A Scholarly Proof: The Epistemological Path of Recognition through the Names of Allah
How Recitation and Writing of Asma’ Allāh Unlock Divine Knowledge
Premise 1: Recognition comes through Names
Evidence (Dalīl): Imam al-Riḍā (ع) states:
“Until one is not called by means of his names, he is not recognized.”
(Uṣūl al-Kāfī, Bāb 1: On the Names Coming into Existence)
Reasoning: Names are not mere labels; they are manifestations of essence in a form comprehensible to created beings. Knowing the Names of Allah allows the servant to recognize Him intellectually and spiritually.
Premise 2: Knowledge requires Writing
Evidence (Dalīl): The Prophet (ص) said:
“Until you write it down, you will not know it.”
Reasoning: Writing externalizes knowledge, preserving it beyond the fleeting capacities of memory. Cognition and retention are inseparable from preservation, so writing is necessary to solidify knowledge of the Names.
Premise 3: The Heart Precedes the Brain
Evidence (Dalīl): Imam al-Riḍā (ع), al-Risālah al-Dhahabīyah:
The qalb (heart), tied to the rūḥ, is superior to the ʿaql (intellect) in the brain, tied to the nafs.
Reasoning: Divine knowledge is first realized in the heart, as the qalb is the seat of spiritual perception, connected to the soul. Intellectual reasoning alone cannot apprehend the fullness of divine Names; it must be preceded by spiritual reception.
Synthesis: Recitation before Writing
Reasoning: Recitation (dhikr) engages the nafas and the qalb, activating the rūḥ and awakening recognition. Writing (kitābah), however, fixes the knowledge in a durable form for continued reflection and comprehension.
Principle: Recitation awakens; writing preserves. Both are necessary for complete maʿrifah.
Supporting Qur’anic Evidence:
“Recite in the Name of your Lord who created, Who taught by the pen.” (Qur’an 96:1–4)
This verse mirrors the epistemological path: recitation (awareness and activation) comes first, then writing (preservation and codification).
Conclusion:
To achieve full recognition (maʿrifah) of Allah:
Recite the Names — to awaken the heart and spirit.
Write the Names — to preserve knowledge and facilitate intellectual understanding.
Without recitation, the Names remain abstract; without writing, they are fleeting. Together, they form the complete path of divine knowledge.
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