THE DIVINE RELATIONSHIPS OF THE INSIGHTFUL HUMAN FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF IMAM ALI IBN ABI TALIB

Abstract

The journey of the insightful human towards establishing a profound connection with God and gaining knowledge about Him involves the discernment and intuition of divine truths, which are beyond the grasp of mere sensory perception; it necessitates the "eye of the heart." Insight is governed by specific criteria, and an individual at this level has surely developed these criteria internally. This study aims to examine the divine interactions of the insightful human with God as seen through the lens of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib. It addresses questions such as what constitutes the knowledge of Allah and how an insightful individual can acquire it. How does mystical intuition contribute to an understanding of the divine? Human knowledge of God, derived from reflecting on His creations and understanding His names and attributes, is confined by human limitations; truly grasping His essence is beyond human comprehension. Genuine intuition involves reaching a state of certainty and grasping truths that are elusive to the average person. Various verses in the Holy Quran point to a unique form of knowledge that is not achieved through conventional academic pursuits, philosophical reasoning, or empirical science, but through adherence to Sharia, closeness to Allah, and immersion in the sacred domain. This knowledge is accessible to those who have attained certainty through devotion and servitude and for whom the mysteries of existence are unveiled. The methodology of this research is rooted in content analysis, documentary studies, and library research.