Definition
KALIMATU ʾL-ḤAẓRAH (كلمة الحضرة) refers to the divine command “Be” (Kun, كن) which symbolizes God’s creative power and absolute authority. By uttering “Kun,” God wills entities into existence. This command illustrates the instantaneous and effortless nature of divine creation.
Etymology
- Arabic:
- Kalimah (كلمة): Word.
- Al-Ḥaẓrah (الحضرة): Presence or Majesty.
- Linguistically, KALIMATU ʾL-ḤAẓRAH means “The Word of the Presence/Majesty,” representing the divine fiat.
Background
KALIMATU ʾL-ḤAẒRAH is deeply rooted in Islamic theology and eschatology, emphasizing God’s omnipotence and the concept of creation ex nihilo (creation out of nothing). The idea that God can bring anything into being through His mere word affirms Islamic monotheism and combats polytheistic notions of creation.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Similarities:
- Judaism and Christianity: The concept is akin to the Judeo-Christian understanding of God’s creative word, as seen in Genesis where God speaks the world into existence.
- Hinduism: The idea of divine sound or vibration (Om) as the fundamental force of creation parallels the idea of “Kun”.
Differences:
- Islam: Focuses on the transcendence and singularity of Allah with the command emphasizing absolute monotheism.
- Western Secular Thought: Often attributes the concept of creation to natural processes and science, differing significantly from the divine instantaneous act.
Synonyms
- Fiat of God
- Divine Command
- Kun Fa-yakūn (كن فيكون)
Antonyms
- Human Effort
- Creation by hands
Related Terms
- Tawhid (توحيد): Islamic monotheism.
- Qadar (قدر): Divine predestination.
Definitions
- Tawhid: The affirmation of the absolute oneness of Allah.
- Qadar: The concept of God’s predestination, including divine will and knowledge.
Exciting Facts
- Repetition in Qur’an: Kun occurs repeatedly (approximately in 11 places) in the Qur’an to emphasize the ease and absolute authority of divine creation.
- Sufism: In Sufi cosmology, KALIMATU ʾL-ḤAẓRAH symbolizes the divine presence manifested in the mystical understanding of being.
Quotations
- Qur’an: “Verily, when He intends a thing, His command is, ‘Be,’ and it is!” (Surah Yasin, 36:82).
- Rumi: “When God wants a thing to manifest, He says ‘Be’ and it becomes. Thus, His love, too, needs but one word to flourish in our hearts: Kun!”
References
- Holy Qur’an: The primary source where KALIMATU ʾL-ḤAẓRAH is articulated.
- “The Hilya of the Prophet” by Ghazali: Delve into reflections on divine attributes.
- “The Essential Rumi” by Coleman Barks: Offers poetic insights into Islamic mysticism.
Recommended Literature and Resources
- “The Sufi Path of Knowledge” by William C. Chittick: Understanding divine command in Sufi metaphysics.
- “God Is One: The Way of Islam” by Donald W. Qaragholi: Explores foundational Islamic beliefs.
Quizzes
In understanding the divine creative command, KALIMATU ʾL-ḤAẒRAH, we can appreciate the profound simplicity and immense power of God’s will. This concept ties the physical world to a much grander scheme of divine omnipotence, reflecting on one’s faith and spiritual perspective.
Farewell Thought: “Embrace the simplicity and power of divine will in your endeavors, for in the word ‘Be’ lies the essence of creation and existence.”
Your knowledgeable friend, Ibrahim Al-Aziz Publish Date: October 10, 2023
