the Lectures of , (Session 1728)
The Holy Qur'an, like an endless ocean of divine knowledge, presents the secrets and mysteries of existence in the form of the Names and Attributes of the Almighty to humanity. Among these, the Names Muiq, Rabb, and Qdir shine like radiant stars, manifesting unparalleled aspects of divine authority, lordship, and management. This treatise, by reflecting upon the luminous verses of the Holy Qur'an and analysing the profound meanings of these Names, seeks to shed light on the philosophical, mystical, and practical dimensions of these Attributes. Approached scientifically and articulated in a refined and solemn style, the work explicates the status of these Names within the cosmic system and their relation to humankind and the universe, thus serving as a bridge between Qur'anic knowledge and hearts in search of truth.
The Attribute Muiq is one of the majestic and weighty Names of God, which in the Holy Qur'an appears as signifying the affirmation of truth and the annulment of falsehood. This Attribute, like a sharp sword, shatters falsehood and establishes the truth firmly. In the Qur'anic verses, this Attribute is explicitly mentioned in four instances, displaying a manifestation of divine authority.
وَيَمْحُ اللَّهُ الْبَاطِلَ وَيُحِقُّ الْحَقَّ بِكَلِمَاتِهِ ۚ إِنَّهُ عَلِيمٌ بِذَاتِ الصُّدُورِ (Shr: 24)
And Allah obliterates falsehood and establishes the truth by His words; indeed, He is Knower of what is within the breasts.
This verse, like a clear mirror, depicts the Attribute Muiq as an active divine act which, through words of truth, eradicates falsehood and stabilises truth. Muiq is an active Attribute that demonstrates God's authority in consolidating truth and annihilating falsehood, accompanied by knowledge precise to the essence of issuance. This Attribute resembles a lightning bolt that breaks the darkness of falsehood and spreads the light of truth over the expanse of existence.
Due to its majestic nature, the Attribute Muiq is among the Names whose invocation requires sincerity and purity of intention. The invocation Y Muiq for the oppressed, distressed, and believers acts as a key that swiftly opens doors and is efficacious in removing oppression and affirming truth. However, this invocation, like a double-edged sword, is perilous for novice seekers who have not yet freed themselves from egotistical concerns and is recommended only in solitude and with a heart pure from any self-seeking intent.
The affirmation of truth in the divine system sometimes manifests through martyrdom, sometimes captivity, and sometimes oppression. For instance, in the verse يَقْطَعُ دَابِرَ الْكَافِرِينَ (Al-Anfl: 7), which states: He cuts off the back of the disbelievers, the affirmation of truth leads to the destruction of the root of disbelief and injustice. This Attribute, like a wise gardener, uproots the roots of falsehood from the soil of existence and cultivates the sapling of truth.
From a philosophical perspective, Muiq is the manifestation of divine authority in the establishment of truth and the obliteration of falsehood. This Attribute is connected to divine knowledge of the essence of issuance, as the Holy Qur'an states: إِنَّهُ عَلِيمٌ بِذَاتِ الصُّدُورِ. This knowledge is like a light illuminating the hidden secrets of the hearts and facilitating the affirmation of truth. From a mystical viewpoint, the invocation Muiq for seekers who have reached the state of urgency acts like a sip from the fountain of life, revitalising the heart and guiding it towards divine nearness. Yet, this invocation, like ascending a lofty summit, demands readiness and purity of heart to lead the seeker to the intended destination.
The Attribute Muiq, like a blazing torch, illuminates the path of truth against falsehood. This Attribute, with its majesty and weight, is a means of relief for the oppressed and distressed, yet its usage necessitates purity and avoidance of egotism. Philosophically, Muiq is a manifestation of divine authority in stabilising truth, and mystically, it opens a way towards nearness and the removal of oppression. This Attribute, like a roaring river, swallows falsehood and delivers truth to the shore of salvation.
The Attribute Rabb is the most expansive of the active Names and the sovereign of the active Names, who, like a wise sovereign ruler, encompasses the entire universe under His management. This Attribute, like the axis of the cosmic wheel, governs all the actions of the universefrom creation and command to the revelation of prophecy and mission.
قَالَ أَسْلَمْتُ لِرَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ (Al-Baqarah: 131)
He said: I have submitted to the Lord of the worlds.
