Exploring the Qur’anic Chronology of Creation reveals a profound perspective on how our universe transformed from a single point into the complex world we live in today. While modern science focuses on the "how," the Qur’an describes creation in meaningful stages that highlight the purpose behind the heavens and the earth. This layered journey moves from the initial act of creation to the detailed shaping of the stars, planets, and life, finally culminating in the appearance of human beings. In this article, we break down these stages to show how the Qur’an presents a beautifully coherent and purposeful vision of the universe. 1. Chronology of Creation Allah Almighty says in Surah Fussilat: 9. قُلْ أَئِنَّكُمْ لَتَكْفُرُونَ بِالَّذِي خَلَقَ الْأَرْضَ فِي يَوْمَيْنِ وَتَجْعَلُونَ لَهُۥ أَندَادًا ۚ ذَٰلِكَ رَبُّ الْعَالَمِينَ 10. وَجَعَلَ فِيهَا رَوَاسِيَ مِنْ فَوْقِهَا وَبَارَكَ فِيهَا وَقَدَّرَ فِيهَا أَقْوَاتَهَا فِي أَرْبَعَةِ أَيَّامٍ سَوَىٰ لِلسَّائِلِينَ 11. ثُمَ...
In the Name of Allah---the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.
Introduction
In Islamic tradition, Al-Hikmah (الحكمة), often translated as “wisdom,” represents a profound and multidimensional concept that transcends intellectual knowledge. It is the spiritual intelligence that allows a person to see reality as it truly is, to act with balance and justice, and to navigate life with insight rooted in divine guidance. Far from being mere philosophical contemplation, Al-Hikmah is a lived, embodied knowledge that connects the intellect with the heart, and action with intention. In this article, we will explore Al-Hikmah as the Islamic concept of spiritual intelligence — its sources, attributes, cultivation, and significance in personal and collective life.
1. The Definition of Al-Hikmah
Al-Hikmah is derived from the root word ḥ-k-m (ح-ك-م), which carries meanings of judgment, restraint, precision, and governance. In Qur’anic usage, Hikmah is often associated with:
Sound judgment (حُسن التدبير),
Deep understanding (فهم عميق),
Appropriate action at the right time (وضع الشيء في موضعه),
Alignment with divine will (موافقة أمر الله).
In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:269), Allah says:
“He gives wisdom (ḥikmah) to whom He wills, and whoever has been given wisdom has certainly been given much good. But none will remember except those of understanding.” (Qur’an 2:269)
This verse indicates that Al-Hikmah is not merely theoretical knowledge, but a divinely inspired ability to use knowledge rightly and with deep awareness.
2. Hikmah as Spiritual Intelligence
Modern theories of intelligence have increasingly recognized that IQ (intelligence quotient) alone cannot account for human excellence. Emotional intelligence (EQ), popularized by Daniel Goleman in the 1990s, was a major step forward in this regard. Building on that momentum, the concept of Spiritual Intelligence (SQ) emerged as a distinct domain in the early 2000s.
One of the most influential figures in developing the theory of Spiritual Intelligence is Danah Zohar, a physicist and philosopher, who—along with psychologist Ian Marshall—introduced SQ as the next step in human intelligence. In their 2000 book “Spiritual Intelligence: The Ultimate Intelligence“, Zohar and Marshall describe SQ as the intelligence that “enables us to deal with questions of meaning and value, to place our actions and lives in a wider, richer, meaning-giving context.”
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According to Zohar, Spiritual Intelligence allows individuals to:
Be guided by deep values and principles,
Think holistically and integrate emotion with logic,
Exhibit resilience and clarity in the face of adversity,
See purpose and interconnectedness in life.
In modern culture, SQ has gained traction across educational systems, corporate leadership training, and psychotherapy, as a framework that promotes ethical leadership, well-being, and purpose-driven living. It is now considered essential in developing balanced individuals and societies—complementing both rational and emotional intelligence.
In the Islamic paradigm, these ideas resonate strongly with the traditional concept of Al-Hikmah, where deep moral insight, divine consciousness (taqwa), and ethical action converge to define true wisdom. Al-Hikmah aligns closely with the idea of Spiritual Intelligence, but within an Islamic framework that is rooted in Tawhid (Oneness of God) and Tazkiyah (purification of the soul).
