Quranic interpretation
Dr Imranali Sibtain Panjwani (London, UK) has lived, studied and worked in the UK, the Middle East and Australia as an academic, lawyer, chaplain and community worker. He researches Islamic and Western Law, focusing on the subjects of law, scripture interpretation, moral development, and access to justice and human rights for minority communities. His country’s expert reports have been commented upon by judges and lawyers and draw upon his diverse legal, cultural and religious experiences. Dr Panjwani is the Head and Founder of Diverse Legal Consulting, a consultancy that specialises in country expert reports on the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) for asylum seekers. Drawing upon his seminary and university studies, his work cuts across scriptural exegesis, jurisprudence, philosophy, logic and metaphysics. By re-examining the subject of the law, a critical evaluation of how laws are derived from religious and non-religious sources can take place. This also means broadening our notions of evidence to understand other legal systems better so that the dignity of minorities can be recognised. In his spare time, he engages in interfaith dialogue in Muslim and faith communities worldwide and likes playing tennis and doing charity work. He enjoys spending time with family and, when possible, escapes into the world of fantasy football and all other idiosyncratic creative outlets.
The monthly Kabristan majlis was delivered by Sh. Imranali Panjwani. In this month's majlis, Sh. Imranali discussed the Tafsir of Sura Al-Layl (The Night) and highlighted aspects of Islam's alignment with nature (such as Day and Night).
This lecture explores how Allah’s divine names (Asma al-Husna) manifest in the universe – particularly in the creation of night, day, and humanity – and how the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) perceived these attributes in everyday life. It challenges simplistic views of divine revelation (wahi), emphasising that the Prophet’s constant awareness of Allah’s design in nature (e.g., the night’s rest and the day’s illumination) reflects a profound spiritual consciousness.
The speaker critiques narrow Quranic exegesis that reduces verses to historical personalities (e.g., interpreting zakar wa untha solely as Adam/Eve or symbolic figures) without extracting universal lessons. Instead, the lecture advocates for a holistic approach:
- Nature as Divine Manifestation: Night and day are not mere phenomena but expressions of Allah’s names (e.g., Al-Musawwir, the Designer), designed for human balance, rest, and productivity.
- Prophetic Model: The Prophet’s humility and ability to recognise Allah’s attributes in daily interactions (not just in the Cave of Hira) exemplify ideal spiritual consciousness.
- Quranic Universality: Verses about creation (e.g., gender complementarity, cosmic balance) offer timeless wisdom for contemporary issues – environmental stewardship, social justice, and resisting cultural elitism in religious communities.
- Call to Action: Muslims must emulate prophetic humility, protect creation (e.g., addressing climate change), and apply Quranic principles ethically, avoiding rigid literalism or personality-centric interpretations that obscure the Quran’s universal message.
The lecture concludes with a plea for spiritual vigilance, solidarity with the oppressed (e.g., Gaza, Yemen), and a return to the Quran’s transformative purpose: guiding humanity toward divine awareness and moral responsibility.
Key Themes Highlighted
- Divine Immanence: Allah’s names reflected in nature’s precision.
- Prophetic Consciousness: The Prophet’s lived experience of recognising Allah in the mundane.
- Exegetical Integrity: Balancing historical context with universal Quranic principles.
- Modern Relevance: Environmental ethics, gender clarity, and anti-elitism as Islamic imperatives.
- Spiritual Urgency: Awakening the heart to Allah’s signs (ayat) and acting with justice.
More from this Author
Latest posts
- Theme #24: THE INNER COMPASS
- The Prophet’s Household as Guardians of Prophetic Wisdom – Part 2
- The Prophet’s Household as Guardians of Prophetic Wisdom – Part 1
Writers Panel | A Simple Thought | Obituaries | Ziarat Ashura | Islamic Calendar | Facebook | Instagram