This verse, like a golden key, introduces Rabb as the goal of active monotheism. Rabb is the nurturer of the world, encompassing both the manifestations of beauty (The Forgiving, The Merciful) and grandeur (The Severe in Punishment), although the beauty predominates. Rabb, like a bubbling spring, grants life to all creatures and like a sturdy canopy, preserves the world in His protection.
Rabb is the sovereign of the active Names, under whose dominion all actions of the universe, from a leaf falling from a tree to the revelation of divine scripture, occur. The Holy Qur'an states:
إِنِّي أَنَا اللَّهُ رَبُّ الْعَالَمِينَ (Qasas: 30)
I am Allah, the Lord of the worlds.
This verse presents Rabb as the intermediary for recognising Allah. Rabb is like a bridge guiding humanity from the darkness of ignorance to the light of knowledge. All needs and prayers are presented to Rabb, as exemplified in the prayer of Zakariya:
رَبِّ هَبْ لِي مِن لَّدُنكَ ذُرِّيَّةً طَيِّبَةً (Al-Imran: 38)
My Lord, grant me from Yourself a good offspring.
Even Satan and Pharaoh resort to Rabb, as the Qur'an says:
رَبِّ فَأَنظِرْنِي إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ يُبْعَثُونَ (Al-A'raf: 143)
My Lord, grant me respite until the Day they are resurrected.
This supplication stands as testimony to the vastness of the lordship of Rabb, for even the enemies of truth are compelled to seek refuge in Him.
Philosophically, Rabb is the container of determination and manifestation of all divine Names. Even the intrinsic Names such as The Creator, The All-Knowing, and The Merciful are attributes attributed to Rabb, as the Qur'an states:
إِنَّ رَبَّكَ هُوَ الْخَلَّاقُ الْعَلِيمُ (Hijr: 86)
Indeed, your Lord is the Creator, the All-Knowing.
This verse, like a brilliant gem, demonstrates that Rabb is the axis of all divine actions and manifestations. Mystically, intimacy with Rabb leads the seeker to the station of love and the Beloved. The invocation Y Rabb, like a soul-refreshing breeze, directs the heart towards divine proximity and harmonises the servants actions with Rabb. This intimacy is like an unbreakable bond between lover and beloved, freeing the servant from egotistical troubles and placing him under the shade of the mercy of Rabb.
The Attribute Rabb, like a powerful sovereign, governs the entire universe under His management. This Attribute is the axis of active monotheism and the intermediary for knowing Allah. Philosophically, Rabb is the container for the manifestation of all divine Names, and mystically, intimacy with Rabb leads the servant to nearness and love. Rabb, like an endless spring, bestows life and knowledge upon the universe and, like a sturdy canopy, shelters all creatures under His protection.
The Attribute Qdir refers to divine authority in the creation and management of beings with order and precise measurement. This Attribute, like a wise architect, has designed the universe with astonishing order and created each being with a defined measure.
فَقَدَّرْنَا فَنِعْمَ الْقَادِرُونَ (Al-Mursalt: 23)
Then We measured [it], and excellent are We at measuring.
This verse, like a magnificent painting, depicts divine authority in the creation of beings with order and specification. Qdir is an active Attribute that not only regards God as capable but also renders the sperm, womb, and angels capable under the light of this authority.
In the Holy Qur'an, the difference between faqadarna (without shaddah) and faqaddarna (with shaddah) is subtle but meaningful. Faqadarna indicates the manifestation of power in measurement, whereas Faqaddarna expresses a fuller declaration of divine authority. Nevertheless, both convey the manifestation of divine power, with their difference being in the intensity of expression, not in essence.
The Qur'an states in another verse:
أَلَمْ نَخْلُقْكُم مِّن مَّاءٍ مَّهِينٍ (Al-Mursalt: 20)
Did We not create you from a despised fluid?
This verse, like a mirror, demonstrates divine authority in creating humans from a humble sperm. God, by this authority, places the sperm in the womb and guides it with precise order towards perfection.
Philosophically, Qdir refers to divine authority in the determination and order of creation. This authority, like artistic hands, creates each being with a specified measure. Unlike knowledge, which can be active without an object, power requires an object to become actualised. The sperm and womb, like a painters canvas, manifest this authority.
Mystically, the invocation Y Qdir guides the seeker to perceive unity in multiplicity. This invocation, like a light within the heart, illuminates the harmony between beings and divine will. The seeker, with this invocation, like a light-winged bird,
