of Nokounam, may his sanctity be honoured (Session 1723)
Discussion regarding the Divine Attributes, especially "Al-Mulhim" and "Al-Hakim," is a gateway to the profound understanding of the Lordly knowledge manifested within the verses of the Holy Quran. This treatise, through reflection on the pertinent verses and analysis of their meanings, endeavours to elucidate Divine wisdom and Lordly inspiration within a coherent framework and with clear, solemn language. The aim is to provide a deep perspective on these attributes and their connection to the heart and human spiritual progression, so as to guide the reader towards contemplation on the cosmic order and spiritual ranks.
The attribute "Al-Mulhim," one of the present and knowing Names of the Lord, signifies the impartation and instillation of knowledge into the hearts of the servants. This attribute, mentioned only once in the Holy Quran, is specifically ascribed to humans and is not naturally found in jinn or animals. Inspiration is akin to a light radiated from the Truth into the human heart, guiding him towards the recognition of deviations and truths. This light is sometimes Lordly and sometimes angelic, yet in humans, owing to their Lordly balance, it assumes a distinctive status.
وَنَفْسٍ وَمَا سَوَّاهَا * فَأَلْهَمَهَا فُجُورَهَا وَتَقْوَاهَا
"By the soul and He who perfected it; then inspired it with its wickedness and its righteousness."
These verses encompass three fundamental aspects: First, "the soul and He who perfected it," which refers to the Lordly balance of the human soul. This balance, absent in jinn, animals, and angels, forms the basis for receiving inspiration. Second, "then inspired it with its wickedness and its righteousness," indicating the dual inspiration of wickedness (deviation and deficiency) and righteousness (piety). Wickedness, by virtue of the human's primordial nature, precedes because the soul is naturally inclined towards evil (إِنَّ النَّفْسَ لَأَمَّارَةٌ بِالسُّوءِ). However, righteousness requires knowledge, will, and an ascendant effort. Third, inspiration manifests in two forms: potential aptitude (in all humans) and actualisation (in the chosen).
Righteousness denotes abstention from deviations and deficiencies, whereas wickedness refers to natural inclinations and soul deficiencies. In the cited verse, wickedness precedes righteousness because the soul is naturally inclined to wickedness. However, righteousness, a special attribute requiring attention and will, is the foundation for spiritual ascent. This ascent is akin to a journey from the darkness of the soul towards the light of knowledge. Inspiration, as a potential capacity, is possible for all humans, but its actualisation occurs in those who connect themselves to Divine grace through piety and sincerity.
Inspiration is narrower than righteousness, and revelation is narrower than inspiration. Revelation is exclusive to Prophets and only manifests with a special Divine capacity, whereas inspiration is accessible to seekers through purity and piety. This distinction resembles the difference between a general light shining upon all and a special light descending only upon prepared hearts.
The attribute Al-Mulhim is a manifestation of Divine knowledge and action that directs humans towards the understanding of wickedness and righteousness. This attribute is connected to the Lordly balance of the human soul and actualises within the heart. Inspiration forms a bridge between the human primordial nature and the higher spiritual stations, which, with piety and sincerity, culminates in the light of knowledge.
The attribute "Al-Hakim," one of the expansive Divine Names, signifies firmness, order, and authority in creation and judgement. This attribute, mentioned ninety-seven times in the Holy Quran, has no opposite and permeates all levels of existence. Divine wisdom is like the grand architect of existence who firmly establishes every particle in its place.
وَهُوَ الْقَاهِرُ فَوْقَ عِبَادِهِ وَهُوَ الْحَكِيمُ الْخَبِيرُ
"And He is the Subduer over His servants, and He is the Wise, the Acquainted."
هُوَ اللَّهُ الَّذِي لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ عَالِمُ الْغَيْبِ وَالشَّهَادَةِ هُوَ الرَّحْمَٰنُ الرَّحِيمُ * هُوَ اللَّهُ الَّذِي لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْمَلِكُ الْقُدُّوسُ السَّلَامُ الْمُؤْمِنُ الْمُهَيْمِنُ الْعَزِيزُ الْجَبَّارُ الْمُتَكَبِّرُ سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ عَمَّا يُشْرِكُونَ * هُوَ اللَّهُ الْخَالقُ الْبَارِئُ الْمُصَوِّرُ لَهُ الْأَسْمَاءُ الْحُسْنَىٰ يُسَبِّحُ لَهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَهُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ
"He is Allah, besides Whom there is no deity, Knower of the unseen and the witnessed; He is the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate. He is Allah, besides Whom there is no deity, the Sovereign, the Holy, the Source of Peace, the Granter of Security, the Guardian over all, the Almighty, the Compeller, the Supreme. Glory be to Allah above what they associate [with Him]. He is Allah, the Creator, the Originator, the Fashioner; to Him belong the best names. Whatever is in the heavens and earth glorifies Him. And He is the Almighty, the Wise."