Spiritual intelligence in the form of Al-Hikmah includes:
Awareness of the Divine Presence (Ihsan): Acting as if one sees Allah, or knowing He sees you.
Integration of Heart and Intellect: A balance between reason (‘Aql) and spiritual intuition (Basirah).
Moral Discernment: The ability to distinguish not just right from wrong, but the most appropriate course of action in complex situations.
Living with Purpose: Orienting one’s life toward the ultimate goal — nearness to Allah.
3. The Sources of Hikmah in Islam
The Qur’an: The primary source of wisdom. Allah describes the Qur’an itself as full of Hikmah (e.g., “Tilka ayātul-kitābil-ḥakīm” – These are the verses of the Wise Book).
The Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): He was the embodiment of wisdom in action. The Prophet was sent to teach the Book and Hikmah (Qur’an 62:2).
The Heart (Qalb): According to Hadith, when the heart is sound, the whole body is sound. The purified heart becomes a vessel for divine wisdom.
Experience and Reflection (Tadabbur): True wisdom often unfolds through reflection on life events, aligning them with the light of revelation.
4. Characteristics of a Person with Hikmah
A person who has been gifted with Al-Hikmah exhibits certain traits:
Calmness and Forbearance (Hilm): Especially in times of conflict or provocation.
Justice and Balance (Adl and Wasatiyyah): In judgments, interactions, and inner states.
Clarity of Vision (Basirah): Seeing through illusions and understanding the deeper meanings.
Modesty and Humility (Tawadhu): Knowing the limits of one’s knowledge and power.
Compassion and Mercy (Rahmah): Acting with concern for others, even when in a position of power.
5. Cultivating Al-Hikmah: Paths to Spiritual Intelligence
A. Tazkiyah al-Nafs (Purification of the Soul): One cannot attain Hikmah without purifying the ego (nafs), which clouds vision and leads to impulsive or self-serving choices.
B. Suhbah (Good Companionship): Being in the presence of wise and spiritually elevated individuals nurtures inner growth.
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C. Tadabbur and Tafakkur (Contemplation and Reflection): Reflecting on the Qur’an, the signs of nature, and the events of life deepens wisdom.
D. Du‘a and Dhikr (Supplication and Remembrance): Regular connection with Allah opens the heart to divine guidance.
E. Shari‘ah and Adab (Law and Etiquette): Living by the Divine Law and Prophetic etiquette cultivates an environment for wisdom to flourish.
6. Prophetic Model of Hikmah
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ exemplified Hikmah in every aspect of his life:
In Meccan patience, when he endured persecution without retaliating harshly.
In Medinan diplomacy, where he navigated tribal politics with justice and mercy.
In family life, through emotional intelligence, kindness, and fairness.
In spiritual instruction, tailoring his message to the understanding and context of each person.
His way (Sunnah) remains the clearest path to spiritual intelligence.
7. The Collective Importance of Hikmah
In society, Hikmah is essential for leadership, education, justice, and peace. A community guided by Hikmah is balanced — neither rigid nor chaotic, neither lax nor extreme. Islamic civilization at its height was built upon Hikmah — producing scientists, jurists, mystics, and philosophers who harmonized knowledge with ethics and the sacred.
8. The Role of the Heart (Al-Qalb) in Spiritual Intelligence
A pivotal aspect of Al-Hikmah is its deep connection with the heart (Al-Qalb). In Islamic spirituality, the heart is not merely a physical organ but the center of consciousness, moral discernment, and spiritual receptivity. Our article “Al-Qalb: The Cardiac Brain” emphasizes that Al-Qalb is viewed as the core of human consciousness, moral perception, and spiritual receptivity.
This perspective aligns with Qur’anic references where the heart is described as the seat of understanding and reflection. For instance, Surah Al-Hajj (22:46) states:
“Indeed, it is not the eyes that are blind, but it is the hearts in the chests that grow blind.”
