of Nokounam, may his sanctity be preserved (Session 1763)

Preface

Surah Luqman, one of the Meccan chapters of the Holy Qur'an, manifests the exalted station of humanity within the cosmic order as a clear and pristine mirror. This Surah, centred upon the wisdom and existential authority of man, elucidates the pathways for liberation from the shackles of polytheism and doubt, guiding humanity towards perfection and elevation. In this treatise, adopting an anthropological and philosophical perspective, the profound concepts of this Surah are explicated and the characteristics of the empowered human being are examined in the light of Luqman the Wise's counsels and the divine verses. The objective of this work is to provide a comprehensive and coherent exegesis that serves not only audiences familiar with Islamic theology and philosophy but also invites the modern human to reflect upon the capacities inherent in their own existence.

Section One: The Position of Humanity in the Creation System
Man as the Manifestation of the Greatest Name of God

Humanity, as a unique gem in the realm of creation, possesses an infinite capacity for ascension and authority. The Holy Qur'an introduces man as a being endowed with the divine spirit and the manifestation of all Divine Names, possessing the potential to ascend to ranks unattainable even by the angels. This immense capacity, as articulated in the mystical expression "Indeed within you is folded the Greater World" (al-Alam al-Akbar), distinguishes man as the manifestation of the Greatest Name of the Lord.

By virtue of manifesting all the Divine Names within his essence, man is equipped with a capacity that guides him towards existential levels beyond those of the angels. This authority only manifests fully through liberation from polytheism and doubt.

And We certainly gave Luqman wisdom. (Luqman: 12)

This verse introduces Luqman as an exemplar of the empowered human being, who, through wisdom and knowledge, without relying on overt miracles, attains lofty existential ranks. Another verse from Surah Hijr confirms humanitys distinguished status:

When I have fashioned him and breathed into him of My spirit... (Hijr: 29)

This divine breath transforms man into a being capable of approaching the Divine Essence by liberation from material constraints. Another verse from Surah Al-Baqarah emphasises this capacity:

And He taught Adam the namesall of them. (Baqarah: 31)

This verse demonstrates mans ability to manifest Divine attributes, portraying him as a being who, through wisdom and certainty, can reach levels of perfection.

Summary of Section One

Man, as a mirror reflecting all Divine attributes, possesses boundless authority. This authority actualises through wisdom and liberation from existential impediments such as polytheism and doubt. Luqman the Wise, as a distinguished exemplar of the perfect human, demonstrates how knowledge and gratitude guide man towards exalted existential ranks.

Section Two: Classification of Humans in Surah Luqman
The Fundamental Dichotomy of the Awliya and the Ashqiya

Surah Luqman, with a profound view into human existence, divides humanity into two categories: the Awliya (the righteous) and the Ashqiya (the wicked), making no mention of the average majority, described in the Qur'an as "those who eat and walk in the markets". The Awliya, characterised by ascension, perfection, purity, and certainty in the Hereafter, tread the path of divine guidance, whereas the Ashqiya are trapped in wickedness, obstinacy, and misguidance.

Surah Luqmans focus on the two minorities, Awliya and Ashqiya, bypasses the average majority. This approach highlights the historic significance of those who either ascend towards perfection or fall into error.

Those are upon guidance from their Lord, and it is those who are the successful. (Luqman: 5)

This verse introduces the Awliya as those who, through prayer establishment, almsgiving, and certainty in the Hereafter, achieve divine guidance. Conversely, the Ashqiya are depicted as:

And of the people is he who purchases idle talk to mislead from the way of Allah. (Luqman: 6)

This verse portrays the Ashqiya as individuals who, through indulging in vain discourse and mocking religion, proceed on the path of misguidance. This duality reveals a qualitative distinction between empowered humans and those confined within superficial layers of existence.

Summary of Section Two

By dividing humanity into Awliya and Ashqiya, Surah Luqman emphasises the importance of conscious choice between guidance and misguidance. The Awliya, by liberation from polytheism and doubt, move towards perfection and divine proximity, while the Ashqiya, due to obstinacy and egocentrism, descend into misguidance. This dichotomy invites man to reflect on his path and strive for liberation from existential barriers.

Section Three: Structure and Arrangement of the Verses of Surah Luqman
The Complexity of Initial Verses and the Systematic Counsels of Luqman

In the opening verses (111), Surah Luqman presents, in an apparently intricate arrangement, the characteristics of the Awliya and Ashqiya alternately. This complexity, akin to a wise puzzle, conveys divine knowledge in a manner accessible only through contemplation and wisdom. In contrast, verses 12 to 19 systematically expound Luqmans counsels to his son, elucidating the features of the empowered human in a linear and clear manner.

The complexity of the opening verses serves as a veil safeguarding divine knowledge from the unqualified, whereas Luqmans counsels, like a luminous lamp, provide practical guidance for attaining existential authority.

Guidance and mercy for the doers of good. (Luqman: 3)

This verse refers to the Awliya, while verses 6 and 7 concern the Ashqiya:

And when Our verses are recited to him, he turns away arrogantly. (Luqman: 7)

Verses 12 to 19 offer Luqmans counsels systematically:

And We certainly gave Luqman wisdom: Be grateful to Allah. (Luqman: 12)

These verses present traits such as gratitude, humility, and avoidance of polytheism as the pillars of human