Research Article

Word Made Book A Semantic and Historical Study of the Supra-Rationality of the Qur'ān as Transmitted in the Medium of Revelation within the Metaphysical Sociology of Arabia

Volume: 4 Number: 1 July 31, 2021
EN

Word Made Book A Semantic and Historical Study of the Supra-Rationality of the Qur'ān as Transmitted in the Medium of Revelation within the Metaphysical Sociology of Arabia

Abstract

This article argues that the Qur'ān seeks to place its modality of revelation within the oracle of Arabia and recognizes it as a valid “form” of revelation. It inducts its medium of revelation within the familiar apparatus of the pagan divination institution by tapping into the realm of supra-rationality while, simultaneously, making a radical shift at the doctrinal level. The Qur'ānic oracle speaks for one universal God as opposed to a tribal deity, pantheon of gods, or an anthropomorphized divinity that partakes of humanity. The article seeks to work with the core Islamic concept of revelation in dialogue with the notion of the Word of God in a semantic slash historical context. The inquiry glances at the historical presentation of what Islam warrants as a rationale of revelation by maintaining a propositional and qualitative distinction from the pagan oracle. It projects the dialectics of quality versus quantity and principle versus form rather than undertaking a complete break with the existing metaphysical and epistemological cosmos. Such a claim of external guidance, from the above, as laid by all three Semitic religions is, inherently, based upon, and rooted within the source of a higher realm attributed to the divinity. Islam’s hierarchy of being and non-being revolves around an essential Being, the one true God, as a theological necessity, whereas all contingency, the creation including mankind, is granted existence in the sanctuary of the divine will that takes place through God’s grace. The will of God, Logos, defines the relationship between the necessity and the contingency in the self-consciousness of the Qur'ān.

Keywords

Logos,, Word of God, kāhin, shā’ir, waḥī, tanzīl, nabī

Supporting Institution

Cincinnati Christian University, Cincinnati, Ohio (USA)

Project Number

3

Thanks

Dr. Tom Thatcher, Dr. Douglas Redford, Dr. Gabriel Reynolds

References

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APA
Waqas, S. (2021). Word Made Book A Semantic and Historical Study of the Supra-Rationality of the Qur’ān as Transmitted in the Medium of Revelation within the Metaphysical Sociology of Arabia. ULUM, 4(1), 7-24. https://doi.org/10.54659/ulum.824382
AMA
1.Waqas S. Word Made Book A Semantic and Historical Study of the Supra-Rationality of the Qur’ān as Transmitted in the Medium of Revelation within the Metaphysical Sociology of Arabia. ULUM. 2021;4(1):7-24. doi:10.54659/ulum.824382
Chicago
Waqas, Syed. 2021. “Word Made Book A Semantic and Historical Study of the Supra-Rationality of the Qur’ān As Transmitted in the Medium of Revelation Within the Metaphysical Sociology of Arabia”. ULUM 4 (1): 7-24. https://doi.org/10.54659/ulum.824382.
EndNote
Waqas S (July 1, 2021) Word Made Book A Semantic and Historical Study of the Supra-Rationality of the Qur’ān as Transmitted in the Medium of Revelation within the Metaphysical Sociology of Arabia. ULUM 4 1 7–24.
IEEE
[1]S. Waqas, “Word Made Book A Semantic and Historical Study of the Supra-Rationality of the Qur’ān as Transmitted in the Medium of Revelation within the Metaphysical Sociology of Arabia”, ULUM, vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 7–24, July 2021, doi: 10.54659/ulum.824382.
ISNAD
Waqas, Syed. “Word Made Book A Semantic and Historical Study of the Supra-Rationality of the Qur’ān As Transmitted in the Medium of Revelation Within the Metaphysical Sociology of Arabia”. ULUM 4/1 (July 1, 2021): 7-24. https://doi.org/10.54659/ulum.824382.
JAMA
1.Waqas S. Word Made Book A Semantic and Historical Study of the Supra-Rationality of the Qur’ān as Transmitted in the Medium of Revelation within the Metaphysical Sociology of Arabia. ULUM. 2021;4:7–24.
MLA
Waqas, Syed. “Word Made Book A Semantic and Historical Study of the Supra-Rationality of the Qur’ān As Transmitted in the Medium of Revelation Within the Metaphysical Sociology of Arabia”. ULUM, vol. 4, no. 1, July 2021, pp. 7-24, doi:10.54659/ulum.824382.
Vancouver
1.Syed Waqas. Word Made Book A Semantic and Historical Study of the Supra-Rationality of the Qur’ān as Transmitted in the Medium of Revelation within the Metaphysical Sociology of Arabia. ULUM. 2021 Jul. 1;4(1):7-24. doi:10.54659/ulum.824382