Conclusion: The Gift of Much Good
Al-Hikmah is not simply intelligence or cleverness — it is a divine gift, rooted in sincerity, nurtured by knowledge, and expressed in action. It brings clarity in confusion, calm in chaos, and justice in conflict. In an age where information is abundant but wisdom is scarce, Al-Hikmah stands as a beacon, inviting the soul to rise above ego and return to its Fitrah — its original nature in harmony with the Divine.
“Whoever is given Hikmah has truly been given much good.” (Qur’an 2:269)
In the Name of Allah---the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. Pornography has been linked to a number of negative impacts on the human mind, hormones, and neurotransmitters. One impact is the potential for addiction, as viewing pornography can lead to changes in the brain's reward system, similar to other addictive behaviors. Introduction Pornography refers to sexually explicit materials, such as videos, photographs, magazines, or literature, that are intended to arouse the viewer or reader. It can be found in various forms, including magazines, books, videos, and online content. The term “pornography” comes from the Greek word “pornographos,” which means “writing about prostitutes.” Types of Pornography Allah Almighty says: إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يُحِبُّونَ أَن تَشِيعَ الْفَاحِشَةُ فِي الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ ۚ وَاللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ وَأَنتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ Indeed, those who love to see immodesty spread among the believers will suffer a painf...
Exploring the Qur’anic Chronology of Creation reveals a profound perspective on how our universe transformed from a single point into the complex world we live in today. While modern science focuses on the "how," the Qur’an describes creation in meaningful stages that highlight the purpose behind the heavens and the earth. This layered journey moves from the initial act of creation to the detailed shaping of the stars, planets, and life, finally culminating in the appearance of human beings. In this article, we break down these stages to show how the Qur’an presents a beautifully coherent and purposeful vision of the universe. 1. Chronology of Creation Allah Almighty says in Surah Fussilat: 9. قُلْ أَئِنَّكُمْ لَتَكْفُرُونَ بِالَّذِي خَلَقَ الْأَرْضَ فِي يَوْمَيْنِ وَتَجْعَلُونَ لَهُۥ أَندَادًا ۚ ذَٰلِكَ رَبُّ الْعَالَمِينَ 10. وَجَعَلَ فِيهَا رَوَاسِيَ مِنْ فَوْقِهَا وَبَارَكَ فِيهَا وَقَدَّرَ فِيهَا أَقْوَاتَهَا فِي أَرْبَعَةِ أَيَّامٍ سَوَىٰ لِلسَّائِلِينَ 11. ثُمَ...
In the Name of Allah---the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. The Abraham Accords are a series of diplomatic agreements initiated in 2020 between Israel and several Arab or Muslim-majority countries , aimed at normalizing relations and fostering cooperation in various areas, including trade, technology, and security. These agreements mark a major shift in Middle Eastern geopolitics, breaking from the long-standing Arab consensus that normalization with Israel should be contingent upon a resolution of the Palestinian issue . 1. Origin and Naming The accords are named after Abraham (peace be upon him), a patriarchal figure revered by Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, symbolizing shared roots and an aspiration for interfaith unity. The term was coined to promote the idea of reconciliation among the descendants of Abraham — Jews and Arabs. Announcement Date: August 13, 2020 Broker: United States (Trump Administra...
In the Name of Allah---the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. The Sinking Coastlines, Drowning Villages, and Human Crisis in Pakistan’s Delta Region The Indus Delta, located along the southern coast of Pakistan where the Indus River meets the Arabian Sea, is rapidly transforming into one of South Asia’s most alarming climate disaster zones. Once a fertile and thriving ecological region filled with mangrove forests, fisheries, agricultural settlements, and coastal towns, the delta today faces relentless sea intrusion, land subsidence, salinity, coastal erosion, and climate-driven displacement. Entire villages are disappearing beneath seawater, agricultural lands are turning barren, and fishing communities are being forced to migrate inland. The crisis of the Indus Delta is not merely an environmental issue. It is a humanitarian, economic, ecological, and national security challenge. Climate change has intensified sea-level rise and extreme weather, but the disaster is also deeply conne...
