of Nokounam, (Session 1770)
Surah Luqman, akin to a radiant gem within the Holy Quran, elucidates the position of man in the cosmic order and, by emphasising wisdom and knowledge, indicates the path of ascent towards existential perfection. This surah, by delineating the hierarchical levels of existence and the connection of man with diverse realmsfrom the mundane to the divinecalls upon humanity to liberate itself from heedlessness and to move towards the truth. The present discourse, adopting a scholarly approach and utilising clear and dignified language, undertakes a profound analysis of this surahs content on the theme of human authority. All points and concepts of the lecture are elaborated within a coherent structure befitting a research environment to serve as a guide for seekers of truth.
Existence, from a holistic perspective, is divided into three principal realms: the Nasut, the Malakut, and the Alam Allah (Divine Realm). This categorisation, analogous to the division of words into nouns, verbs, and particles, provides a framework for understanding the system of existence. The Nasut is the realm of the self and material manifestations; the Malakut is the realm of intellects and knowledge; and the Alam Allah represents the domain of truth and Divine Essence. To attain existential authority, man must ascend from Nasut towards Malakut and subsequently to the Divine Realma journey necessitating precise knowledge of each realm and transcendence of its limitations.
This structure finds its roots in Quranic and mystical teachings and indicates the existential ranks through which man, by traversing them, reaches perfection and authority. The comprehension of these realms is like a light illuminating the travellers path.
Existence, in all its grandeur, is encompassed within the three realms of Nasut, Malakut, and the Divine Realm, and no entity exists beyond this framework. This linguistic encompassing forms the basis for precise recognition of the system of existence, akin to the traditional method of seminary students who first study the generalities before proceeding to the particulars. In Surah Luqman, Luqmans wisdom in instructing his son exemplifies this encompassing linguistic method, guiding man towards knowledge.
The worldly realm is the outward manifestation of Nasut; however, Nasut possesses a deeper inner dimension, revealed in the Barzakh and other realms, akin to the example of connected and disconnected entities. This distinction reveals existential layers that man must traverse to attain truth.
And if they strive to make you associate with Me that of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them. But accompany them in [this] world with appropriate kindness and follow the way of those who turn back to Me [in repentance]. Then to Me will be your return, and I will inform you about what you used to do.
This verse from Surah Luqman, emphasising repentance towards God, invites man to move from the outward world to the inner Nasut and then towards higher realms.
Man, as the axis of the universe, is connected with all levels of existencefrom Nasut and Barzakh to Malakut, Jabarut, and the Divine Realm. This link is comparable to the earths relation with the cosmic system upon which all stars and planets depend. Man, as the apex of the cosmic cone, interacts with all realms.
Man interacts with entities such as jinn, devils, angels, and prophets. This interaction forms a part of his existential authority and reflects his special status in the cosmic system. In Surah Luqman, Luqmans teachings to his son exemplify this spiritual connection that guides man towards Divine knowledge.
On the path of spiritual journey, man progresses from the active Divine Names (such as Ar-Razzaq and Al-Khaliq) to the attributive Names and then to the essential Divine Names. This progression requires profound knowledge and love of God.
O my son, indeed if there should be the weight of a mustard seed and it were within a rock or [anywhere] in the heavens or in the earth, Allah will bring it forth. Indeed, Allah is Subtle and Acquainted.
This verse, emphasising Gods subtlety and awareness, signifies mans profound movement towards the Divine Names.
The lovers can attain the essential Divine Names, whereas only the beloved are capable of reaching the Divine Essence itself. This distinction highlights the different levels of the spiritual journey, underscored in Surah Luqman through emphasis on repentance and Luqmans wisdom.
The prophets, through spiritual journey in the Divine Realm, guide man towards knowledge and existential authority. Luqman, as a Divine sage, offers a model of this guidance through imparting wisdom to his son.
Poverty, stress, and ignorance are principal obstacles to acquiring knowledge and existential authority. These factors have hindered even geniuses from ascending to higher levels. For instance, great religious scholars, due to material and psychological limitations, have failed to reach the summit of knowledge.
To achieve existential authority, the seeker must adopt a distinctive lifestyle encompassing orderliness in sleep, nutrition, and behaviour. This lifestyle differs from the common life, and its discipline guides man towards knowledge.
Excessive night sleep burdens the mind and prevents attainment of knowledge. The Holy Quran, by emphasising Qum al-Layl (rise at night), invites man to nocturnal wakefulness.
And arise [to pray] the night, except for a little.
This verse from Surah Al-Muzzammil stresses the importance of night vigils for spiritual journey and knowledge.
Improper and disorderly nutrition disrupts the spiritual and physical channels of man. Regulating nutrition, analogous to regulating fuel in a machine, is essential for the seekers progress towards perfection.
Contemporary educational systems, due to focus on superficial matters and lack of an epistemological approach, keep man in heedlessness. Wisdom-based teachings, like Luqmans instructions, can guide man towards truth.
Religious knowledge must exercise precise selection rather than general acceptance to choose individuals capable of spiritual journey and knowledge. This selection aids in identifying and nurturing geniuses.
Culture and erroneous religious edicts, such as illogical restrictions in areas like music, have impeded the development of knowledge. Reevaluation of these approaches is necessary to guide towards truth.
Two extremist perspectives in religionliteralism (dry) and incarnation or union (wet)have distanced religion from truth. Moderation in religious understanding facilitates the path of ascent to knowledge.
The mystic, through expertise and knowledge, progresses towards the Divine Names, while the dervish, due to ignorance, remains at the superficial level. This distinction underscores the importance of awareness and discipline in the spiritual journey.
Poverty and stress have hindered geniuses from achieving the pinnacle of knowledge. Creating appropriate conditions for nurturing spiritual talents, including stress reduction and meeting needs, is essential.
Surah Luqman, by elucidating mans position in the cosmic system, indicates the path of existential authority. Man, as a being connected to all realmsfrom Nasut to the Divine Realmcan attain perfection through liberation from heedlessness and movement towards knowledge. This path requires a disciplined lifestyle, reduction of obstacles such as poverty and stress, and revision of educational and cultural systems. The verses of Surah Luqman, with emphasis on wisdom and repentance, guide man towards truth. Contemporary educational systems, lacking an epistemological approach, keep man in heedlessness, whereas wisdom-based teachings, like those of Luqman, illuminate the path like a blazing torch.
Under the supervision of Sadegh Khademi
