of Nokounam, (Session 1768)
Surah Luqman, one of the Meccan chapters of the Holy Qur'an, with a profound perspective on divine authority, the grandeur of creation, and human heedlessness, opens a window towards understanding the position of man within the cosmic order. This essay, relying on psychological and mystical approaches, examines the concept of human authority in this Surah. Man, a multifaceted being with three existential levelsself (nafs), intellect ('aql), and spirit (r)in connection with three realmsnast (the material world), uqul (intelligences), and ilh (divine)is contemplated within this Surah. The aim of this work is to elucidate these dimensions and the manner in which man attains spiritual authority through emergence from heedlessness and vertical spiritual progression towards divine gnosis. The structure of this essay, inspired by the verses of Surah Luqman and mystical and psychological analyses, is arranged to present concepts coherently and in a clear, elevated language.
The self, the lowest existential level of human being, is the vessel of sensation, knowledge, and attributes related to material life. This level, which resides in the realm of Nast, is shared with animals; however, in man it is distinguished by scientific and epistemic capacities. The self, akin to fertile soil, is a foundation that can be cultivated with the planting of knowledge towards perfection, yet heedlessness turns this soil into a barren wasteland.
And if you were to ask them, Who created the heavens and the earth? they would surely say, Allah. Say: Praise be to Allah. Yet most of them do not know.
This verse points to the innate awareness of mankind regarding the Creator of the heavens and the earth; however, heedlessness prevents the actualisation of this awareness. The self, being confined within the realm of Nast, is entangled in external constraints such as social customs and formal sciences. These constraints restrict the human sense and impede the blossoming of its latent capacities. Just as a flower in arid soil cannot bloom, so too the self, in heedlessness, is deprived of spiritual fruitfulness.
Heedlessness acts as a heavy veil, obstructing the perception of sublime truths by the self. Man in the realm of Nast is like a fish living in water but unaware of the nature of water. This heedlessness confines man within horizontality and prevents vertical ascent towards higher realms. To escape this cage, man must transcend formal sciences and external constraints and advance towards gnosis and spiritual vision.
Heedlessness is the primary obstacle to human authority in the selfs dimension. Emergence from this heedlessness requires a vertical movement from the horizon of Nast towards the realms of Uqul and Ilh.
Acts of worship such as prayer, recitation of the Holy Qur'an, and dhikr (remembrance) extricate the human sense from a state of inertia and propel it towards actualisation. These practices resemble a breeze that sweeps away the dust of heedlessness from the self, preparing it to receive the light of gnosis. The Qur'anic recitation, especially with presence of heart, liberates the sense from the limitations of Nast and guides it towards the perception of divine grandeur.
The intellect, the intermediate existential level of human being, is the vessel of gnosis and connection to the realm of Uqul. This realm encompasses divine creations from angels to jinn and other entities. Intellect is a divine gift that enables man to comprehend sublime truths and attain spiritual vision. Just as the sun illuminates the world, the intellect enlightens the human mind with the light of gnosis.
And if all the trees on earth were pens and the sea [was ink], replenished thereafter by seven seas, the words of Allah would not be exhausted. Indeed, Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.
This verse emphasises the vastness of the cosmos and the infinite nature of divine words. Intellect, as the vessel of gnosis, invites man to contemplate this grandeur. Unlike the self, which is confined within formal sciences, intellect is focused on spiritual vision and gnosis and guides man towards connection with the realm of Uqul.
Vertical movement in the intellectual realm requires contemplation, worship, and Qur'anic recitation with presence of heart. This movement guides man from the horizontality of formal sciences towards the verticality of gnosis. Intellect acts as a bridge that conveys man from Nast to Uqul and from Uqul to Ilh. Heedlessness in this realm signifies disregard for the grandeur of the cosmos and inability to utilise intellect for spiritual journey.
Intellect is a divine gift leading man towards gnosis and spiritual vision. Vertical movement in this dimension, through contemplation and worship, connects man with the realms of Uqul and Ilh.
The spirit, the highest existential level of man, is the vessel of connection with the realm of Ilh and the divine names and attributes. This dimension, actualised in prophets and saints, guides man to spiritual authority and realisation of truth. The spirit is like a mirror reflecting divine light and enabling man to witness the divine essence.
Your creation and your resurrection are but as one soul. Indeed, Allah is Hearing and Seeing.
This verse stresses the ease of creation and resurrection for Allah and reveals the place of the spirit in the order of creation. The spirit is the vessel of divine vision and guides man towards the truth of divinity.
Heedlessness in the spirits dimension means remaining confined to Nast and ignoring the realm of Ilh. Mystical journey, intimate engagement with the Qur'an, and vertical worship free man from this heedlessness and guide him towards spiritual authority. Just as a bird is freed from its cage, the spirit is liberated from Nasts constraints through mystical journey.
The spirit is the vessel of divine vision. Mystical journey and intimate engagement with the Qur'an liberate man from Nasts heedlessness and lead to spiritual authority.
Heedlessness is the main barrier to human authority in all three dimensions: self, intellect, and spirit. This heedlessness confines man within the cage of Nast and prevents ascension to higher realms. Formal sciences prevalent in some educational systems confine man to horizontality and deprive him of vertical gnosis.
So let not their disbelief grieve you. To Us is their return, and We will inform them of what they did. Indeed, Allah is Knowing of that within the breasts.
This verse highlights the impact of heedlessness in disbelief and indicates that mans return to Allah will make him aware of his deeds reality.
Horizontal movement, dominant in formal sciences and prevalent educational systems, keeps man at the level of Nast. In contrast, vertical movement
