night to dawn

Abu Basir narrated from Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq (as) that He said: “Indeed, Allah, Blessed and Exalted, calls out every Thursday night, from above His Throne, from the beginning of the night until its end:

‘Is there not a believing servant who calls upon Me concerning his Hereafter and his worldly life before the break of dawn so that I may answer him?

Is there not a believing servant who repents to Me from his sins before the break of dawn so that I may accept his repentance?

Is there not a believing servant upon whom I have tightened his provision who asks Me for an increase in his provision before the break of dawn so that I may expand it for him?

Is there not a believing servant who is sick and asks Me to heal him before the break of dawn so that I may grant him health?

Is there not a believing servant who is imprisoned or in distress who asks Me to release him from his confinement so that I may free him?

Is there not a believing servant who is wronged and asks Me to avenge his oppression before the break of dawn so that I may grant him justice?’ The call continues until the break of dawn.”

The Creative Utterance (Inshā’)

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

Introduction: Beyond Mere Words

In the rich tapestry of Islamic thought, few concepts are as misunderstood, yet as profoundly significant as the nature of sacred speech. When a momin raises their hands in supplication (du’ā’), recites the words of a divine text, or utters a prayer transmitted through the ages, what exactly is occurring? Is this simply a human being conveying information to God or articulating a pre-existing emotional state? Or is something far more profound taking place?

Islamic rhetorical theory (balāghah) and philosophy offer a compelling answer through the concept of creative utterance (inshā’). This article explores this concept, drawing upon the teachings of Ayatollah Abdollah Javadi Amoli, arguing that sacred speech—particularly supplication (du’ā’)—is not merely descriptive but performative, bringing spiritual meanings into existential reality through the very act of utterance.

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