Philosophy

Once again the fundamental principle is enunciated here, namely, that comprehension of the created, i.e. the subject of creation is the only and unfailing method for the comprehension of the omnipotence of the Creator. If man ponders over each subject of creation, its formation, qualities, capacities and then further delves into the interrelation of each to the whole conception of the cosmic universe, and at the same time comprehends but an iota of it, man will avow the existence of [...]

  The previous verse and those following, by illustrative references, set the reader's mind thinking on the majesty, and omnipotence of the Creator. The trend of thought is not to suggest that the Creator can be comprehended. This, we have been clearly told, is outside the power of man, nay, even beyond the power of al-ʿAql al-Awwal, the first and highest in perfection. Rather, we are told, if man comprehends certain facts and substances that are to be found in [...]

This couplet projects us into the present age. The present generation justly lays claim to have advanced in the scientific and other fields of knowledge so as to produce atomic reactors, hydrogen bombs, jet planes, etc. The achievement is truly great and a matter of just pride. However, the author cautions that this achievement only reveals the glory of the Creator and implies that the just pride of achievement should not make us lose sight of the fact of our [...]

This verse recalls a hadith of the Holy Prophet SAW questioned as to how one could know the Creator, the Prophet replied : 'Whosoever should know his soul will know his Creator.' The reply is at once apt and conclusive. It admonishes, as it were, the questioner and directs him first to attempt to know himself before he can even presume to know the Creator. If man can truly lay a claim to the knowledge of himself i.e. his soul, [...]

The author in the immediately preceding verses having dealt with al-ʿaql al-salīm and having illustrated a few of the 'obstructions' which ʿaql meets with, now indicates that a happy life is within the grasp of that man who fashions his ʿaql, by the processes prescribed, into al-ʿaql al-salīm to which he thereafter owes obedience as his master. The two requirements of happiness, in this context, are al-ʿaql al-salīm and its supremacy over man. It is by virtue of this al-ʿaql [...]

Man is quite familiar with the subject considered in this verse. The history of mankind is replete with literature dealing with the human passion. In fact history is the outcome of such passions. ʿAql, we have been shown in verse 10, may fall a prey to 'obstruction.' Verse 11 has already dealt with the state of man when caprice is permitted to ride roughshod over ʿaql. The author considers the perils of haughtiness, tyranny or a dominating influence, in so [...]

    Purposefully, the author dwells upon in this verse, on the effect of an adulterating or contaminating element getting mixed up with the original light of the sun. Allah has endowed the creatures of His creation with innumerable hues and colours, of varying degrees of brightness and beauty. Man is astounded by Allah's handiwork when his eyes gaze upon the wondrous beauty and tints as illumined by the original pure rays of the sun. But the moment the rays [...]

Man's nature is replete with desires, whims, fancies and passions. These, per se, are neither good nor evil. In fact, the balanced existence of man makes the presence of such desires, passions etc. necessary. But these elements acquire the quality of good or evil depending upon the state of the ʿaql vis-a-vis the influence these elements bring to bear upon it. When the influence is within bounds the elements are good and, alternatively, when the equilibrium is disturbed, the process [...]

Here, another state of al-ʿaql is indicated, namely al-ʿaql al-salīm, by reaching which ʿaql gains superiority over all things. Al-ʿaql al-salīm in its ordinary connotation, would amount to commonsense. Its Arabic connotation, in the strict sense, signifies ʿaql that is free from obstruction. In other words, ʿaql that is protected. ʿAql in man, we have already noticed, is inherently a tainted potentiality, which by the force of outside evil influences, may be further tainted or made impure in the absence [...]

Describing the potentiality of al-ʿaql, the author brings out in this verse and some of the verses that follow, how such potentiality could lead towards great achievements. He also points out the dangers of the misuse of the self-same potentiality. The art of Alchemy is to turn base metals like copper into gold. The person who practises this art relies on his knowledge of the property of mercury, of the base metal required to be transmuted and of the technicalities [...]