of Nekounam, (Session 1771)
Surah Luqman, one of the Meccan chapters of the Holy Qur'an, illuminates the path to human existential authority through the light of wisdom and knowledge like a radiant beacon. This Surah, by elucidating three fundamental pillars the boundless power of the Lord, the limitless grandeur of creation, and human heedlessness extends an invitation to reflect upon mans existential position and to pursue a path towards the transcendent realms. This treatise, by representing the content of a learned scholar's lectures, endeavours to present the profound concepts of this Surah in a clear and dignified language, within a scientific and structured framework. Its purpose is that the reader, through contemplation of these teachings, attains a deeper understanding of the spiritual ascent and existential authority. The present text, utilising verses from the Holy Quran and traditions, with an emphasis on the etymology of religious sciences, opens a way towards grasping the truth and emerging from heedlessness.
To attain existential authority, a human being requires adopting a lifestyle harmonised with the objective of their spiritual and epistemological journey. This lifestyle, encompassing discipline in sleep, nourishment, and conduct, is distinct from the common lives of ordinary people. Just as an athlete or scholar necessitates a particular regimen for success in their profession, the wayfarer must regulate their sleep and diet according to the demands of the spiritual path. The wisdom of Luqman in Surah Luqman serves as a paradigm that introduces this discipline as a prerequisite for spiritual ascent. The harmony between body and soul, like two wings for flight towards knowledge, is an undeniable necessity.
Sleep and nourishment, as two fundamental elements of human life, exert a profound influence on existential authority. Excessive sleep, especially at night, burdens the mind and obstructs the reception of spiritual truths. Nourishment, if not aligned with the physical and spiritual needs of the wayfarer, disrupts their existential channels. The Holy Qur'an, in a verse from Surah Al-Muzzammil, emphasises night vigils as an opportunity for drawing near to divine knowledge:
This verse invites the wayfarer to reduce nocturnal sleep and utilise this time for worship and contemplation. Nourishment, likewise, akin to water that quenches the land of existence, must be chosen carefully to establish an orderly existential arrangement rather than causing disturbance.
Every profession, from athlete to scholar and ascetic, requires a particular lifestyle suited to the demands of that profession. Just as a strength athletes diet differs from that of a speed athlete, the wayfarer must regulate their sleep and nourishment in accordance with the goal of spiritual progression. This distinction arises not from superiority but from the necessity to align with ones existential purpose. The wisdom of Luqman in instructing his son demonstrates attention to these details to attain knowledge.
The wayfarers conformity to the lifestyle of the general public, especially in sleep and nourishment, is an error that prevents existential authority. The wayfarer, like a traveller on a sublime path, cannot synchronize with the daily life patterns of the common people. This distinction, evident in Luqmans teachings to his son, is a necessity for pursuing the path of knowledge.
On the path of knowledge, two major afflictions confront the wayfarer: reactionism and asceticism. The reactionary viewpoint either permits everything without discernment or forbids what is not comprehended. The ascetic viewpoint, with unsubstantiated claims such as incarnation and union, leads to distortion of religious truth. These two afflictions contradict the wisdom of Luqman, which is founded upon knowledge and awareness.
Perspectives that indiscriminately deem everything either permissible or forbidden without deep understanding are significant barriers to true knowledge. Such views stem either from incapacity to comprehend or from unjustified prejudice. Luqman, by imparting wisdom to his son, stresses the necessity of avoiding superficial judgments and attaining profound understanding of realities.
Incorrect religious rulings and restrictive cultures, such as prohibitions on occult sciences or certain arts, hinder humanity from recognising existential truths. These limitations, rooted in misunderstandings, conflict with Luqmans wisdom and impede the development of knowledge and existential authority.
Man attains unity through his physical nourishment and spiritual remembrances. If both are harmonised with his existential system, they result in an orderly existential arrangement; otherwise, they create challenges. In Surah Luqman, emphasis on humility and wisdom signifies the importance of this unity:
This verse highlights the subtlety and awareness of the Lord who, through the unity of man with remembrances and worship, guides him towards knowledge.
Unity with the Divine Names is a higher stage than union. Man can ascend from the active names to the essential names, but this ascent necessitates deep knowledge and spiritual practice. This concept, emphasised by humility in Surah Luqman, indicates the path of ascent toward truth.
The saints of God attain states inaccessible even to the prophets and the nearest angels. A narration from the Commander of the Faithful states: For me, there are states with God that neither a sent prophet, nor a close angel, nor a believer tested in faith can endure. These states represent the pinnacle of existential authority and unity with the Divine Essence.
Distortion of traditions due to scientific or political difficulties obstructs the understanding of truth. Some religious scholars, by altering the text of traditions, have fostered misunderstanding in religious knowledge. This underscores the necessity for precision in transmitting and interpreting traditions.
Heedlessness, like a heavy veil, prevents man from comprehending the power of God and the grandeur of creation. This heedlessness originates in neglecting divine verses. Verses 29 to 31 of Surah Luqman beautifully depict this reality:
These verses, by emphasising the grandeur of creation and divine power, invite man to reflect upon the signs and regard heedlessness as a major hindrance on this path.
Comprehending divine signs requires patience and gratitude. These two qualities extricate man from heedlessness and guide him to appreciate the greatness of creation. Verse 31 of Surah Luqman, by mentioning patient and grateful, elucidates this fact.
The sea wave, symbolising the grandeur of creation, compels man towards sincerity before Gods power, yet after deliverance, heedlessness recurs:
