Inspiration and Knowledge: Exploring Divine Guidance in Human Innovation

By Naseer Ahmed, New Age Islam 10 September 2024 In the Quran, the relationship between divine inspiration and human knowledge is emphasised, suggesting that many of our intellectual advancements are not solely our own but are guided by a higher power. This concept is illustrated in the first verses revealed to Prophet Muhammad (SAS): (96:1) Proclaim! (or read!) in the name of thy Lord and Cherisher, Who created- (2) Created man, out of a (mere) clot of congealed blood: (3) Proclaim! And thy Lord is Most Bountiful- (4) He Who taught (the use of) the pen- (5) Taught man that which he knew not. (6) Nay, but man doth transgress all bounds, (7) In that he looks upon himself as self-sufficient. Importance of Recording in Our Evolution It is commonly believed that man invented the Pen or writing instrument. However, when Allah says that He taught mankind the use of a writing instrument, it reveals a deeper truth. As mentioned in the verses, the Pen is not just a tool, but a divine inspiration. It signifies the profound connection between God's teachings and the evolution of human knowledge, inspiring us with the knowledge that our intellectual advancements are not just our own, but a gift from a higher power. While other creatures demonstrate impressive cognitive abilities, it is mankind’s unique capability to record and preserve knowledge that sets us apart. This skill, as the Quran suggests, is not just a human achievement, but a divine inspiration that makes us feel valued and significant. This unique ability not only helps preserve knowledge but also build on it incrementally and disseminate it widely. Today’s generation, therefore, incorporates the cumulative knowledge and wisdom built over the ages. Writing or recording is not just critical; it is integral to preserving knowledge. This significance is underscored by the fact that the word 'record' appears in 36 verses. Allah records everything down to the minutest detail and the same skill Allah has given or taught mankind. The verse suggests that although man thinks he has invented the writing instrument, Allah has inspired man with ideas of its uses and, therefore, with its invention. Man is foolish to believe he is self-sufficient and needs no help from Allah. The verse also says that Allah taught man that which he knew not. This revelation humbles us and makes us realise that all our progress, including the invention of writing, is a gift from Allah. We know that the revelation of the Quran was initially through the angel Jibrail and later through inspiration. The Quran also says: (17:85) They ask thee concerning the Ruh (inspiration). Say: "The Ruh (comes) by command of my Lord: of knowledge it is only a little that is communicated to you, (O men!)" (86) If it were Our Will, We could take away that which We have sent thee by inspiration: then wouldst thou find none to plead thy affair in that matter as against Us,- (87) Except for Mercy from thy Lord: for his bounty is to thee (indeed) great. (88) Say: "If the whole of mankind and Jinns were to gather together to produce the like of this Qur´an, they could not produce the like thereof, even if they backed up each other with help and support. The Quran is inimitable because it could only be produced by inspiration from Allah and is impossible for man or Jinn even if all of them put their heads together. Allah can also take away what Allah has given us through inspiration. Let us now focus on: (17:85) They ask thee concerning Ruh (inspiration of Allah). Say: "The Ruh comes by command of my Lord: of knowledge it is only a little that is communicated to you, (O men!)" What does “of knowledge it is only a little that is communicated to you, (O men!)" mean? Is Allah referring to the state of knowledge given to man upto the time of the revelation of the Quran and saying that it is only a little that is communicated to you, implying that much more will be communicated in future through inspiration, which Allah can send to anyone? Does Allah Inspire All Leaps In Our Knowledge? (40:15) Raised high above ranks (or degrees), (He is) the Lord of the Throne (of Authority): by His Command does He send Inspiration (Ruha) to any of His servants he pleases, that it may warn (men) of the Day of Mutual Meeting, - Allah can guide through his inspiration any person he chooses to. If the pen, an invention often attributed to human ingenuity, manifests divine inspiration, could it be that Allah’s will also guide all significant breakthroughs and innovations throughout history? While many breakthroughs may be inspired, and often the logic to explain them follows after the initial insight, it is important to recognise the complex interplay between human effort, intellectual curiosity, and divine guidance. Inspiration, of course, comes only to those who work on a problem. Buddha received enlightenment after meditating for 40 days and nights, and so is the case with Muhammad (PBUH), who retired to a cave for his meditations. Ramanujan’s mathematical theorems were inspired. The proofs came later, often with the help of other mathematicians or entirely by other mathematicians. Ramanujan couldn’t himself prove some of his theorems. The mathematical proof of Einstein’s general theory of relativity and its empirical validation came years after he had formulated the theory. Psychology will have theories of the subconscious solving the problem before the conscious becomes aware of it to explain the phenomena. My Recent Experience with Inspiration Inspiration comes in a variety of ways. I was trying to figure out the meaning of “The Fig” in Surah 95. I knew from childhood that Buddha was thought by many to be one of the messengers of Allah, and if the three other metaphors meant Jesus, Moses and Muhammad, “The Fig” could mean Buddha because it was a fig tree under which Buddha received enlightenment. However, I wasn’t quite satisfied with this meaning and ended the article expressing my uneasiness. In the very same article, I said that “Sabians” is another term used for people of Allah’s religion. No one knew who they were, and I said this could be a placeholder for all the people of non-Abrahamic faiths, which are also Allah’s religion. In the debate that ensued, GM sb asked sarcastically: Why? Was the meaning explained by God? Of course not! Was any argument adduced to explain why the fig refers to Buddha and Buddha only? If there are now four religions that the Quran recognises (Judaism, Christianity, Islam and Buddhism), three monotheistic and one agnostic, then what about Jainism or Shintoism? Why are they left out? By Ghulam Mohiyuddin 25/08/2024 01:53:15 He asked a logical question which needed an answer. I researched and found that “The Fig” is sacred to Hinduism, Jainism, Shintoism, Zoroastrianism, ancient Egyptian, Greco-Roman and African religious traditions besides Buddhism. This was the perfect explanation of the meaning of the metaphor of “The fig”. It is a metaphor for all the founders of Allah’s religion outside the Abrahamic faith. So, Allah is swearing by all His messengers who are founders of His religion. Allah sends His inspiration in many ways - even through the mocking sarcasm of a person ridiculing you! Now the link between Sabians and “The Fig” became clear. “The fig” is a metaphor for all founders of Allah’s religion outside the Abrahamic faith, and “Sabians” represent all their people. Conclusion: The Quran teaches that divine inspiration often guides human knowledge and innovation. As we continue to explore and expand our understanding of the world, it is important to remain humble, recognising that much of our progress may be rooted in guidance from a higher power. This humility and openness to divine inspiration can lead to deeper insights and a more inclusive understanding of the world around us. ---- A frequent contributor to NewAgeIslam.com, Naseer Ahmed is an Engineering graduate from IIT Kanpur and is an independent IT consultant after having served in both the Public and Private sector in responsible positions for over three decades. He has spent years studying Quran in-depth and made seminal contributions to its interpretation. 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