📖 Exploring AL-KITĀBU ʾL-MUBĪN: The 📚 Manifest Book in Islam
AL-KITĀBU ʾL-MUBĪN (الكتاب المبين), translated as “The Manifest or Clear Book,” is a profound concept in Islam, intricately tied to both divine decree and revelation. This term surfaces with notable frequency within the Qurʾān itself, encapsulating broad layers of theological, metaphysical, and eschatological contemplations.
Definition and Usage
The term AL-KITĀBU ʾL-MUBĪN is utilized within the Qurʾān as a denotation for two pivotal constructs:
- The Tablet of Decrees (Lauḥu ʾl-Maḥfūz̤): A celestial record housing God’s eternal decrees and the extensive register of all occurrences.
- The Qurʾān: The culmination of divine revelation, offering the Guidance and Light.
Allah states in Sūrah 6:59: “No leaf falleth but He knoweth it; neither is there a grain in the darkness of the earth, nor a green thing or sere, but it is noted in the clear book.” Furthermore, Sūrah 4:18 expresses: “Now hath a light and a clear book come to you from God.”
Etymology and Pronunciation
Etymology:
- The Arabic term الكتاب المبين is segmented into:
- الكتاب (Al-Kitāb): “The Book”
- المبين (Al-Mubīn): “The Clear or Manifest”
Pronunciation:
Al-Kitābu ʾl-Mubīn [al-ki-ta:-bu‿mːu-bʲiːn]
Metaphysical and Theological Dimensions
Tablet of Decrees (Lauḥu ʾl-Maḥfūz̤)
The concept epitomizes the preordination and the immutable knowledge of the Divine. This celestial tablet encompasses all creation’s destinies — from the beginning till the end — a testament to Allah’s omniscience.
The Qurʾān
Embedded with moral direction, wisdom, and divine rulings, the Qurʾān stands indisputable, its clarity extinguishing doubts and ambiguities. Its directives transcend ages, carving out principles to coherent living.
Cultural Nuances and Inter-religious Insights
Similarities:
- Christianity: The notion of “The Book of Life” encapsulating divine knowledge shares semblance with AL-KITĀBU ʾL-MUBĪN as the Celestial Tablet.
- Judaism: The Torah, akin to the Qur’an, is held in divine esteem, being the absolute code for spiritual and worldly governance.
Differences:
- Islamic Perspective: AL-KITĀBU ʾL-MUBĪN encapsulates both divine knowledge and tangible revelation comprehensively, which might exhibit discrete but interconnected representations compared to Jewish and Christian traditions.
Synonyms, Antonyms, and Related Terms
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Synonyms:
- Kitāb Allāh (Book of God)
- Al-Kitāb al-Ḥakīm (The Wise Book)
- Lauḥ al-Maḥfūẓ (Protected Tablet)
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Antonyms:
- Ambiguous Text
- Hidden Archive (Conceptual Opposite)
- Al-Kitāb al-Makhfī (The Hidden Book)
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Related Terms:
- Qurʾān (The Recitation): Holy scripture of Islam
- Lauḥu ʾl-Maḥfūz̤ (Tablet of Decrees): Cosmic record
🌟 Exciting Facts
- Cosmic Reference: AL-KITĀBU ʾL-MUBĪN metaphorically blends the terrestrial (Qurʾān) and extraterrestrial (Tablet of Decrees), embodying universal knowledge.
- Linguistic Masterpiece: The Qurʾān ascribed to AL-KITĀBU ʾL-MUBĪN emphasizes flawless Arabic, honored for its linguistic splendor.
Quotations 🗒️
- “The Qur’an as The Manifest Book reveals pathways to dimensions unknown while anchoring existence to fundamental truth” — Sayyid Qutb
- “In AL-KITĀBU ʾL-MUBĪN, the convergence of divine decree and radiant guidance become the compass of the believers” — Abul A’la Maududi
Further Reading and Explore
Suggested Literature:
- “The Phenomenon of the Qur’an” by Siraj Wahhaj
- “Angels: Messengers and Beings of Light” by Omer Ashraf
- “Qur’anic Exegesis: Understanding God’s Revelation” by Leila Ahmed
Inspirational Thought
“Seek within AL-KITĀBU ʾL-MUBĪN the enlightenment to transcend over fleeting shadows of life, yielding heart and soul to the divine Light.”
Reflect upon the sacred verses and delve into the quest of divine understanding, fostering an enlightened intellect and soul.
Published by Khalid Al-Yassir | October 3, 2023
