Why do people read the same verse of the Qurʾān…
...and come away with completely different meanings?

Is someone wrong?
Or is something deeper happening?

Islamic sages didn’t see contradiction.
They saw descent.

Here are 5 insights:

Each verse of the Qurʾān comes from a single Light.

But when that Light descends into the world, it refracts—like white light passing through a prism.

Multiple meanings, layered commentaries, diverse understandings:
All are rays of the same Source.

1. The Qurʾān is One in Reality
 
Mulla Ṣadrā teaches that the Qurʾān is a single ontological Reality—unified in the Divine Presence.

Disagreements in tafsīr reflect human perspectives, not divine contradictions.

2.  Descent Creates Multiplicity

When the Qurʾān descends to the world, it travels through spiritual realms.

At each level, new meanings emerge, suited to that world.

Multiplicity is not error—it’s a sign of the journey.

3. Interpreters Stand at Different Stations

Some see the surface meanings. Others see inner truths.

Just like a mountain looks different from the base, the slope, and the peak— Commentators reflect where they stand in their spiritual ascent.

4. Apparent Contradictions Point to Depth

If two interpretations contradict, they may be addressing different levels of reality.

Law, theology, mysticism—they all orbit the same Center.

Don’t ask: Which one is correct?
Ask: What level of descent does this reflect?

5. The Prophet Unites the Layers

The Prophet Muḥammad (PBUH) is the Qurʾān in human form.

He embodies all meanings, outer and inner.

That’s why spiritual masters say: To see the Prophet is to see the Qurʾān walk.

Let tafsīr (Quran Commentary) be a ladder.

The more you climb, the more you see—not just in the Qurʾān, but in yourself.

This thread was inspired by the Qurʾānic Hermeneutics chapter in the book: The Triumph of Mercy by Mohammed Rustom

https://www.amazon.com/Triumph-Mercy-Philosophy-Scripture-Mulla/dp/1438443404/ 

Meanings of Quran

Most people see repentance (tawba) as a sign of weakness—an admission of failure.
 
But in Sufism, repentance isn’t just about avoiding sin. 

It’s about spiritual intelligence.

Here’s why the wisest people repent the most. 🧵👇

Imam Ja‘far al-Ṣādiq, taught that true wisdom lies in knowing one's own shortcomings.

A sinner who knows they are flawed is closer to God than an arrogant ascetic who thinks they have already arrived.

Here's the paradox...

The deeper you go in self-awareness, the more faults you see.

The greatest saints are those who repent not for sins, but for distractions from God.

The higher your knowledge, the more you realize how far you are from divine presence.

This is why repentance isn’t a one-time act.

It’s a lifelong journey.

Each moment of sincere tawba brings a deeper humility.

And humility, in turn, opens the heart to divine wisdom.

Here's something I found very intriguing...

Sufis say that God initiates repentance by turning toward the servant first.

Recognizing the need to repent isn’t just self-reflection—it’s a divine invitation.

So paradoxically, the people most in need of repentance…
…are the ones who believe they don’t need it.

The first step to wisdom?

Knowing that you have much to learn.

In conclusion:

Repentance isn’t just about avoiding sin—it’s about spiritual growth.
• The wise repent the most.
• Repentance deepens humility.
• Humility brings divine wisdom.

This thread was inspired by the chapter "The Soul’s Constant Returning: Repentance (Tawba) in the Sufi Legacy of Ja‘far al-Ṣādiq" from the book The Polished Mirror by Cyrus Ali Zargar.  @czargar 

https://www.amazon.com/Polished-Mirror-Storytelling-Philosophy-Oneworld/dp/1786072017/ 

The Wisdom of Repentance in Sufism




1000 years ago, Islamic philosopher Miskawayh explored: how can humans perfect their character?



His answer used Greek philosophy with Islamic wisdom to create a practical science of virtue. 


Here's his map to becoming virtuous:



This thread explores:

- The 4 cardinal virtues (+1 special virtue)
- Why virtue needs society
- The path from worldly to divine virtues
- What true justice means 


1. Miskawayh identified 4 cardinal virtues, each tied to a part of your soul: 

• Temperance controls desires (from appetite)
• Courage balances anger (from heart)
• Wisdom guides reason (from mind)
• Justice manages all (from intellect)

Plus: Liberality - a fifth "quasi-cardinal" virtue



2. Each virtue is a balance point:

Courage example:
• Too little = cowardice
• Too much = recklessness
• Just right = protecting what matters

Just like a traditional doctor balances bodily humors, we must balance our character.



3. A key insight he shared: You can't become virtuous alone.

Miskawayh: "Virtue requires others."

That's why divine law creates three levels of community:

• Weekly prayers (city)
• Yearly festivals (region)
• Hajj (world)

Divine law plays a crucial role:

- Structures society for virtue 
- Creates communal bonds 
- Brings people together in worship 
- Makes virtue practical through rules



4. Virtues have different lifespans:

Worldly virtues (courage, liberality):
• Help you in this life
• End at death

Wisdom and justice:
• Benefit your soul eternally
• Shape your afterlife

5. True justice isn't just "being fair."

It's the intellect's ability to:
• Manage all other virtues
• Give everyone their due
• Balance your soul's faculties
• Create harmony in society






Character development isn't just personal improvement.

It's a divine gift that:


• Perfects your worldly character
• Prepares your soul for eternity
• Builds harmonious communities
• Reflects God's wisdom in creation 



Inspiration for this thread came from the chapter:

"The Virtues, from philosophy to scripture: Refining Character traits in Miskawayh and Ghazali." 

in the book "The Polished Mirror" by Cyrus Ali Zargar @czargar 

https://www.amazon.com/Polished-Mirror-Storytelling-Philosophy-Oneworld/dp/1786072017 

Modern science tells us only complex organisms are conscious. 

