of Nekounam, (Session 1712)
The knowledge of Almighty God, as the ultimate purpose of creation and the axis of human spiritual life, holds a lofty status in the Holy Quran. This knowledge, attained through contemplation on the Divine Names and Attributes and the practice of abundant dhikr (remembrance), guides man towards profound cognition and an elevated presence. This treatise, with a profound examination of Quranic verses, investigates the concept of knowing God through the Divine Names and the role of dhikr in safeguarding the heart and guiding the inner self. The structure of this work is organised to provide, based on Divine revelations, exegetical analyses, and complementary explanations, a clear path to understanding Gods presence in all existential dimensions and the impact of dhikr on the believers heart. Its objective is to invite the reader to meditate upon Divine authority, heartfelt humility, and avoidance of heedlessness, thereby attaining exalted knowledge and a life enriched with spirituality.
The knowledge of Almighty God through His Names and Attributes directs man towards the perception of Gods boundless presence in all aspects of existence. This knowledge, introduced in the Holy Quran as the purpose of creation, leads man from superficial matters towards the essence and truth of being. The Quran presents the creation of jinn and mankind for the purpose of worshipping God, and considers this worship contingent upon knowing Him.
"And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me." (Surah Adh-Dhariyat: 56)
This noble verse defines the ultimate goal of creation as worship of God, a worship impossible without knowledge of the Divine Names and Attributes. Knowing Divine authority directs man to perceive Gods presence in all affairs, from the prayer rug to everyday life arenas. God is present in all existential dualities, from laughter to weeping, good to evil, yet remains unaffected by these attributes, just as the sun radiates light upon all things without casting a shadow upon itself. This knowledge calls the believer to behold God at every moment and place, from the solitude of the prayer mat to the bustle of the marketplace. Religious knowledge must, through teaching the Divine Names, keep this presence alive within the believers soul, so they become self-sufficient from seeking outward proofs for Gods existence, for the Quran emphasises not proving God's existence but manifesting His presence in all matters.
One of the eminent Divine Attributes is Gods being Nasif, signifying the absolute control over the human forehead (nasiyah) and complete mastery over the individual. This attribute manifests Divine absolute authority.
"Soon We will seize the forelock a lying, sinful forelock!" (Surah Al-Alaq: 15-16)
In Quranic culture, the forehead symbolises the soul and human will. When God seizes the forehead in His power, He holds the person utterly, as if compressing their spirit within His grasp. Unlike holding the hand or waist, which still allows some freedom of movement, seizing the forehead implies total restraint. This attribute serves as a warning to man to avoid falsehood and sin, since Divine authority encompasses his soul. Religious knowledge must elucidate this attribute so that believers become aware of Divine greatness and the necessity of obedience, thereby protecting their hearts from satanic whispers and sin.
Almighty God, as Slik (the Walker) and Siq (the Driver), Himself journeys and guides all beings towards their destinations. This attribute demonstrates Gods dynamic presence and unparalleled guidance.
"Indeed, he will be thrown into the Crusher." (Surah Al-Humazah: 4)
This verse indirectly refers to the attribute of Siq, indicating that God guides beings either towards good or evil ends. Gods being a Walker means His presence and movement before His servants, but human visual deficiency prevents perception of this presence, as if a brilliant sun shines before blind eyes. Purity of heart is a prerequisite for perceiving this presence, just as spiritual purity is essential to recognise the appearance of the Awaited Imam (may God hasten his reappearance). Religious knowledge should encourage believers towards heart purification and perceiving this Divine presence, thus avoiding heedlessness and lethargy.
Almighty God, as the supreme Intercessor on the Day of Resurrection, holds the highest station of intercession. This attribute reflects Divine boundless mercy.
"There is no intercessor except after His permission." (Surah Ynus: 3)
This noble verse conditions intercession upon Divine permission, introducing God as the foremost of intercessors. After the intercession of the Prophets and the saints, God, as the Most Merciful of the merciful, is the ultimate intercessor who, through infinite mercy, erases sins in the light of wisdom and justice. This attribute provides boundless hope to believers that no sin remains except as warranted by justice in the face of Divine mercy. Religious knowledge should explain this attribute so that believers become hopeful in Divine mercy and avoid despair.
The knowledge of the Divine Namesfrom Nasif and Slik to Shfi and Shafguides man to profound cognition of Gods authority and mercy. Rooted in Quranic verses, this knowledge directs the believer to perceive Gods presence in all matters, from private to public, and from good to evil. Religious knowledge must clarify these attributes to lead believers towards heart purity, humility, and hope in Divine mercy, thereby enabling them to live a life enriched with knowledge and spirituality.
The abundant remembrance (dhikr) of God is like clear water that cleanses the believers heart and protects it from lethargy, hypocrisy, and heedlessness. This dhikr is the nourishment of the soul and the light of the spirit that guides the believer towards humility and purity.
"So remember Me; I will remember you." (Surah Al-Baqarah: 152)
This verse establishes the remembrance of God as a condition for Gods remembrance of His servants. Abundant dhikr purifies the heart from impurity and hypocrisy, imparting clarity and light. The believer must be constantly or at least abundantly engaged in dhikr; otherwise, their heart falls into heedlessness, like a spring that has lost its water and turned into a dark swamp. Religious knowledge should encourage believers towards abundant dhikr to safeguard their hearts from lethargy and hypocrisy.
The remembrance of God acts as a shield protecting the believer against satanic whispers and bestowing insight upon them.
"And if an evil suggestion comes to you from Satan, then seek refuge in God. Indeed, He is Hearing and Knowing." (Surah Al-Arf: 200)
This verse portrays dhikr as a stone that drives Satan away from the believer. Dhikr provides insight and guards the heart against satanic insinuations. Without dhikr, one falls into the trap of lethargy and hypocrisy, as if having lost a shield and left defenseless against the enemy. Religious knowledge must promote the practice of dhikr to strengthen insight and ward off satanic temptations.
The remembrance of God elevates the intellect from mere imaginations to certainties, guiding the people of understanding (Ulul-Albab) towards conviction and wisdom.
"Only those of understanding will remember." (Surah Ibrhm: 52)
This verse attributes remembrance as the characteristic of the people of understanding, whose intellect is actualised and attains certainty and conviction through dhikr. Dhikr elevates intellect from rote memorisation to wisdom and certainty, acting as a bridge from the darkness of imagination to the light of certitude. Religious knowledge must teach the relationship between dhikr and intellect, leading believers towards wisdom and certainty.
Abundant dhikr protects the believers heart from lethargy and hypocrisy, repels Satan, and directs the intellect towards certainty and wisdom. This dhikr, like pure water, cleanses the heart and, like a shield, protects it from satanic insinuations. Religious knowledge should encourage believers to practise abundant and constant dhikr to avoid heedlessness and lethargy and attain humility and purity.
The knowledge of God through the Divine Names and the practice of abundant dhikr constitute two fundamental pillars on the path of Divine cognition and guidance. The Divine Names, from Nasif and Slik to Shfi and Shaf, lead man towards understanding Gods authority and boundless mercy. Abundant dhikr protects the heart from lethargy and hypocrisy, repels Satan, and guides the intellect towards certainty and wisdom. Religious knowledge must impart these concepts, guiding believers towards heart purity, humility, and hope in Divine mercy, thereby enabling them to live a life filled with knowledge and spirituality. This path is akin to a journey from the darkness of heedlessness to the light of certainty, leading the believer to the sublime destination of servitude.
Supervised by Sadegh Khademi
