Qalam (The First Determination)

Aql-i-Awwal (Prime Intellect) and Qalam-i-Aalaa (the Exalted Pen) are actually two terms of a single Reality (Noor). When referred to from the human viewpoint it is called Prime Intellect (Aql-i-Awwal), and when in reference to Allah, it is called the Exalted Pen (Qalam-i-Aalaa). Archangel Gabriel was created from Aql-i-Awwal, originally the radiance of Muhammad (s) (Noor-e-Muhammadi) and given the name Rooh-ul-Amin. He is so named because he is entrusted with the great Treasure of Divine Knowledge. When this same Light is attributed to a perfect man, he is given the epithet of Rooh-i-Muhammadi. The Qalam-i-Aalaa, the Aql-i-Awwal and the Rooh-i-Muhammadi are interprected as ‘Johar-i-Fard’ (The Unmatched Essence). Among the manifestations of creation, the very first distinct determination are called Qalam-e-Aalaa (The Exalted Pen).

The Divine Knowledge embeds an undefined determination of creation. This undefined determination initially manifests on the Divine Throne (Arsh) wherefrom it is transferred in some detail onto the Divine Footstool (Kursi). At this point it adopts a distinct form in the Exalted Pen as opposed to its earlier appearance, when it was unevident. When it comes into the Exalted Pen, this determination becomes distinct from the Divine Being. The patterns contained within the Exalted Pen descend onto the Preserved Tablet like the human intellect imprints images of its preference on the human self. The abode of intelligence is the Exalted Pen and the abode of the rational self (nafs) is the soul. The images of thought that are found in the rational self (nafs), bound by the rules of intellect are like forms of existence already written on the Preserved Tablet.

It is through the Exalted Pen that summarized Knowledge acquires detail. It is compared to the letters of the alphabet that are present in the ink-pot, undefined and brief. The alphabets cannot be discerned in the liquid condition, one from another, but when they are transferred through the pen onto paper, it presents detailed knowledge about them. Similarly the human sperm, which is the very substance of mankind, so long as it is within the father, keeps the human form undefined and summarized. But when it is transferred to the receptacle of the mother’s womb, it assumes a detailed form and shape. The Cosmic Soul, through the Exalted Pen inscribed the letter of ‘meem’ (M) as a determination on the blessed name ‘Muhammad’ (s) (the Holy Prophet), and changed the abridged knowledge into detail.

When Allah wrote the name Muhammed with His Pen (on the Guarded Tablet)

With the curve of the letter meem He lent beauty to his form. (Jami)

Aql-i-Awwal (Prime Intellect) and Qalam-i-Aalaa (the Exalted Pen) are actually two terms of a single Reality (Noor). When referred to from the human viewpoint it is called Prime Intellect (Aql-i-Awwal), and when in reference to Allah, it is called the Exalted Pen (Qalam-i-Aalaa). Archangel Gabriel was created from Aql-i-Awwal, originally the radiance of Muhammad (s) (Noor-e-Muhammadi) and given the name Rooh-ul-Amin. He is so named because he is entrusted with the great Treasure of Divine Knowledge. When this same Light is attributed to a perfect man, he is given the epithet of Rooh-i-Muhammadi. The Qalam-i-Aalaa, the Aql-i-Awwal and the Rooh-i-Muhammadi are interprected as ‘Johar-i-Fard’ (The Unmatched Essence). Among the manifestations of creation, the very first distinct determination are called Qalam-e-Aalaa (The Exalted Pen).

The Divine Knowledge embeds an undefined determination of creation. This undefined determination initially manifests on the Divine Throne (Arsh) wherefrom it is transferred in some detail onto the Divine Footstool (Kursi). At this point it adopts a distinct form in the Exalted Pen as opposed to its earlier appearance, when it was unevident. When it comes into the Exalted Pen, this determination becomes distinct from the Divine Being. The patterns contained within the Exalted Pen descend onto the Preserved Tablet like the human intellect imprints images of its preference on the human self. The abode of intelligence is the Exalted Pen and the abode of the rational self (nafs) is the soul. The images of thought that are found in the rational self (nafs), bound by the rules of intellect are like forms of existence already written on the Preserved Tablet.

It is through the Exalted Pen that summarized Knowledge acquires detail. It is compared to the letters of the alphabet that are present in the ink-pot, undefined and brief. The alphabets cannot be discerned in the liquid condition, one from another, but when they are transferred through the pen onto paper, it presents detailed knowledge about them. Similarly the human sperm, which is the very substance of mankind, so long as it is within the father, keeps the human form undefined and summarized. But when it is transferred to the receptacle of the mother’s womb, it assumes a detailed form and shape. The Cosmic Soul, through the Exalted Pen inscribed the letter of ‘meem’ (M) as a determination on the blessed name ‘Muhammad’ (s) (the Holy Prophet), and changed the abridged knowledge into detail.

When Allah wrote the name Muhammed with His Pen (on the Guarded Tablet)

With the curve of the letter meem He lent beauty to his form. (Jami)