This treatise examines and analyses selected verses from the Surahs Al-Anm, At-Takthur, and Fussilat in the Holy Quran, dedicating itself to an exploration of the fundamental divine and existential concepts embedded within these verses through a mystical and philosophical lens. The focal points of reflection in this work are concepts such as Divine knowledge, the Clear Book, truth, creation, ordainment, and power, elucidated by utilising mystical viewpoints alongside critical evaluations of philosophical doctrines, especially those of Mulla Sadra and Ibn Sn. The aim of this treatise is to provide a profound and coherent exegesis that not only clarifies the Quranic meanings for its audience but also, by linking these meanings to mystical conduct and the role of Quranic sciences in scholarly domains, opens a pathway toward a deeper comprehension of the cosmic order. The structure of this work is arranged to accompany the reader in a clear and purposeful path through thematic categorisation and detailed analyses.
And with Him are the keys of the unseen; none knows them except Him. And He knows what is on the land and in the sea. Not a leaf falls but He knows it, nor a grain in darknesses of the earth, nor anything fresh or dry, but it is in a clear Book.
This noble verse, by emphasising the keys of the unseen, indicates the exclusivity of the knowledge of the unseen within the Essence of the Divine. From a mystical perspective, these keys are akin to gateways to the reality of existence that are solely in the possession of the Truth itself. These keys are manifestations of the Names and Attributes of God which, in the realm of the unseen, enable the manifestation and actualisation for beings. The Divine knowledge in this verse is not merely theoretical cognition but an existential comprehensiveness encompassing all aspects of creation. This knowledge, contrary to philosophical views that reduce it to mental apprehension, here signifies a creative and formative presence that includes even the minutest phenomenafrom the falling of a leaf to a grain in the darkness of the earth.
The phrase clear Book in this verse refers to the Preserved Tablet or the Book of Existence in which all determinations and manifestations of being are recorded. From the mystical viewpoint, this Book is not a physical ledger but an ontological reality wherein all dimensions of creation, from fresh to dry, are transparently and distinctly present before the Divine. The mystics regard this Book as the Merciful Soul through which all entities manifest as divine manifestations. Contrary to Mulla Sadras reduction of the Preserved Tablet to a purely immaterial realm within the world of intellects, this verse introduces the clear Book as an all-encompassing container that includes even the details of the material world.
The verses emphasis on not a leaf falls but He knows it and nor a grain in the darknesses of the earth signifies the complete comprehensiveness of Divine knowledge over all levels of existence, from the apparent to the concealed. From a mystical perspective, this comprehensiveness is a sign of the continual presence of the Truth in every level of being. No phenomenon, even in the darknesses of the earth or in the unseen, escapes Divine knowledge. This knowledge is not only perception but also the creator and sustainer of existence, as though a light illuminating the darknesses of creation.
The phrase nor anything fresh or dry points to the inclusiveness of Divine knowledge over all opposites and contradictions in the world. From a mystical viewpoint, this phrase is indicative of the unity of existence in which all phenomena, from wet to dry, are united in the Divine reality. The apparent opposites are, in essence, diverse manifestations of a single reality recorded in the clear Book as divine manifestations. Contrary to Mulla Sadras view that regards opposites as signs of the deficiency of the material world, this verse introduces opposites as integral parts of the complete system of creation.
No bearer of burdens shall bear the burden of another.
This verse complements verse 59 of Surah Al-Anm and points to the ontological independence of each individual in relation to their deeds. From a mystical perspective, this independence refers to the existential freedom of the human being in relation to the Truth. No soul is bound to another; rather, each soul independently manifests within the realm of Divine knowledge. This freedom is the result of the Divine manifestation within every soul, recorded in the clear Book. Contrary to Mulla Sadras emphasis on the interconnectedness of entities in the chain of causes and effects, this verse affirms the ontological independence of each soul before the Truth.
The universe appears as a vast carpet, each thread shining independently before the Divine light, but none stitched to another. This independence means existential freedom wherein each being, within the sphere of Divine manifestation, finds itself freely and proceeds on the path to perfection. This concept not only points to human freedom before the Truth but also portrays the system of creation such that each part, independent of ties to another, manifests in the light of Truth.
Verse 59 of Surah Al-Anm, emphasising the keys of the unseen, the clear Book, and the comprehensiveness of Divine knowledge, introduces the system of creation as manifestations of the Truth. Divine knowledge is not merely perception but also the creator and sustainer of existence. Verse 164, by stressing existential freedom, completes this system and demonstrates that each soul, within Divine knowledge, is independent and free. Critique of philosophical views indicates the necessity of revisiting religious knowledge based on Quranic verses and mystical approaches.
No! If you knew with a knowledge of certainty,
You would surely see the Hellfire.
The phrase knowledge of certainty refers to a cognition that transcends apparent knowledge and leads to the intuitive vision of reality. From the mystical perspective, knowledge of certainty is a cognition that frees the seeker from mental frameworks and guides him to the vision of the Truth and the understanding of the reality of Hellfire. This knowledge is not merely theoretical but practical, prompting self-reformation and liberation from heedlessness. Contrary to Mulla Sadras reduction of knowledge of certainty to intellectual apprehension, this verse connects it to the vision of Hellfire, which possesses an existential and practical nature.
