Kalimatu ʾL-Ḥaẓrah (كلمة الحضرة)
Definition and Significance
Kalimatu ʾL-Ḥaẓrah (كلمة الحضرة) refers to the “fiat of God” or the divine command which brings creation into existence when Allah says “Be,” and it is. This concept is central to Islamic theology and underscores the omnipotence and creative power of God. The term كن (Kun), meaning “Be,” is therefore called Kalimatu ʾL-Ḥaẓrah.
Qur’anic References
The phrase occurs in the Qur’an multiple times to illustrate God’s supreme command and creative authority. One notable occurrence is in Surah Yasin, Ayah 82:
- “His bidding is only when He desires anything to say to it ‘BE,’ and it is.”
Similar references to Kalimatu ʾL-Ḥaẓrah are found in approximately eleven other verses within the Qur’an, highlighting the consistent reminder of Allah’s creative power.
Etymology
- Arabic: كلمة الحضرة (Kalimatu ʾL-Ḥaẓrah)
- كلمة (Kalimatu): Word or Speech
- الحضرة (ʾL-Ḥaẓrah): Presence
The term signifies God’s immediate presence and will in the act of creation, reinforcing the theological concept of God’s omnipresence and immediate control over the universe.
Usage in Theology and Philosophy
In Islamic thought, Kalimatu ʾL-Ḥaẓrah is often discussed in the context of Qadar (Divine Decree) and Tawhid (Oneness of God). The concept affirms that creation and existence are a direct result of God’s will and command, and nothing comes into being without His consent. Islamic theologians and philosophers like Al-Ghazali and Ibn Sina (Avicenna) have delved into the implications of this divine command on existence and reality.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Study Quran: A New Translation and Commentary” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr
- “The Theology of Unity” by Muhammad Abduh
- “God and Man in the Koran” by Toshihiko Izutsu
- “Islamic Philosophy from Its Origin to the Present: Philosophy in the Land of Prophecy” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr
- “The Heart of Islamic Philosophy: The Quest for Self-Knowledge in the Teachings of Afdal al-Din Kashani” by William C. Chittick
Takeaways and Conclusion
Kalimatu ʾL-Ḥaẓrah (كلمة الحضرة) serves as a profound reminder of God’s eloquence and authoritative power to create and command. It encapsulates the central theme of divine authority in Islam, reflected through the recurrent use of “Be, and it is” in the Qur’an. Understanding this term not only enriches one’s knowledge of Islamic theology but also deepens the appreciation of the underlying unity and omnipotence of God.
