nokounam, may his sanctity be preserved (Session 1667)
The Noble Quran, like a profound and boundless ocean, contains meanings and concepts each of which is akin to a radiant jewel guiding humanity towards truth and perfection. The concepts of Divine Governance (Tadbr), Reverence (Khashyah), and Fear (Khawf) are among these precious gems that are depicted in the Divine verses with unmatched subtlety and depth. Tadbr is an expression of divine order and wisdom in the administration of the universe; khashyah is the manifestation of heartfelt knowledge and respect towards the grandeur of the Lord; and khawf is a human emotion that sometimes is rational and sometimes illusory, shaping the course of human life. This treatise endeavours, through contemplation of the Quranic verses and elucidation of these three concepts, to shed light upon these truths and open a path toward a deeper understanding and faithful living.
Divine governance (Tadbr) in the Quran signifies the management and ordering of the affairs of the universe by God. This concept, like a string of beads, connects the system of creation and indicates the wisdom and omnipotence of God in administering the cosmos. Divine governance manifests not only in the realm of creation (Takwn) but also in the verses and signs of God. By reflection and contemplation on these verses, humans can grasp a part of this wondrous order, though the governance of creation itself is exclusively within the power of the Almighty.
Allah is the One who raised the heavens without pillars that you see; then He established Himself on the Throne and subjected the sun and the moon, each running [its course] for an appointed term. He manages the affair; He explains the signs so that you may be certain of the meeting with your Lord.
(Surah Ar-Rad, Ayah 2)
This verse presents divine governance as a guiding light before human eyes. God raised the heavens without visible pillars and set the sun and moon on appointed courses. This astonishing order is a sign of divine governance that calls humanity to certainty in meeting their Lord. Here, governance encompasses not only the management of the material universe but also the ordering of the entire system of creation, material and immaterial alike.
The Noble Quran calls upon humans to reflect (tadabbur) upon the verses and Divine speech. Verses such as:
Do they not then reflect upon the Quran?
(Surah An-Nis, Ayah 82)
A blessed Book We have sent down to you so that they may reflect upon its verses and that those of understanding may remember.
(Surah d, Ayah 29)
invite humans to contemplation of the Divine signs and the Quranic text. Tadabbur is like a key that opens the doors of knowledge to humans, but this contemplation is confined to understanding and cognition and does not permit interference in the divine governance of creation.
A Book We have sent down to you, blessed, that they may contemplate its verses and that those of understanding may take heed.
(Surah d, Ayah 29)
This verse introduces the heavenly book as a blessed treasure sent down for human reflection and remembrance. Through reflection on its verses, humans may attain a deeper understanding of the cosmic order, but this comprehension never implies intervention in divine governance, which remains solely within the realm of the Creator.
Contrary to governance, the Quran frequently uses the concept of adbr with a negative connotation. Adbr, meaning turning away, retreat, or regress, is employed in verses such as:
Then he turned back and was arrogant.
(Surah Al-Muddaththir, Ayah 23)
And whoever turns back and deserts [faith].
(Surah Al-Qamar, Ayah 45)
This concept reflects turning away from truth, arrogance, or evasion of responsibility.
Then he turned back and was arrogant.
(Surah Al-Muddaththir, Ayah 23)
This verse portrays adbr as a negative action associated with arrogance and distance from truth. Like a dark shadow, it drives humans away from the light of knowledge and guidance toward backwardness and misguidance.
Divine governance is like a light illuminating the cosmic order and inviting humans to contemplate the signs and tokens of their Lord. Although humans can, through reflection, achieve a deeper understanding of this system, the governance of creation is exclusively divine. Conversely, adbr signifies estrangement from truth and evasion of responsibility, which the Quran condemns while calling humans to reflection and knowledge.
Reverence, akin to a fragrant flower in the garden of divine knowledge, is a fear arising from recognition and respect for the grandeur of God. Unlike fear (khawf),