These verses place Divine wisdom alongside authority, creation, and will. Wisdom is not merely pure knowledge but firmness and order that are free from any weakness or anxiety. Every entity, from stone to human, possesses Divine wisdom that shapes the cosmic order.
Divine wisdom is manifest in the creation of the heavens and earth with truth (هُوَ الَّذِي خَلَقَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ بِالْحَقِّ) and in just judgement (إِنَّ الْحُكْمَ إِلَّا لِلَّهِ). Every particle of existence, from a stone that breaks glass to water that turns soil into mud, has Divine wisdom. These decrees are the warp and weft of existence, ensuring its order and firmness.
Invoking Names such as "Ya Hakim" and "Ya Muhkam" is recommended for the elect and requires seclusion, fasting, and purity. The narration "مَنْ أَخْلَصَ لِلَّهِ أَرْبَعِينَ صَبَاحًا" (Whoever is sincere to Allah for forty mornings) emphasises that sincerity is the basis for the manifestation of wisdom in the heart and tongue. This sincerity is like water that cleanses the heart from soul impurities and prepares it for receiving the light of wisdom.
The attribute Al-Hakim is a manifestation of Divine authority and order that is revealed in creation and judgement. This attribute is linked to firmness and knowledge and guides the seeker towards order and purity of the heart. Invocation of the Names of Wisdom, under special conditions, is a means to connect to this sublime attribute.
The wisdom of Luqman is an exemplar of practical and Lordly wisdom comprehensively presented in Surah Luqman. This wisdom serves as a prism encompassing various dimensions of knowledge and righteous action.
وَلَقَدْ آتَيْنَا لُقْمَانَ الْحِكْمَةَ أَنِ اشْكُرْ لِلَّهِ
"And indeed We bestowed wisdom upon Luqman, [saying], 'Be grateful to Allah.'"
The wisdom of Luqman includes gratitude to God, monotheism, kindness to parents, establishment of prayer, enjoining good and forbidding evil, patience, humility, and moderation in behaviour. These characteristics render Surah Luqman a charter for human rights and Lordly knowledge.
Luqmans wisdom encompasses gratitude (أَنِ اشْكُرْ لِلَّهِ), monotheism (لَا تُشْرِكْ بِاللَّهِ), kindness to parents (وَلِوَالِدَيْهِ), establishment of prayer and enjoining good (أَقِمِ الصَّلَاةَ وَأْمُرْ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ), patience (وَاصْبِرْ عَلَىٰ مَا أَصَابَكَ), humility (وَلَا تَصْعَرْ خَدَّكَ لِلنَّاسِ), and moderation (وَاقْصِدْ فِي مَشْيِكَ). These features transform wisdom into a firm practice and profound knowledge.
The wisdom of Luqman exemplifies practical wisdom intertwined with the heart and righteous deeds. This wisdom serves not only as knowledge but as guidance for living on the Lordly path that leads to perfection.
The heart, as the locus of wisdom and Lordly knowledge, functions beyond mere intellect. The intellect is the agent of temperament and body, whereas the heart is the place of spiritual transformations and reception of inspiration and divine gifts.
لَهُمْ قُلُوبٌ لَا يَفْقَهُونَ بِهَا
"They have hearts with which they do not understand."
The heart, owing to its manifold transformations (from the root of taqallub), is the place for receiving the light of wisdom. The wise one is he whose heart has been purified from soul darkness and, through sincerity and seclusion, connected to Lordly knowledge.
The intellect is calculative and the servant of the body, while the heart is the place of direct knowledge. The heart is like a window through which the Lordly light shines inward. Wisdom appears in the heart when the seeker, through invocation of the Names of Wisdom and sincerity, frees himself from soul instability.
The heart is the place of wisdom and inspiration, which, through purity and sincerity, connects to the light of knowledge. The wise person is one whose heart is firm and pure, free from instability and ignorance.
The journey on earth, meaning contemplation upon the self and the cosmos, guides the seeker towards wise knowledge.
سِيرُوا فِي الْأَرْضِ فَانْظُرُوا كَيْفَ كَانَ عَاقِبَ
