Word Made Book A Semantic and Historical Study of the Supra-Rationality of the Qur'ān as Transmitted in the Medium of Revelation within the Metaphysical Sociology of Arabia

The Qur'ān situates its own revelation within the existing Arabian oracle tradition, treating that tradition as a valid form of revelation while making a radical doctrinal shift: the Qur'ānic oracle speaks for one universal God rather than a tribal deity, pantheon, or anthropomorphized divinity. The article examines the Islamic concept of revelation in dialogue with the Word of God, maintaining a propositional and qualitative distinction from pagan oracles. It presents the dialectics of quality versus quantity and principle versus form rather than a complete break with the existing metaphysical cosmos. The argument grounds Islam's hierarchy of being in an essential Being as a theological necessity, with all creation existing through divine grace.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This article argues that the Qur'ān seeks to place its modality of revelation within the oracle of Arabia and recognizes it as a valid “form” of revelation. It inducts its medium of revelation within the familiar apparatus of the pagan divination institution by tapping into the realm of supra-rationality while, simultaneously, making a radical shift at the doctrinal level. The Qur'ānic oracle speaks for one universal God as opposed to a tribal deity, pantheon of gods, or an anthropomorphized divinity that partakes of humanity. The article seeks to work with the core Islamic concept of revelation in dialogue with the notion of the Word of God in a semantic slash historical context. The inquiry glances at the historical presentation of what Islam warrants as a rationale of revelation by maintaining a propositional and qualitative distinction from the pagan oracle. It projects the dialectics of quality versus quantity and principle versus form rather than undertaking a complete break with the existing metaphysical and epistemological cosmos. Such a claim of external guidance, from the above, as laid by all three Semitic religions is, inherently, based upon, and rooted within the source of a higher realm attributed to the divinity. Islam’s hierarchy of being and non-being revolves around an essential Being, the one true God, as a theological necessity, whereas all contingency, the creation including mankind, is granted existence in the sanctuary of the divine will that takes place through God’s grace. The will of God, Logos, defines the relationship between the necessity and the contingency in the self-consciousness of the Qur'ān.