Zayd Depaor Artwork Details

 

 

Detailed Description

Alif Laam Raa is one of the huroof muqata-aa't [Disconnected Letters] which occur at the beginning of some chapters of the Qura'n. Alif Laam Raa [A-L-R] occurs five times in the Qura'n in five separate chapters. These are the following:- "A.L.R. These are the ayats of the Book of Wisdom." (Yoonus 10:1) "A. L. R. (This is) a Book, with verses basic or fundamental (of established meaning), further explained in detail,- from One Who is Wise and Well-acquainted (with all things)" (Hood 11:1) " A.L.R. These are the symbols (or Verses) of the perspicuous Book." (Yoosuf 12:1) "A. L. R. A Book which We have revealed unto thee, in order that thou mightest lead mankind out of the depths of darkness into light - by the leave of their Lord - to the Way of (Him) the Exalted in power, worthy of all praise!" (Ibraheem 14:1) "A. L. R. These are the Ayats of Revelation,- of a Qur'an that makes things clear." (al Hijr 15:1) These are one of the mysteries of the Qura'n. There are many classical opinions concerning their meaning and purpose. Some of these opinions include (NOTE: I am only indicating some of the classical opinions here without doing any justice to them whatsoever. In truth each of these opinions is a lengthy research and multi-facted argument which would require many pages or even many volumes to do justice to. There are also many other opinions I have not mentioned and that I am unaware of):- 1) The letters have a meaning and purpose but the meaning is only known to Allah. 2) The letters in their combinations actually have a meaning in themselves but do not form specific meanings and words. Evidence of from Arabic etymology shows that combinations of letters do appear to have some common areas of meaning when those combinations of sequences of letters are seen in various words. It is considered that these meanings are an indication of the contents of the chapters which they head. 3) The letters are Names of Allah. There is some evidence from hadeeth that at least one of these huroof muqatta-aa't are part of the Great Name of Allah that has been mentioned in some ahadeeth. 4) The letters are names of the Prophet Muhammad (saaw). There is evidence from hadeeth that at least two of these huroof muqata-aa't are names of the prophet (saaw). 5) The letters are representing specific words or phrases. 6) They are from the names of the Qura'n. 7) They are from the Names of Soorahs [chapters] of the Qura'n. 8) They are a reference to the other half of the Arabic alphabet. This is because the letters themselves comprise one half of the Arabic alphabet. So the Arabs are being reminded that the Quran consists of their letters and words but yet it can not be imitated in its combined style, meaning, eloquence and grammar. So it is indicating one of the miracles of the Qura'n. 9) They are to demonstrate the limits of man's knowledge. 10) They are used to draw attention to the Quran and its chapters. 11) They draw attention to or have a connection with specific miraculous attributes or purposes and characteristics of the Qura'n. This is indicated by the information contained in the veres which immediately follow on from these letters. 12) The specific meaning and purpose of the letters has been concealed but some benefits and wisdom from them have not been concealed.