But what if consciousness pervades everything? 

The 13th century Sufi mystic Ibn 'Arabi had the view: every atom, stone, and particle is alive and aware.

Let's explore:

In this thread:
- Why everything must be conscious
- The hidden life in "inanimate" things
- What stones are really saying
- Why this changes everything
- The evidence Ibn 'Arabi presents

Ibn 'Arabi's core argument is simple but deep:

Life is the foundation of all attributes. To know, feel, or act, a thing must first be alive.

Since God's attributes permeate creation, life must permeate everything.

"The nonexistence of life has no divine support," Ibn 'Arabi writes.

Think about it: How can anything exist without divine support? And how can anything receive divine qualities without being alive to receive them?

What we call "inanimate" objects are simply things whose life is hidden from our limited perception.

Like radio waves we can't see, consciousness operates at levels our ordinary senses don't detect.

This isn't mere philosophy. Ibn 'Arabi and other mystics claim direct experience:

They report hearing the speech of stones, understanding the glorification of trees, witnessing the awareness in every particle.

The Quran states "everything glorifies God" - most read this metaphorically.

But Ibn 'Arabi challenges us: Why assume metaphor when the literal meaning reveals a deeper truth about reality?

Modern science is rediscovering hints of this:
- Plants showing signs of memory
- Particles behaving differently when observed
- Matter organizing itself in purposeful ways

The implications challenges the dominant worldview:

We're not isolated islands of consciousness in a dead universe.

We're participants in an ocean of awareness, where every entity plays its unique role.

This view demands respect for existence:

If everything is aware, everything deserves consideration. Every action affects conscious beings, whether we recognize them or not.

The common objection: "Where's the proof?"

Ibn 'Arabi's response: Our inability to perceive something doesn't negate its existence. Our own limited awareness is the only barrier.

Next time you hold a stone, touch a tree, or watch dust floating in sunlight, consider:

What if these aren't dead objects, but conscious participants in existence?

What if we're not alone in our awareness, but immersed in it?

Inspired from the Article by William Chittick:
https://ibnarabisociety.org/the-wisdom-of-animals-william-chittick/ 

Exploring Consciousness: Ibn 'Arabi's Perspective

Many of us are subtly addicted to control.

This Sufi Comic is about the power of letting go. 

Click the link below to read the full post: https://www.suficomics.com/blog/why-letting-go-sets-us-free

I create Sufi stories in comic form.

Click on the link below, and I'll deliver the next Sufi Comics directly to you. 🙂

https://get.suficomics.com

The Power of Letting Go

Who are some of the most fulfilled people?

I believe it's those who have cultivated their unique gifts and found ways to share them.

You don't need to quit your job to find fulfillment. Instead, dedicate even just an hour a week to work that truly matters to you.

It'll keep your heart alive ❤️

Check out this Sufi Comic on finding joy in work:

Click the link below to read the full post: https://www.suficomics.com/blog/from-busy-work-to-soul-work

Finding Fulfillment through Soul Work

Can we overcome our fears? 😰

Imam Ali said, "When you're afraid to do something, do it anyway. Because the real harm is usually less than what you imagine or fear."

This Sufi Comic is about how facing our fears can be a spiritual path to courage:


Click the link below to read the full post: https://www.suficomics.com/blog/facing-our-fears-a-spiritual-path-to-courage

Facing Our Fears

We're facing an ecological crisis.

What’s root cause? It comes down to a widespread mindset:

That nature is separate from us. Just stuff to use.

This view has serious consequences.

Let's look at 5 of them.

We'll explore:

• Where this idea came from
• How it changed our view of nature
• What it's doing to our planet
• How it affects us
• What we can do about it

Perceiving nature as separate is a relatively new concept.

It started with:

• Scientific rationalism
• Age of Reason
• Industrial Revolution

This shift fundamentally altered our relationship with nature.

This new view made us:

• See nature as a thing to control
• Think we own resources with responsibility
• Prioritize economic growth over everything else

But at what cost?

This thinking led to:

• Cutting down forests
• Emptying oceans
• Destroying animal homes
• Digging up fossil fuels

We thought we had no limits.

We're now facing the repercussions.

Nature's fighting back:

• Climate's changing
• Animals are vanishing
• Disasters are increasing

Is it just hurting the environment?

It's hurting us too:

• More stress and worry
• More sickness
• More social problems
• More global conflicts

Is this the progress we wanted?

You might ask: "But hasn't this led to better tech and living?"

Fair point.

But think:

• Gadgets haven't made us happier
• We're more anxious than ever
• We're still searching for happiness

So, what now?

We're at a crossroads: 

• Continue exploiting nature 
• Or recognize its sacredness 

The path forward isn't simple, but it's necessary.

The inspiration for this thread came from the book: 

Seeing God everywhere:
https://www.amazon.com/Seeing-God-Everywhere-Barry-McDonald/dp/8186569529 

Reconnecting with Nature

Imagine you're at dinner with friends, having a great time, when someone shares political views that make your blood boil. 

You feel compelled to correct them, but forcing your views usually backfires.

This Sufi Comic is about how forcing rarely works and what to do instead:

Click the link below to read the full post:
https://www.suficomics.com/blog/why-arguing-rarely-works-and-what-to-do-instead

When Forcing Rarely Works

“God is the Light of the heavens and the earth… (24:35)” ☀️

Imagine God as light—not just any light, but a light that doesn't fade or flicker. 

This Sufi Comic isn't about turning God into a physical element but about understanding His presence and influence in our world: 


Click the link below to read the full post: https://www.suficomics.com/blog/seeing-the-unseen-understanding-god-through-light