Al-Kitābu ʾl-Mubīn (الكتاب المبين)
Definition and Usage
Al-Kitābu ʾl-Mubīn (الكتاب المبين), literally translated as “The Manifest or Clear Book,” is an important Qur’anic term with profound significance. It is used within the Islamic holy text to describe both the eternal divine record, known as the Tablet of Decrees (Lauḥu ʾl-Maḥfūz̤), and the Qur’an itself.
Key Qur’anic References
-
Surah Al-An’am (6:59):
<p>“No leaf falleth but He knoweth it; neither is there a grain in the darkness of the earth, nor a green thing or sere, but it is noted in the clear book.”</p>
-
Surah An-Nisa (4:174):
<p>“Now hath a light and a clear book come to you from God.”</p>
Etymology
The term “Al-Kitābu ʾl-Mubīn” comes from the Arabic root word ك-ت-ب (k-t-b), which means “to write.” The term “مُبِين” (Mubīn) is derived from the root ب-ي-ن (b-y-n), denoting clarity, manifestation, or explicitness.
- Arabic: الكتاب المبين
- Turkish: Kitap-ı Mübin
Significance
Tablet of Decrees (Lauḥu ʾl-Maḥfūz̤)
In one context, Al-Kitābu ʾl-Mubīn refers to the divine and eternal record of all events and actions, known as the Lauḥu ʾl-Maḥfūz̤. This Tablet of Decrees signifies the infinite knowledge and preordainment of God, encompassing all occurrences from creation to the Day of Judgment.
The Qur’an
In another significant context, Al-Kitābu ʾl-Mubīn refers to the Qur’an itself, emphasizing its clarity, guidance, and unambiguous nature. It signifies the Qur’an as a source of divine wisdom and guidance for humankind, shedding light on what is righteous and what is prohibited, leading believers towards a path of justice and righteousness.
Recommended Books for Further Study
- The Study Quran: A New Translation and Commentary by Seyyed Hossein Nasr
- Major Themes of the Qur’an by Fazlur Rahman
- The Qur’an: A New Translation by Muhammad A.S. Abdel Haleem
- Approaching the Qur’an: The Early Revelations by Michael Sells
- The Qur’anic Revelation in Arabic and Persian Commentaries: Creating an Islamic Discourse in Early Muslim History by Karen Bauer
Takeaways
- Al-Kitābu ʾl-Mubīn is a multi-faceted term central to Islamic theology and Qur’anic studies.
- It highlights the divine omniscience and predetermination showcased in the Lauḥu ʾl-Maḥfūz̤.
- It underscores the Qur’an’s role as a clear, manifest guidance for Muslims.
Conclusion
Al-Kitābu ʾl-Mubīn captures the essence of divine clarity and manifest evidence, reinforcing core Islamic beliefs regarding God’s knowledge, preordainment, and the Qur’an’s role as a luminous guide. This term enriches understanding of both the metaphysical and practical aspects of Islamic faith, fostering deeper reverence for the divine scriptural tradition in Islam.
