the Lectures of Nokounam, (Session 1807)
The Holy Qur'an, the book of guidance and knowledge, calls humanity towards contemplation of the cosmic order, dynamism in social life, and rational interaction with the created universe. This treatise, focusing on the three key terms planning (tadbr), creation (khalq), and contemplation (naar), examines the Qur'anic invitation to precision, foresight, and profound understanding of the system of creation. Its objective is to present a comprehensive and coherent analysis of these concepts, guiding humankind from intellectual and practical isolation towards active participation in self-improvement and societal advancement. The present text, arranged systematically and articulated in eloquent language, elucidates these notions through thematic sections and, by utilising Qur'anic verses, explores the connection of these terms with human life and responsibilities towards creation.
The Holy Qur'an invites human beings to active participation in social affairs, acquisition of insight, and purposeful movement. Isolation, akin to a snails shell enveloping the individual, leads to ill temper, dogmatism, and passivity. Such passivity deprives humans of dynamism, transforming them into isolated and life-draining entities. Through the call for engagement and social presence, the Qur'an guides humanity towards moral and intellectual flourishing. Just as a flower blossoms in a garden to embrace light and breeze, so must humans step forth from the corner of isolation into the arena of social life.
Planning, a Shared Attribute Between Creator and Creation
The term planning (tadbr) stems from the root dabara, meaning to look behind matters, to exercise foresight, and to engage in precise programming. God in the Holy Qur'an introduces Himself as the Planner of affairs:
"Indeed, your Lord is Allah, who created the heavens and the earth in six days and then established Himself above the Throne, managing all affairs." (Ynus 10:3)
This attribute, as an active participle, applies not only to the Creator but also to the created. Divine planning is akin to a sagacious architect who administers the cosmic system with precision and order. Likewise, humans, employing intellect and insight, can plan their own affairs and harmonise with the divine system. This harmony is like joining a current that guides the river of existence towards its sublime destination.
The Qur'anic Invitation to Planning in Understanding the Verses
The Holy Qur'an calls upon mankind to reflect and plan in its verses:
"Do they not then consider the Qur'an? Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have found therein much discrepancy." (An-Nis 4:82)
This verse invites humans to transcend superficial reading and delve into the depths of the Qur'anic meanings. Planning here is like diving into an ocean of knowledge to extract gems of wisdom from the depths of the verses. This process requires an active and dynamic mind that avoids superficiality and passivity.
Critique of Historical Approaches in Religious Science
In the history of religious science, some mystics indulged in illusions, and some scholars fixated on verbal expressions without sufficient attention to the depth of realities and planning in the system of creation. Such an approach is akin to being ensnared in the delicate webs of words, hindering flight towards the sky of knowledge. Excessive focus on theoretical discussions, without employing practical research, has diminished scientific dynamism in religious domains.
The Necessity of Establishing Research Centres in Religious Fields
To realise Qur'anic planning, seminaries must evolve from dormitory-like institutions into research centres equipped with laboratories. Laboratories are workshops wherein the gems of knowledge are the raw materials of creation. This transformation enables precise and applied study of the creation system, turning religious domains into hubs of scientific and epistemic production.
Conclusion of Section One
Planning, as a divine and human attribute, invites humans to foresight, programming, and precision within the cosmic system. The Holy Qur'an, emphasising social participation and reflection upon its verses, guides humanity from isolation and passivity to dynamism and constructive interaction. Religious science, to fulfil this call, requires a transformation from theoretical debates to practical research and the establishment of equipped scientific centres.
The word creation (khalq) and its derivatives appear approximately 259 times in the Holy Qur'an, indicating the importance of creation and the human role therein:
"He is the One who created for you all that is on earth." (Al-Baqarah 2:29)
This verse emphasises purposeful creation for human benefit. Creation is like a painters canvas that God has prepared for humanity to paint upon with the brush of intellect and knowledge.
