Transformation Through Qur’an Series: Part 3

The third segment continues with specific questions directed at Shaykh Fadhlalla and a panel of respondents who illustrate the multidimensional nature of the Qur’anic revelation. Shaykh Fadhlalla reiterates the need to cultivate the appropriate attitudes and courtesy in approaching the Qur’an. The Qur’an is directly revealed knowledge that relates earthly appearances and connections with the infinite unseen: it is about guidance and hence requires a special attitude. The key to awakening with the Qur’an is trust and acceptance in the prophetic access to supernatural insight - into the evident nature and the inner workings of man. If one can cultivate patience with the unfolding layers of meaning and logic, it reveals itself. Various knowledge and sciences have developed historically that form part of the ecology of Qur’anic study. This presentation details briefly some of these and various linguistic approaches and issues, paralleled with an overview of the historical context of revelation and socio-cultural changes within the constant human quest for meaning and light. Additional themes include: approaching sha’riah, it’s meaning and its purpose in living correctly and in harmony; micro and macro dynamics; cycles, orbits, opposites and complements presented in the Qur’anic disclosures as related to scientific discoveries, time and non-time and the interspace of existence; and the central theme of alignment with the Divine Will. Shaykh Fadhlalla presents various prescriptive keys, emphasizing honesty, accountability and indicating the web of unified interconnection in which all these dynamics fit and coalesce in the way of faith, trust and abandonment. Awakening is a process of displacement. This is the source of all addictions: losing the self into the light of the soul.