of Nokounam, (Session 1778)
The Surahs Luqman and Sajdah, like two luminous gems in the treasury of the Holy Qur'an, invite humanity to reflect upon its existential reality and to attain spiritual and epistemological authority. These two surahs, through profound and foundational discourse, open a pathway towards the understanding of truth and lordship, emphasising the necessity of returning to epistemological roots. Rooting, as a key to unlocking the doors of the unseen and inner realities, guides humanity from superficial knowledge towards the depth of existential truths. This writing, with a comprehensive perspective on these two surahs, seeks to elucidate the manner in which human authority is actualised through epistemological rooting. Relying upon the verses of the Holy Qur'an and deep analytical insights, this work endeavours to map out a course for the dynamism of religious sciences and the revival of an authentic Islamic society.
Epistemological rooting, as a journey into the depths of knowledge, leads humanity towards the understanding of existential truth and the attainment of authority. Like a robust tree whose roots are embedded in the soil of truth, by reaching epistemological roots, humanity advances from the superficial level of knowledge towards the inner reality of objects and existential truths. This perspective aligns with the teachings of Surah Luqman, which introduces wisdom as a tool for foundational cognition.
Rootscomprising words, meanings, and existential realitiesare like fertile soil that facilitates spiritual and epistemological authority. Without this approach, humanity remains confined to superficial information and is deprived of access to truth.
Epistemological rooting presents a two-stage path before humanity. The first stage involves understanding the roots of words and meanings, which leads to superficial comprehension. In the second stage, humanity transcends words to approach realities, knowledge, and the divine Names and Attributes. This process corresponds with the verses of Surah Sajdah:
"That is the Knower of the unseen and the witnessed, the Almighty, the Merciful."
This verse introduces God as the Knower of the unseen and witnessed, whose understanding requires passing beyond words toward the truth.
The authentic Islamic society, like a fruitful garden, achieves the manifestation of truths and the opening of the doors of the unseen and inner realities by relying upon epistemological roots. This definition aligns with the verses of Surah Luqman:
"And We gave Luqman wisdom, saying, Be grateful to Allah. And whoever is grateful is grateful for the benefit of his own soul."
Wisdom, as a tool for foundational understanding, guides humanity towards gratitude and spiritual authority.
The contemporary Islamic society is likened to a plastic flower, devoid of fragrance and spiritual vitality. This metaphor indicates estrangement from epistemological roots that has deprived society of truth and dynamism. Wisdom and gratitude, as indicators of spiritual life in Surah Luqman, show the way back to truth.
The general and philosophical concept of God, like a lifeless statue, is distant from the divine truth. Epistemological rooting, relying upon divine determinations, guides humanity towards understanding dynamic lordship:
"His command is only when He intends a thing that He says to it, Be, and it is."
This verse presents God as a dynamic reality, manifesting with new determinations at every moment.
Derivation, like a firm rampart, elevates religious sciences from the level of superficial information towards foundational understanding. This approach, by meticulous attention to words and meanings, prevents stagnation and leads to the production of valid knowledge.
The verses of Surah Sajdah, by distinguishing between the believer and the transgressor, emphasise the necessity of epistemological rooting for understanding truth:
"If you could but see when the criminals are hanging their heads before their Lord, saying, Our Lord, we have seen and heard; so return us [to the world] that we might work righteousness. Indeed, we are now certain."
This verse portrays the remorse of the sinners arising from negligence in understanding the roots.
"Is one who is a believer like one who is defiantly disobedient? They are not equal."
This verse shows the difference between the believer and the transgressor in their inclination towards roots and knowledge.
Religious sciences, for dynamism and the production of valid knowledge, require moving beyond generalisation towards epistemological rooting. This transformation, like a life-giving breeze, guides religious sciences from stagnation towards innovation.
Foundational worship, like a bridge towards truth, guides humanity to the manifestation of the Lord and accompaniment with Him:
"You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help."
This verse introduces worship as an epistemological reality that manifests through rooting.
The Surahs Luqman and Sajdah, like a radiant light, illuminate the path of human authority through epistemological rooting. Rooting, by passing from words to realities, directs religious sciences from generalisation towards dynamism. This transformation not only leads the Islamic society towards the manifestation of knowledge and the opening of the doors of the unseen but also actualises the spiritual and existential authority of humanity. Religious sciences, relying on roots, can, like a sturdy tree, bear the fruits of knowledge and wisdom.
Under the supervision of Sadegh Khademi