The Role of Humans in Correcting and Developing Creation
The Holy Qur'an invites humans to participate in the process of creation:
"And He created from it its mate and dispersed from both of them many men and women." (Ash-Shr 42:49)
Humans can play a role in creation by correcting the lineage and improving its quality. This role is akin to a gardener who prunes unhealthy branches and nurtures strong saplings, cultivating a fruitful garden.
Critique of Non-Scientific Approaches in Population Management
Procreation without attention to physical and mental health leads to social problems such as increased societal burden and reduced efficiency. The Holy Qur'an, emphasising purposeful creation, invites humans to produce healthy and capable progeny. This call is akin to an invitation to build a stable edifice whose foundations rest upon health and wisdom.
Creation as a Voluntary Process
The Holy Qur'an, with verses such as:
"Have they not looked at the kingdom of the heavens and the earth and all that Allah has created?" (Al-Arf 7:185)
Calls upon humans to actively intervene in creation and benefit from it. This volition is like a key that opens the doors of creation for humans, enabling them to partake in its improvement through knowledge and research.
Conclusion of Section Two
The concept of creation in the Holy Qur'an calls humans to understand the system of creation and engage in its improvement. Correcting lineage, nurturing healthy and capable individuals, and rational utilisation of creation are responsibilities bestowed upon humans by the Qur'an. This responsibility necessitates scientific and ethical planning to form a progressive and dynamic society.
The word contemplation (naar) and its derivatives appear 138 times in the Holy Qur'an, underscoring the emphasis on deep and precise observation of the system of creation:
"Have they not looked at the sky above themhow We constructed it?" (Ash-Shuar 26:88)
In the Qur'an, contemplation transcends superficial viewing and denotes analysis and profound understanding of entities. This gaze is like a lamp that illuminates the darkness of ignorance and guides humans towards knowledge.
Critique of Oversimplification in Interpreting Verses of Contemplation
Some interpretations, such as the exegesis of verse 37 of Surah fft:
"So he looked at the stars and said, Indeed, I am sick." (fft 37)
Have mistakenly attributed metaphor or deception. This interpretation is inconsistent with the prophetic dignity. Abrahams (peace be upon him) gaze at the stars signified profound contemplation of the cosmic system to determine the appropriate time for his divine mission. This contemplation is like a precise architects blueprint, who carefully examines conditions before construction.
Invitation to Deep Reflection on Food and Creation
The Holy Qur'an invites humans to meticulous examination of their food and its effects on physical and spiritual health:
"So let man observe his food." (Abasa 80:24)
This verse calls for the engineering of nutrition and selection of healthy, energising foods. Unhealthy nutrition is like unsuitable fuel that disables the engine of human life.
The Role of Religious Science in Realising Qur'anic Contemplation
Religious science must progress from bureaucracy and mere theoretical discussions towards practical and laboratory research. Seminaries must become workshops where the tools of science and investigation extract gems of knowledge from the heart of creation.
Conclusion of Section Three
Contemplation in the Holy Qur'an is an invitation to reflection and precision in the system of creation. This gaze guides humans towards profound understanding and scientific analysis of entities. Religious science, to fulfil this invitation, must transform into equipped research centres to advance from passivity and superficiality towards dynamism and knowledge production.
The interpretation of the terms planning (tadbr), creation (khalq), and contemplation (naar) in the Holy Qur'an directs humans towards dynamism, precision, and active participation in the cosmic system. Planning serves as a blueprint encouraging rational programming and foresight in affairs. Creation, emphasising human responsibility in correcting and developing lineage, calls for societal improvement. Contemplation, like a lamp of knowledge, dispels the darkness of ignorance with the light of insight. Religious science, to realise these concepts, must transition from passivity to practical research and the establishment of equipped scientific centres. This transformation not only fosters scientific growth within the Islamic society but also shields it from cultural isolation and backwardness.
Under the supervision of Sadegh Khademi
