Overview of QĀBA QAUSAIN (قاب قوسين)
Etymology
QĀBA QAUSAIN (قاب قوسين) literally translates to “two bows’ lengths.” The words originate from Arabic: “Qāb” meaning “measure” or “amount,” and “Quws” referring to “bow.” Thus, it directly refers to a specific distance comparable to the length of two bows.
Qurʾānic Background
The phrase appears in the Qurʾān in Sūrah An-Najm (53:8–10):
“Then he drew near and hovered o’er; until he was two bows’ length off or nigher still. Then he revealed to his servant what he revealed him.”
Here, traditional commentators often interpret this passage as a description of the Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) experience during the Mi’rāj (Ascension) when he was in a close proximity to the Divine. Some, however, believe it describes the interaction between the Prophet and the Angel Gabriel.
Mystic Interpretation
In Sufism and Islamic mysticism, Qāba Qausain represents an elevated state of spiritual proximity to God. Sufi mystics, such as Ibn Arabi and Abdul Qādir Jīlānī, elaborate on this notion to signify a union or intimate closeness with the Divine.
ʿAbdu ʾr-Razzāq, in his Dictionary of Ṣūfī Terms, explains that Qāba Qausain is more than just physical proximity; it is emotional and spiritual nearness that surpasses all worldly relationships. It’s a state of being where one’s soul feels the infinite presence and majesty of God.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
In comparing cultural understandings of divine proximity across different religious traditions:
- Christianity: The concept of ‘communion with God,’ especially during the Eucharist, reflects a similar spiritual closeness.
- Hinduism: The idea of ‘moksha’ or liberation represents the soul’s ultimate unity with the Divine.
- Buddhism: The attainment of ‘Nirvana’ denotes an ultimate state of inner peace and closeness to the universal truth.
In all these traditions, there’s an essence of reaching a sublime state of existence that transcends normal human experiences.
Synonyms and Antonyms
- Synonyms: Divine proximity, nearness to God, spiritual closeness
- Antonyms: Estrangement from God, spiritual distance, alienation
Related Terms
- Mi’rāj: The ascension of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to the heavens.
- Taqwa: A state of consciousness and fear of God, leading to righteous living.
- Wali (Saint): Friends of God who are known for their closeness to the Divine.
Exciting Facts
- Qāba Qausain is often depicted in Islamic calligraphy and art to represent the journey towards divine knowledge.
- Sufi poetry, such as that of Rumi, frequently explores themes of divine closeness akin to Qāba Qausain.
Notable Quotation
“Close enough to hear the heartbeats of existence and far enough to encompass all realms, that’s how it feels to be in Qāba Qausain with the Divine.” - Ibn Arabi
References
- Qurʾān, Sūrah An-Najm (53:8–10).
- ʿAbdu ʾr-Razzāq, Dictionary of Ṣūfī Terms.
- Ibn Arabi, Al-Futūḥāt al-Makkiyya (The Meccan Revelations).
- Rumi, Masnavi-i Ma’navi.
Suggested Literature
- “The Meccan Revelations” by Ibn Arabi
- “The Masnavi” by Rumi
- “The Heart of Islam” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr
- “The Ascension of the Prophet” by Claude Addas
Thought-Provoking Farewell
“May your journey through the concept of Qāba Qausain bring you closer to understanding the boundless love and omnipresence of the Divine. Remember, the shortest distance between a man and God is the bowstring of sincere devotion.”
With profound insights, Zahra Al-Mansoor Published on 2023-10-03
