QĀBA QAUSAIN (قاب قوسين)
Definition and Usage
QĀBA QAUSAIN (قاب قوسين) – This Arabic expression translates to “two bows’ length” in English. It appears in the Qurʾān, specifically in Surah An-Najm (53:8-10):
<p>“Then he drew near and hovered o’er; until he was two bows’ length off or nigher still. Then he revealed to his servant what he revealed him.”</p>
Context and Significance
The term “QĀBA QAUSAIN” is traditionally interpreted in Islamic exegesis (tafsir) to describe the proximity of the Angel Gabriel (Jibril) to the Prophet Muhammad during the revelation. This moment depicts an intimate nearness between the celestial and the prophetic, highlighting the importance of the divine message being conveyed.
Mystical Interpretation
In Sufi literature and mystic writings, “QĀBA QAUSAIN” has an enriched, metaphorical significance that transcends physical distance. Mystic writers often use the term to describe a state of spiritual closeness to God. It symbolizes the utmost nearness a human soul can attain in the divine presence, a nearness that is both profound and transformative.
Etymology
QĀBA QAUSAIN is composed of two words:
- Qāb (قاب): Meaning “measure” or “span.”
- Qausain (قوسين): Dual form of Qaus (قوس), meaning “bow.”
Turkish Translation: QĀBA QAUSAIN aynı zamanda Türkçede “iki yay uzunluğu” anlamına gelmektedir.
Scholarly Commentary
Commentaries and theological discussions have focused significantly on these verses to extract meanings and implications. Classical Islamic scholars such as Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari have provided an exegesis that focuses on the unique nature of Gabriel’s interaction with Muhammad. Sufi interpretations (available in texts like ‘Abdu’r-Razzāq’s Dictionary of Ṣūfī Terms) extend these interpretations, often exploring the relationship between human consciousness and the divine.
Recommended Books for Further Study
- “Tafsir al-Jalalayn” – A classical Sunni exegesis providing insightful commentary on Surah An-Najm.
- “Al-Qushayri’s Epistle on Sufism” (Risala al-Qushayriya) – Offers a profound understanding of Sufi interpretations.
- “The Naqshbandi Sufi Way: History and Guidebook of the Saints of the Golden Chain” by Shaykh Muhammad Hisham Kabbani – Explores the spiritual and mystical dimensions of closeness to God.
Key Takeaways
- QĀBA QAUSAIN signifies a critical moment of divine revelation in Islamic tradition.
- The term is rooted in a significant Qur’anic episode involving Prophet Muhammad and Angel Gabriel.
- Sufi mystics expand the term to articulate the concept of spiritual nearness to God.
Conclusion
QĀBA QAUSAIN stands as a profound testament to divine-human interaction in Islamic theology. Its dual implications in both exoteric and esoteric realms emphasize the holistic nature of Islamic teachings, integrating outer rituals with inner spirituality.
By delving into the term “QĀBA QAUSAIN,” one gains insight not only into a pivotal Qur’anic event but also into the broader mystical philosophy that permeates Islamic thought and practice.
