The Universal Language of Innate Nature (Fiṭra)

The focus of this section is the universal nature of the Qur'an's language. The comprehension of the Qur'an's teachings is not contingent upon adherence to a specific culture or civilization. Rather, it transcends cultural and civilizational barriers, making its profound wisdom and guidance accessible to all.

The sole language that bridges the diverse expanse of humanity is the language of innate nature (fiṭra), a common essence and shared heritage intrinsic to all humans across all eras and locales. This universal essence is familiar to every individual, inherently excluding no one. It is safeguarded by God, its Creator, as stated:

So set your countenance on the religion as a people of pure faith, the origination of Allah according to which He originated mankind. There is no altering Allah's creation; that is the upright religion, but most people do not know. (30:30)

In discussing the Qur'an's language within this introduction, we do not delve into its linguistic or literary aspects. Clearly, the Qur'an is articulated through Arabic language and literature, and its nuances are initially inaccessible to non-Arabic speakers without the requisite study of Arabic. However, asserting that the Qur'an and its language are oriented towards humanity means it communicates in the universal language of humankind.

Despite the diversity in language, culture, and identity, there exists a universal understanding rooted in the unchanging and eternal innate nature (fiṭra) common to all. The Qur'an engages this universal language, appealing directly to this innate nature with the aim of nurturing it. Thus, the true language of the Qur'an is universally familiar, and its messages are universally accessible.

The universal applicability of the Qur'an's language and its vocabulary is exemplified by the presence of individuals such as Salmān the Persian, Ṣuhayb the Roman, Bilāl the Ethiopian, Uways al-Qarnī, ʿAmmār, and Abū Dharr among the esteemed companions of the universal Prophet, Muḥammad b. ʿAbd Allāh (s.a.w.). His declaration, "I have been sent to the white, and the black, and the red," epitomizes his message's transcendence beyond racial, linguistic, regional, and customary distinctions, affirming the fundamental unity of all humanity.

The Qur'an's teachings are universally accessible and straightforward, as highlighted in several verses:

O People of the Scripture, there has come to you Our Messenger making clear to you much of what you used to conceal of the Scripture and overlooking much. There has come to you from God a light and a clear Book. (5:15)

O mankind, there has come to you a conclusive proof from your Lord, and We have sent down to you a clear light. (4:174)

So believe in God and His messenger and the light which We have sent down. (64:8)

So those who have believed in him, honoured him, supported him, and followed the light which was sent down with him—it is those who will be successful. (7:157)

These passages portray the Qur'an as a beacon of light, a lucid book providing clear proof of divine guidance. The metaphor of light, used to describe the Qur'an, underscores its role in illuminating the path to understanding and faith. Despite the inherent variety in light's intensity, and varying degrees of perception among individuals, the Qur'an's light is undeniable and visible to all.

The Qur'an states, God is the Light of the heavens and the earth (24:35), introducing a divine light for human guidance that is inherently clear, containing no obscurities. This light illuminates all aspects of human life—belief, ethics, and action. A unique characteristic of this light is its ability to illuminate by itself and to make other aspects visible (al-ẓāhir bi dhātihi wa al-muẓhir li ghayrihi), without reliance on any external source. In essence, while everything requires light to be seen, the light of divine guidance is self-evident.

The Qur'an's simplicity and clarity are further emphasized. It is not entangled in complexity, nor does it harbor any obscure or enigmatic elements. Its guidance is unequivocal, devoid of ambiguity, and stands independent in its mission to elucidate universal truths and delineate the path towards human felicity.

And We have sent down to you the Book as clarification for all things and as guidance and mercy and good tidings for the Muslims. (16:89)

The Qur'an unfolds all knowledge deemed necessary and beneficial for humanity, with the aim to elucidate teachings and rulings that steer individuals towards happiness and orchestrate the progress of human societies. This scripture stands out for its clarity in communication, eschewing ambiguity or the need for external clarification—an unclear text would falter in imparting wisdom crucial for prosperity. Hence, the Qur'an's messages are lucid within their scope, offering insights that extend beyond its pages.

Do they not contemplate the Qur'an, or are there locks upon their hearts? (47:24)

The invitation for everyone to reflect upon the Qur'an, coupled with the critique for failing to do so, underscores the universality of its language and the broad accessibility of its wisdom. Were the Qur'an tailored solely to a specific culture, extending such an invitation would be futile.