In the Name of Allah---the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. Pakistan’s Strategic Canals Project, aimed at diverting water from the Jhelum and Chenab rivers into the Cholistan region, has sparked an ongoing canal conflict —not merely between provinces but between competing visions of national development and federal equity. At the heart of this complex issue is the challenge of how to expand agricultural productivity in barren regions like Cholistan while ensuring fair and sustainable water distribution among the country’s riparian provinces, particularly Sindh, which lies downstream on the Indus River System. The Strategic Canals Project: A National Vision Supporters of the project argue that the Strategic Canals Plan is not a unilateral initiative of Punjab, but a nationally approved and endorsed program aimed at revitalizing Pakistan’s agricultural sector. President Asif Ali Zardari, among others, has backed the initiative as part of a broader strategy to ensure food se...
In the Name of Allah---the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. In this article, we shall delve into details about the compilation of the first book of Hadith, Sahifah al-Sadiqah, by Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-Aas. Sahifah al-Sadiqah: Th First Book of Hadith In this article, we shall delve into details about the compilation of the first book of Hadith , Sahifah al-Sadiqah . During the early stages of the revelation of the Qur’an, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) took measures to ensure that his words, known as hadith, were not recorded alongside the Qur’an. This decision was made to prevent any potential confusion between the divine scripture, the Qur’an, and the sayings or actions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The primary reason for this distinction was to safeguard the Qur’an’s unique status as the direct word of God, as Muslims believe it was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through the angel Gab...
صحابۂ کرام رضی اللہ عنہم معیارِ ایمان صحابۂ کرام رضی اللہ عنہم معیارِ ایمان صحابۂ کرام رضی اللہ عنہم معیارِ ایمان تمہید ایمان محض زبانی اقرار یا چند ظاہری اعمال کا نام نہیں بلکہ دل کی وہ کیفیت ہے جو انسان کے فکر، کردار، ترجیحات اور طرزِ زندگی کو مکمل طور پر بدل دیتی ہے۔ قرآنِ مجید نے ایمان کو ایک زندہ، متحرک اور اخلاقی قوت کے طور پر پیش کیا ہے۔ اسی تناظر میں صحابۂ کرام رضی اللہ عنہم کو امتِ مسلمہ کے لیے معیارِ ایمان قرار دیا گیا، کیونکہ انہوں نے ایمان کو صرف قبول ہی نہیں کیا بلکہ اسے اپنی فطرت، خواہشات اور عملی زندگی کا محور بنا لیا۔ صحابہ کرام رضی اللہ عنہم اور معیارِ ایمان سورۃ البقرہ میں اللہ تعالیٰ فرماتے ہیں وَ اِذَا قِیْلَ لَهُمْ اٰمِنُوْا كَمَاۤ اٰمَنَ النَّاسُ قَالُوْۤا اَنُؤْمِنُ كَمَاۤ اٰمَنَ السُّفَهَآءُؕ-اَلَاۤ اِنَّهُمْ هُمُ السُّفَهَآءُ وَ لٰـكِنْ لَّا یَعْلَمُوْنَ “اور جب ان سے کہا جاتا ہے کہ ایمان لاؤ جیسے لوگ ایمان لائے ہیں تو کہتے ہیں کیا ہم ویسا ایمان لائیں جیسے بے وقوف ایمان لائے ہیں؟ سن لو! دراصل یہی لوگ بے وقوف ہیں مگر جانتے نہیں۔ یہاں “الناس” سے مراد جمہور مفسرین...
Introduction The Qur’anic concept of Barzakh occupies a unique position in Islamic metaphysics. It is neither the material world ( dunyā ) nor the final Hereafter ( ākhirah ), but an intermediate realm that exists beyond ordinary physical perception. When examined carefully, Barzakh emerges as a parallel mode of existence , operating under laws different from physical space-time. The Qur’an presents subtle but powerful indications that human beings are not limited to a single plane of reality and that interaction with Barzakh begins even before death. 1. The Human Being: Body and Soul as a Unified System The Qur’an consistently presents the human being as a composite of body and soul , not merely a biological organism. “Then He proportioned him and breathed into him of His Spirit.” (32:9) The body is physical, measurable, and subject to decay. The soul (nafs / rūḥ) is immaterial, conscious, and life-governing. Life ...
