Derived from the lecture series by Nokounam, may his sanctity prevail (Session 1773)
Surah Luqman, one of the Meccan chapters of the Holy Qur'an, shines forth like a luminous beacon, offering profound and sagacious guidance for humanitys attainment of existential authority and divine knowledge. This Surah, centred on wisdom and upbringing, invites human beings to contemplate the roots of their epistemological and existential foundations, urging them to advance towards sublime truth through deep understanding of words, concepts, and realities. In this treatise, with an insightful approach to the content of the delivered lectures, an endeavour has been made to elucidate the main themes of Surah Luqman, particularly focusing on two key axes: etymology and the plurality of the human souls, employing a fluent and dignified language. The structure of this exposition is thematically divided and presented with detailed analyses, guiding the reader on an epistemological journey into the depths of the divine verses.
For accessing the knowledge of the Holy Qur'an and being present in the realm of divine verses, recognising the roots of words and concepts through etymology is indispensable. Without awareness of these roots, proximity to the truth of the Holy Qur'an becomes unattainable. Etymology serves as a key that opens the path to profound comprehension of meanings and existential realities. This methodology applies not only to lexemes but also to the domains of meanings, instances, and verities. In Surah Luqman, Luqmans wisdom in instructing his son is founded upon the principle that root-based understanding constitutes the foundation of human existential authority.
The entire cosmos, from the Most Holy Essence of God to the Divine Names, Attributes, and created entities, is interconnected within a root-centric framework. Contrary to the classical philosophical views that divide the world into the simple and the composite, the reality of existence is a collection of root-based determinations, each part deeply related to the other. For instance, Divine Names such as Ar-Rahman (The Most Merciful), Ar-Rahim (The Most Compassionate), and Al-Karim (The Generous) each possess independent roots while simultaneously being connected to the Divine Essence. This perspective aligns with the following noble verse:
كُلَّ يَوْمٍ هُوَ فِي شَأْنٍ
"Every day He is engaged in a matter."
This verse depicts the dynamism and root-centric nature of the Divine Essence, as if the cosmos resembles a network of intertwined roots, continuously being created and transformed in every moment.
General concepts such as existence, essence, genus, and species, which have been prevalent in traditional philosophies and certain religious sciences, lack scientific validity and diverge from reality. These concepts, due to their focus on generalities and neglect of roots, have led to epistemic confusion. True knowledge lies in particulars and root-based investigation. The Holy Qur'an, by inviting contemplation of the roots, guides humanity towards precise and profound understanding.
The traditional educational systems within seminaries, due to their inclination towards rote memorisation and emphasis on general concepts, have failed to produce root-oriented knowledge. These systems, focusing on topics such as connected and disconnected matters or the generalities of khums (a form of Islamic taxation), have deviated from the path of root epistemology. Surah Luqman, by offering a sagacious paradigm, underscores the necessity of transforming these systems towards etymological scholarship.
Colonialism, by distorting educational systems, has severed Islamic sciences from their epistemic roots, reducing them to superficial knowledge. This separation has resulted in the diminution of epistemic and existential authority within Islamic societies. Returning to the roots is a fundamental strategy for revitalising Islamic sciences and restoring authority to the community.
Human beings, unlike the traditional philosophical definition as "rational animals," possess multiple souls within three existential phases: the nafs (animalistic self), the aql (intellect), and the r (spirit). These souls, referred to in the Qur'anic verses as hearts, eyes, and ears of cognition, provide immense capacities for attaining existential authority. The following verse elucidates this reality:
أَفَلَمْ يَسِيرُوا فِي الْأَرْضِ فَتَكُونَ لَهُمْ قُلُوبٌ يَعْقِلُونَ بِهَا أَوْ آذَانٌ يَسْمَعُونَ بِهَا ۖ فَإِنَّهَا لَا تَعْمَى الْأَبْصَارُ وَلَٰكِنْ تَعْمَى الْقُلُوبُ الَّتِي فِي الصُّدُورِ
"Have they not travelled through the land so that they have hearts whereby they reason or ears whereby they hear? For indeed it is not the eyes that are blind, but the hearts which are within the breasts are blind."
This verse emphasises the existence of cognitive hearts within human beings which, upon actualisation, elevate them to exalted degrees of perception and authority.
The human souls, upon actualisation through epistemic wayfaring or death, surpass animals by billions of times. The hadith, "Whoever dies sees me," indicates that with death, the dormant senses awaken, granting infinite perception. This capacity is also attainable through spiritual practice, as evidenced by the saints who have reached this rank in their lifetimes.
The philosophical concepts of "human species" and "individuals" are erroneous. Every human is a complete reality with innumerable determinations, each moment manifesting a novel experience of their existence. This view aligns with Qur'anic verses that emphasise the dynamism and evolution of humanity.
Modern sciences, with their focus on nature and matter, have neglected spirituality and epistemic roots, thus failing to confer genuine authority upon humanity. These sciences, by denying spiritual dimensions, have exacerbated ethical and psychological crises. The Holy Qur'an, by emphasising the roots, offers a comprehensive solution for achieving existential authority.
The Holy Qur'an is a scripture deeply rooted in epistemic origins, and its understanding necessitates etymology and returning to details. The following verse from Surah As-Sajda underscores this truth:
ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِي خَلَقَ ٱلسَّمَاوَاتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا فِي سِتَّةِ أَيَّامٍ ثُمَّ ٱسْتَوَىٰ عَلَى ٱلْعَرْشِ ۚ مَا لَكُم مِّن دُونِهِ مِن وَلِيٍّ وَلَا شَفِيعٍ ۚ أَفَلَا تَتَذَكَّرُونَ
"Allah is the One Who created the heavens and the earth and all that is between them in six days, then He rose over the Throne. You have no protector or intercessor besides Him. Will you not then take heed?"
This verse invites humanity to contemplate the intricacies of creation and the existential roots, as if each verse were a branch of the tree of knowledge connected to the roots of truth.
Etymology and root investigation serve as tools for spiritual progression, leading human beings from the mundane realm to the celestial assembly and divine reality. Surah Luqman, by emphasising wisdom, introduces this methodology as a path for attaining existential authority.
Divine entities such as angels and administrators guide humans along the paths of roots and truth, protecting them from misguidance. These beings, under divine management, safeguard humanity from dangers and direct them towards the sublime destination.
Surah Luqman, like a resplendent gem within the Holy Qur'an, offers wise guidance for humanitys attainment of existential authority and divine knowledge. Etymology, as a key to profound comprehension of the verses, and the recognition of the plurality of human souls, as an infinite capacity for transcendence, constitute the two main pillars of this Surah. The Qur'anic verses, by inviting reflection on roots and details, free humanity from negligence and guide it towards truth. Critiques of traditional educational systems and modern sciences reveal the necessity of transformation towards a root-centred approach. This treatise, through precise and detailed elucidation of these concepts, endeavours to pave a clear path for understanding and actualising the teachings of Surah Luqman for its readers.
Under the supervision of Sadegh Khademi
