The Esoteric interpretations of ‘‘Seeing God and Beholding Him: A Special Study of Tafsir Qadiri”

Abstract

The Holy Quran contains two types of verses: Muhkamat (sound, clear and evident) and Mutashabihat (not illustrative, vague and difficult to ascertain the exact meaning due to their uncertain interpretation and doubts involved therein). The interpretation of the first category is straightforward while the second is doubtful and uncertain. Therefore, it has been observed that a controversy always exists on the interpretation of these versus amongst theologians. The Divine attributes and Seeing God by humankind in this world are few of those matters which remained under the discussion of Muslim theologians. The question is whether the divine scripture can be explained by reason or not? Most of the traditionalists opine that the interpretation of these ambiguous verses are proscribed. The Ashari theologians are of the view that the Mutashabihat can be interpreted only symbolically while the exact interpretation is beyond the capacity of human beings and the matter of interpretation must be entrusted to God. The interpretation of the attributes of God- the Most High- and the reality of seeing Him is not possible. The intended meaning and original interpretation of such verses cannot be completely made by human intelligence. God Almighty is the omniscient and omnipotent who cannot be observed directly by His creatures. Then, what is the meaning of the verses which state this theme. What type of seeing is it? What are the feelings in the process of “seeing Him?” From herein starts the discussion, whether seeing God is possible or not? This paper aims to answer this question from Sufi perspective as described in Mulla HusaynKashifi’s Tafsir al-Qadiri. An overview has been given on the subject matter for a better understanding of the perspective. A contrastive study enables us to understand Kashifi’s esoteric and symbolic interpretation of this controversial issue.