Quranic Studies Notes
Izzy from New York, a transfer student from Saint Abbe Institute, took Quranic studies three years ago. Zahira hopes to gain the riza of Allah through this journey, guided by Allah's hand, aiming to learn the Quran and be among those close to Allah.
Course Overview
Covers Quranic principles of Tafsir.
Introduction to the Quran.
Names of the Quran.
Wahi (divine revelation):
Deep knowledge.
Kinds, ways, and methods of revelation to the Prophet.
The descent of the Quran.
Saba Kirat (the seven Ahrof the Quran was revealed on).
Nasaq and Mansuq (abrogated and abrogating verses of the Quran).
Names of the Quran
Scholarly views vary on the number of names.
Allama Abdul Mali: Suggests approximately 55 names.
Some scholars: Propose more than 90 names.
Mufti Taqi Usmani: Recognizes only five true names:
Al-Quran (the book itself).
Al-Furqan (the criteria distinguishing right from wrong).
Az-Zikr (advice and remembrance).
Al-Kitab (the book form).
At-Tanzil (the revelation).
Reasoning for differing views:
Other scholars consider Sifat (attributes/characteristics) of the Quran as names.
The five names are explicitly used for the Quran by Allah Himself.
Example of an attribute used as a name: Quran as a cure for hearts (Ash-Shafi).
The Name "Quran"
Used in over 61 places in the Quran.
Derived from the word (to collect).
Later used for reading, meaning collecting letters and words together.
Surah Al-Qiyama: "Surely it is upon Us to collect it [in your breast, O Muhammad], and [to establish] its recitation."
Verbal noun: Used in the meaning of its passive participle (the book that is read).
Historical context in Makkah:
Enemies tried to suppress recitation.
Allah named it Quran to signify it will be read widely despite opposition.
Surah Fussilat: People were told not to listen to the Quran and to make noise to drown it out.
Literal definition of the Quran:
The words of Allah revealed to His Messenger, written in books, narrated continuously without doubt.
Key aspects include the words of Allah, revelation to the Messenger, written form, continuous narration (Mutawatir), and certainty (Bila Shubha).
Mutawatir: Refers to a continuous chain of narrators without breakage, with numerous narrators ensuring truthfulness.
Definition unanimously accepted by all learned scholars.
Sources of Knowledge
Three sources:
Five senses: Limited to physical attributes.
Intellect: Can understand functions but with limitations.
Wahi: Limitless, answering questions about pleasing Allah and the purpose of creation.
Senses and intellect help in earthly life.
Wahi guides on how to please Allah, the reason for creation, and achieving Jannah.
Man's purpose: To use the universe correctly and obey Allah's commandments.
Limitations of senses and intellect:
Inability of the intellect to perceive what senses can, and vice versa.
Wahi starts where the mind ends, providing answers to life's ultimate questions.
Wahi (Divine Revelation)
Originates from Arabic words and , meaning to signify something quickly.
Various methods of signifying:
By enigma or metaphor.
Putting something in someone's heart.
Signifying with action or meaningless sound.
Signifying by writings or inscriptions.
Example: Hazrat Zakaria communicated through actions, telling people to glorify their Lord in the morning and evening through gestures.
Examples in the Quran:
Revelations to the bee (building homes in the mountains).
To devils (shayateen) inspiring one another with gilded speech.
To angels (inspiring them to support believers).
To Musa's mother (to suckle him).
Ihaun vs. Wahi:
Ihaun has general application and can be used for prophets and non-prophets, including gestures and inspirations.
Wahi is specific to prophets and consists of the words of Allah sent to His prophets.
According to Alama Anwar Shah Kashmiri, Ihaun has a general application, whereas Wahi applies only to prophets.
Wahi: Considered a sacred, instructive link between Allah and His servants, perceived only by the prophets.
Teachings of Wahi: Cover religious and worldly matters, providing instructions for common needs of the world.
Examples:
Hazrat Nuh being commanded to construct the ark.
Medical science (Tib-e-Nabvi) being taught through Wahi.
Kinds of Wahi (According to Allama Anwar Shah Kashmiri)
Wahi at the Heart: Directed to the heart of a prophet without any medium, can occur in sleep or wakefulness.
Example: The dream of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son.
Direct Discourse from Allah: Allah speaks directly to the prophet, who hears the voice.
Example: Conversation with Hazrat Musa during Mi'raj.
Angelic Wahi: Allah sends His message through an angel, who can come in different forms.
Human figure (Hazrat Dahiya Kalbi).
Invisibly with only a voice heard.
In original form (rarely).
Methods of Wahi on the Holy Prophet (PBUH)
Aisha narrated a Hadith where Sahabi Haaris ibn Hisham asked the Prophet about Wahi.
Two ways described by the Prophet:
Hearing a voice like ringing bells (most difficult).
Uncertain similarity to bells; scholars suggest it was the voice of an angel or the flutter of wings.
Anwar Shah Kashmiri explained it as continuity and difficulty to ascertain the direction, quoting Khadrat Mukhiyudin Ibn Arahi.
Other signs: Face bathed in sweat during severe cold, difficult breathing, pale face, teeth clattering with cold, and drops rolling down like beads.
The weight of the words was such that an animal could not stand.
Hazrat Umar said the sound was like buzzing bees near the face at the time of Descent of Wahi.
Angel coming in human form (easiest and ideal method).
Hazrat Dhiya Kalbi was considered the most handsome person of his time.
Hazrat Jibreel was the angel who brought Wahi during the three years of Muhammad's Prophethood.
The first three sightlings are considered authentic, but the last one is doubtful.
True dreams (Rukhiya sawliha, Morning Light, and the forty-sixth part of Wahi) served as the initial revelation; magic spells were present in his dream.
More methods of Wahi:
Direct discourse with Allah (like with Hazrat Musa, during Mi'raj).
Inspiration in the heart (angel inspiring without appearing).
Wahi is for prophets and has