of Nokounam, (Session 1720)

Preface

The interpretation of the Quranic verses constitutes a gateway towards the recognition of the Exalted Divine Essence and His boundless attributes, which, with a clear and profound language, unveil the truth of existence to the seekers and travellers on the path of truth. This writing, centred upon the verses of Surah Al-Hadid and other chapters of the Holy Quran, explicates the Divine Names such as Al-Awwal (The First), Al-Akhir (The Last), Az-Zahir (The Manifest), Al-Batin (The Hidden), Al-Alim (The All-Knowing), As-Sami (The All-Hearing), and Allam al-Ghuyub (Knower of the Unseen). The aim is to present a comprehensive and coherent analysis of these attributes, relying on both their apparent and esoteric meanings, to manifest the exalted position of Divine sovereignty in existence. This work, employing a systematic structure, explores the lexical, philosophical, mystical, and practical dimensions of these Names and, with the utilisation of Quranic verses and traditions, portrays the vastness of Divine knowledge and sovereignty.

Section One: Unity and Comprehensiveness of the Fourfold Names in Surah Al-Hadid

Declaration of Divine Sovereignty in Surah Al-Hadid

Surah Al-Hadid, like a radiant gem in the collection of the Holy Quran, displays the unparalleled sovereignty of the Almighty Divine Being through its opening verses. This Surah, with the glorification of all creatures of the heavens and the earth, lays the groundwork for the introduction of the fourfold Divine Names.

سَبَّحَ لِلَّهِ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَهُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ
(Surah Al-Hadid: 1)
"Whatever is in the heavens and the earth glorifies Allah, and He is the Almighty, the Wise."

This verse, by declaring the glorification of all creatures, points to Divine Majesty and Wisdom and serves as a prelude to subsequent verses which elucidate the Divine sovereignty through the fourfold Names. The structure is designed such that any doubt regarding Divine need for the loans of the believers, mentioned in the verse مَنْ ذَا الَّذِي يُقْرِضُ اللَّهَ قَرْضًا حَسَنًا is nullified. The sovereignty of the Divine, which is manifested in the ownership of the heavens and the earth, demonstrates that the Exalted is free from all needs.

The Fourfold Divine Names: The Complete Government of God

The third verse of Surah Al-Hadid, like a lofty summit, places four Names Al-Awwal, Al-Akhir, Az-Zahir, and Al-Batin side by side, delineating a complete dominion of Divine attributes.

هُوَ الْأَوَّلُ وَالْآخِرُ وَالظَّاهِرُ وَالْبَاطِنُ وَهُوَ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَلِيمٌ
(Surah Al-Hadid: 3)
"He is the First and the Last, the Manifest and the Hidden, and He is, of all things, Knowing."

Key point: These four Names are mentioned collectively only once in the entire Quran and signify the complete dominion of the Divine Essence over all levels of existence. These Names, like four pillars of a grand edifice, encompass all Divine attributes and, from philosophical and mystical perspectives, are truly and exclusively applicable to the Exalted Divine Essence.

These Names, truly and specifically attributed to the Divine Essence, are analysed as follows:

• Al-Awwal (The First): Denotes the intrinsic precedence and existential priority of the Exalted Divine over all beings. Whatever is considered first, the Divine is prior to it, for He is the origin of all. Philosophically, He precedes every notion of priority and there exists no originator other than Him.
• Al-Akhir (The Last): Signifies eternal perpetuity and the ultimate end of all beings. Whatever is considered last, the Divine follows it, for He is the final goal of all creatures.
• Az-Zahir (The Manifest): Refers to the Divine manifestation in all the outward aspects of creation, similar to the sun whose rays illuminate everywhere without diminishing its light.
• Al-Batin (The Hidden): Indicates the Divine encompassing of all secrets and inner realities of all beings, like an ocean whose depths are unseen yet encompassing all.

These Names, like the four cardinal directions of a compass, delineate the limits of Divine authority and demonstrate that no boundaries exist for the sovereignty and comprehensiveness of the Divine Essence. Mystically, these Names refer to the unity of opposites within the Divine Essence, where priority and finality, manifestation and hiddenness, are unified in a sublime oneness.

Lexical and Derivative Meanings of the Fourfold Names

For a more precise understanding of these Names, it is essential to examine their linguistic roots and derivations:

• Al-Awwal: From the root أَوَلَ meaning precedence and taking the lead. In Arabic, with the merging of two hamzas, it becomes أوَّل denoting origin and beginning. This term contrasts with آخر (in the active participle form) which carries a relative and secondary meaning.
• Al-Akhir: From the root أَخَرَ or آخَرَ meaning end and ultimate goal. In its true sense, it is exclusively applied to the Divine Essence as the ultimate of all things.
• Az-Zahir: From the root ظَهَرَ meaning to become apparent or manifest. This attribute points to the Divine manifestation in all outward phenomena, like the clear and manifest surface of the human back named ظهر.
• Al-Batin: From the root بَطَنَ meaning to be hidden or concealed. This attribute signifies the Divine encompassing of all inner realities of creatures, so that nothing remains hidden from His knowledge.

These Names, in their relative and derivative sense, are also applied to other beings (such as the first tree or the last created), but this application is limited and comparative. In the Divine Essence, these attributes are absolute and true.

Summary of Section One

Surah Al-Hadid, with emphasis on Divine sovereignty and glorification of all creatures, paves the way for the introduction of the fourfold Names that constitute the complete government of God as four pillars. These Names, with their true meanings, demonstrate the existential and