Johannesburg Sufi Centre Extended commentaries on the Qur’an: Talk 1 of 3- Intro & Surah Al A’la

This is the first discourse in a series of lectures recorded at the Johannesburg Sufi Centre. In an intimate, interactive setting, Shaykh Fadhlalla presents a series of classes and commentary on twelve key Surah’s of the Qur’an. Shaykh Fadhlalla begins by describing how best to approach the Qur’an. In order to appreciate the unique nature of divine knowledge it is necessary to engage with it through the appropriate channels. The two distinct types of knowledge, earthly rational, discernable knowledge and metaphysical insight, are briefly explored. The discourse moves through the spectrum of Qur’anic study both in terms of the material produced by classical interpreters and the etiquette relevant to the classical study of the Qur’an. The nature of classical language is a major theme. Focus is drawn to the socio-cultural elements that mold the ancient languages and the relevance of understanding them for contemporary seekers. The classical Arabs lived a nomadic life, intertwined with the vast silence of the desert and had a specific means of survival. The unveiling of the Qur’an had an incredible impact on their vision of reality and understanding of the nature and destiny of the human being. How best to study linguistic roots and key words in the Qur’an is explained in detail. Shaykh Fadhlalla weaves his insights together with various prophetic traditions, allegories and an array of subtle keys, prescriptions and interpretations drawn from the Muhammadi Masters, presenting the appropriate aids for navigation for the seeker looking to enjoy the amazing connections between humanity and divinity, as represented in the Qur’an.