AL-ḤAQĪQATU ʾL-MUḤAMMADĪYAH (الحقيقة المحمدية)

AL-ḤAQĪQATU ʾL-MUḤAMMADĪYAH (الحقيقة المحمدية)

AL-ḤAQĪQATU ʾL-MUḤAMMADĪYAH (الحقيقة المحمدية) - The original essence of Muḥammad, the Nūr-i-Muḥammadīyah or the Light of Muḥammad, which is believed to have been created before all things. This concept is rooted in Islamic mysticism and serves as a foundational element in Ṣūfī thought regarding the pre-existence and divine light associated with the Prophet Muhammad.

Definition and Interpretation

AL-ḤAQĪQATU ʾL-MUḤAMMADĪYAH refers to the primordial light of Prophet Muhammad, symbolizing his pre-existent spiritual essence before the creation of the physical world. According to Ṣūfī traditions, this divine light was the first act of creation by God, from which the universe was subsequently fashioned.

Etymology and Translations

• Etymology:

  • Arabic: الحقيقة المحمدية‎
  • Nūr-i-Muḥammadīyah: نور محمدية‎

• Turkish Translation:

  • Hakikat-i Muhammediyye

Historical Background and Variations in Belief

• Ṣūfī Perspective: Ṣūfī mystics introduced the doctrine to emphasize the spiritual significance and pre-existence of Prophet Muhammad. Imam Qastalani in “Muwahib-i-laduniya” narrates a tradition from Jābir ibn ʿAbdi ʾllāh al-Anṣārī indicating that the Prophet stated the first creation was his light.
• Wahhābī Perspective: The Wahhābī movement, known for its strong adherence to what they consider the purest forms of Islamic teachings, rejects the notion of the Prophet’s pre-existence.

Details of the Doctrine

According to Ṣūfī mysticism:

• The Light of Muḥammad is said to have been created from the Light of God.
• This light then assumed various forms and elements of creation, illustrating the intrinsic link between Prophet Muhammad and the divine act of creation itself.

Key Narrations

• As per Imam Qastalani’s account, the Light of Muhammad was divided into four portions, from which essential elements of the cosmos were created, including:

  1. The Pen (qalam)
  2. The Tablet (lauḥ)
  3. The highest heaven and the throne of God (ʿarsh)
  4. Subdivisions that formed angels and other creations

• The Shīʿah Source, Ḥayātu ʾl-Qulūb, also discusses numerous traditions regarding the different stages and timelines of the Light of Muhammad’s role in creation.

Books for Further Study

• Muwahib-i-laduniya by Imam Qastalani
• Ḥayātu ʾl-Qulūb (Translation by Mr. Merrick, Boston, 1850)
• Kitābu ʾt-Taʿrifāt by Al-Jurjāni

Takeaways and Conclusion

The concept of AL-ḤAQĪQATU ʾL-MUḤAMMADĪYAH illustrates the profound reverence within Islamic mysticism towards Prophet Muhammad, portraying him not only as a historical figure but as a divine element central to the existence of the cosmos. While this doctrine is embraced and elaborated upon by Ṣūfī mystics, it faces scholarly critique and opposition from other Islamic traditions such as the Wahhābīs. Understanding the diverse perspectives on this topic contributes to a deeper appreciation of the rich tapestry of Islamic theology and spiritual thought.

Key Points

• AL-ḤAQĪQATU ʾL-MUḤAMMADĪYAH is a concept in Islamic mysticism about the primordial light of Muhammad.
• It emphasizes the Prophet’s pre-existent spiritual essence and its pivotal role in creation.
• Beliefs about this concept vary significantly across different Islamic schools of thought.

Exploring this doctrine offers insights into the intricate beliefs and reverence associated with Prophet Muhammad in various strands of Islamic theology.