of Nokounam, (Session 1732)
The Holy Quran, the fount of divine wisdom and humanitys guide towards truth, holds within its luminous verses a special place for Surah Al-Anm. With profound eloquence, it invites humankind to contemplate divine knowledge, the status of the Prophets, and the path of perfection. This writing, focusing on selected verses from this Surah, examines the concept of true knowledge in contrast to superficial information, the spiritual authority of the Prophets, and the necessity of reviving the prophetic lineages spirit within scholarly domains. The aim is to open a pathway towards the comprehension of truth and proximity to God, as if with every verse a window to the celestial realm is unveiled.
And He is Allah in the heavens and on the earth; He knows your secret and what you make public, and He knows what you earn.
Verse 3 of Surah Al-Anm, like a clear mirror, portrays the boundless divine knowledge that encompasses all dimensions of human existence: from the hidden secrets of the heart to manifest actions, from the outcomes of deeds to ones acquisitions. This knowledge is not akin to limited and manipulated human information, but a Lordly truth that is original and immediate in its essence. Man, confronted with this divine knowledge, is like a traveller invited to seek truth under the shade of the tree of gnosis.
The distinction between knowledge and information in this verse appears as a border line between reality and appearance. Information is knowledge derived through senses, study, and experience, yet due to human limitations, it often becomes outdated. True knowledge, however, like a bubbling spring, originates from a divine source and remains free from any distortion or manipulation. This knowledge reaches perfection in the realm of Prophets and the God-fearing, guiding man towards divine proximity.
Scientific domains, as heirs of the prophetic lineage, are obliged to transcend the level of superficial information and advance towards true and Lordly sciences. Excessive focus on formal knowledge such as jurisprudence and principles, though necessary, if isolated, transforms seminaries into mere educational institutions estranged from the spiritual essence of the prophetic lineage. This critique serves as a warning urging seminaries to reconsider their educational methods and cultivate divine knowledge.
True knowledge is that which springs directly from the divine source and leads man to the vision of Lordly realities. Such knowledge requires spiritual exercises like silent invocation (dhikr khaf) and meditation, whereby each invocation moves man closer to the light of truth. Seminaries should provide an environment where scholars engage not only in formal studies but also in contemplation and spiritual vision.
And if We had sent down to you a written scripture on paper so that they touched it with their own hands, the disbelievers would say, This is nothing but evident magic.
This verse portrays the limited comprehension of disbelievers. Even upon witnessing tangible miracles, due to the absence of true knowledge, they attribute reality to sorcery. This reaction indicates an inability to grasp divine truths and emphasises the need for openness of heart to receive divine inspirations.
And they say, Why has no angel been sent down to him? And if We had sent down an angel, the matter would have been decided; then they would not be reprieved.
The disbelievers demand for angels stems from their ignorance of divine grace. God, by selecting Prophets from among human beings, has opened a path of empathetic communication with humanity. The descent of angels, due to its overwhelming impact, would have led to immediate judgement and deprived humans of gradual guidance. This choice is a mercy inviting humanity towards progressive guidance.
He is the Subduer over His servants, and He sends guardians over you.
Then they are returned to Allah, their true Master. Surely His is the judgment, and He is the swiftest of accountants.
Say: Who saves you from the darknesses of the land and sea when you call upon Him humbly and secretly, If He delivers us from this, we will surely be among the thankful.
These verses, like a shining lamp, depict divine subjugation and the role of guardians (huff) in the protection and guidance of humanity. Recognition of these guardians and the administrators of affairs constitutes part of divine knowledge that guides man to perceive Gods constant presence in his life. This recognition acts as a key opening the doors of gnosis to man.
Exclusive dependence on superficial information deprives man of this recognition. Seminaries must cultivate inner insight among scholars, guiding them towards a deeper understanding of divine presence and the role of angels. This endeavour flows like a stream from the spring of divine knowledge to thirsty hearts.
And thus We showed Abraham the kingdom of the heavens and the earth, that he would be among the certain [in faith].
This verse, like a shining jewel, depicts the manifestation of the celestial kingdom to Abraham. The word Thus (كَذَٰلِكَ) is an invitation urging man towards a similar approach to acquiring divine knowledge. Such knowledge is attained through spiritual vision and inner narration, elevating man to the station of certainty.
Repelling polytheism and doubt, as two major obstacles on the path of true knowledge, leads man to spiritual infallibility and authority. Abraham, by declaring And I am not of the polytheists, purified himself from both doubt (of the certain) and polytheism.
Those who believe and do not mix their faith with injustice those will have security, and they are the guided.
This verse, like a radiant torch, introduces true authority as rooted in pure faith and avoidance of injustice (polytheism). Security and guidance, like two wings of flight, are the fruits of faith purified from all forms of polytheism and injustice. This security manifests not only materially but also spiritually and psychologically.
And that was Our argument which We gave Abraham against his people. We raise by degrees whom We will. Surely your Lord is Wise and Knowing.
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