Etymology and Translation
- Arabic: اللوح المحفوظ (al-Lawḥ al-Maḥfūẓ)
- Turkish: Levh-i Mahfuz
Definition
Lawh Mahfuz (اللوح المحفوظ) refers to the “Well-preserved Tablet,” a concept in Islamic theology signifying the divine record or heavenly tablet on which the Qur’an has been inscribed from eternity. Mentioned in Surah Al-Buruj (85:22), Lawh Mahfuz is considered eternal and immutable, containing the archetypal record of all divine revelation, including the Qur’an. It is associated with other descriptions such as “umm al-kitab” (أم الكتاب, the “Mother of the Book”) found in Qur’an (3:6; 13:39; 43:3).
Significance
The belief in Lawh Mahfuz underscores the divine origin and preservation of the Qur’an. It reinforces the idea that the Qur’an is not a man-made document but a direct communication from God, preserved beyond the alterations and corruptions affecting earthly texts.
The concept also relates to the broader Islamic view of divine knowledge and predestination, wherein God’s omniscience encompasses all that has happened, happens, and will ever happen, recorded eternally on this celestial tablet.
Qur’anic References
- Qur’an 85:22: “Nay, this is a Glorious Qur’an, (inscribed) in a Well-preserved Tablet.”
- Umm al-Kitab (Mother of the Book):
- Qur’an 3:6: “He it is who shapes you in the wombs as He will…”
- Qur’an 13:39: “Allah abrogates or confirms what He pleases; and with Him is the source of the Book.”
- Qur’an 43:3: “We have made it an Arabic Qur’an that you might understand.”
Scholarly Interpretations
Classical Tafsir (Exegesis)
Traditional Islamic commentators such as Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari emphasize the transcendental nature of Lawh Mahfuz and its role in the preservation and protection of the Qur’an. They maintain that it ensures the Qur’an’s authenticity and purity over time.
Philosophical Insights
Islamic philosophers and theologians, such as Al-Ghazali and Ibn Arabi, have often extrapolated on the concept to explore ideas about knowledge, predestination, and divine immanence. They emphasize that Lawh Mahfuz symbolizes the perfect and unalterable knowledge of God, beyond the frailties of human perception.
Further Studies
For those interested in a deeper exploration of Lawh Mahfuz and related theological themes, the following readings are recommended:
- “Tafsir al-Jalalayn” - commonly referenced exegetical work throughout the Islamic world.
- “The Study Quran: A New Translation and Commentary” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr - provides comprehensive insights and scholarship.
- “Divine Will and Predestination in the Early Islam” by M.J. Kister - examines early Muslim beliefs regarding free will and predestination.
- “Ibn Arabi: The Voyage Over the Words” by Henry Corbin - explores mystical interpretations of classical Islamic thought.
Takeaways
- Lawh Mahfuz represents the concept of the “Well-preserved Tablet” in Islam.
- It pertains to the eternal and unchanging record of divine revelation, emphasizing the purity and divine guardianship of the Qur’an.
- The term is intertwined with ideas of divine knowledge, destiny, and the authenticity of the Qur’anic message.
- It has been addressed and interpreted by many Islamic scholars and continues to be a vital aspect of Islamic theology and philosophy.
Conclusion
The concept of Lawh Mahfuz elucidates the Islamic viewpoint on the divine preservation of sacred texts and emphasizes the eternal nature and unalterable status of God’s word. It encapsulates the transcendental belief in divine omniscience and predestination, assuring the faithful of the Qur’an’s authenticity and guiding nature throughout generations.