Say, If mankind and the jinn were to come together to produce the likes of this Qur'an, they could not produce the likes of it, even if they were to each other assistants. (17:88)

This verse illuminates the Qur'an's universal challenge, signifying that its comprehension is meant for all. This challenge transcends language, literature, eloquence, and rhetoric, extending its appeal beyond merely Arabic speakers or those versed in Arabic literature, to its content and unique culture. Recognizing the Qur'an's irreplicable nature is meaningful only if its content is universally understandable; otherwise, prompting the creation of a similar text by those unfamiliar with its language would be illogical and futile.

Discussing the Qur'an's universal language of human nature implies its widespread accessibility, though it does not suggest uniform benefit for every reader. Qur'anic knowledge encompasses various levels, each accessible to different groups: expressions (ʿibārāt), indications (ishārāt), subtleties (laṭāʾif), and truths (ḥaqāʾiq), catering respectively to the general populace, the elite, the friends of God, and the prophets. Individuals engage with the Qur'an as per their capacity, with some attaining its esoteric aspects, which are exclusive to Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) and his household (a.s.).

While the Qur'an's teachings are universal and timeless, not bound by era, locale, or community, not all are privileged to draw from its wisdom. Barriers like sin, disbelief, and the blind following of forebears act as veils over the heart, obstructing engagement with the Qur'an's profound knowledge and secrets:

Do they not contemplate the Qur'an, or are there locks upon their hearts? (47:24)

The enlightening force of the Qur'an cannot breach a sealed heart. Yet, for those who maintain the purity of their innate nature—be they from Rome like Ṣuhayb, Iran like Salmān, Ethiopia like Bilāl, or Hijaz like ʿAmmār and Abū Dharr—stand equal before this divine scripture. The Qur'an transcends geographical and racial boundaries, serving as a panacea for spiritual malaises and a beacon of guidance and mercy for humanity:

O mankind, there has come to you instruction from your Lord and healing for what is in the breasts and guidance and mercy for the believers. (10:57)

The essence of the Qurʾan's guidance is fundamentally universal. Verses such as This is the book in which there is no doubt—a guide for the righteous (2:2), You are only a warner for those who fear it (79:45), and to warn whoever is alive (36:70) do not signify that the Qurʾan's message is exclusive to the righteous, those who fear God, or those with a living heart. Instead, these verses highlight the conditions under which one can benefit from the Qurʾan and related matters. Therefore, while the Qurʾan is intended for the guidance of all, it is primarily the pious and those with awakened hearts who reap its benefits.

Concurrently, alongside You are only a warner for those who fear it (79:45), there is mention of and to warn thereby a hostile people (19:97), emphasizing the universality of the warning principle, as the Qurʾan was revealed as a warner to the worlds (25:1). The beneficiaries of this warning are the God-fearing and those with awakened hearts, whereas the obstinate and defiant, who disregard the warning and face negative consequences, are subjected to divine threats. These insights are drawn from the aforementioned verses.

A key prerequisite for benefiting from the Qurʾan is possessing an unblemished innate nature, not darkened by sin. Even a materialist scientist, whose monotheistic nature remains untarnished by wrongdoing, can glean wisdom from the Qurʾan. However, if one has dimmed the light of their innate nature through stubbornness, they will not benefit from the Qurʾan, dismissing it as mere myth without deeper contemplation.

Given the Qurʾan's special mission to articulate the language of innate human nature, extreme or negligent judgments about it are misguided. Some, aiming to confine scriptural authority solely to narrations, deemed the Qurʾan mute and enigmatic, reducing its profound messages to riddles. Others saw its language as symbolic, representing esoteric knowledge accessible only to a select few ascetics. Some trivialized the text, believing that mere knowledge of Arabic sufficed to understand the Qurʾan, thus asserting that any Arabic speaker could grasp its meanings without the need for exegetical insight. These perspectives are flawed and outdated.

The universality of the Qurʾan's understanding and the ease with which its knowledge can be comprehended by all does not imply that anyone, regardless of their familiarity with Arabic grammar or other fundamental sciences essential for understanding the Qurʾan, is entitled to interpret its concepts or formulate arguments based on their interpretations. Instead, it signifies that those well-versed in Arabic grammar and other relevant sciences are equipped to reflect upon its meanings and base their arguments on well-founded conclusions.