Expanding The Logical Foundations Of The Quran (Part 2)

Quantification and Quranic Terminology: The Concept of Neema (نعمة)

Introduction: Divine Terminology

The Quran employs terms that are deceptively simple in structure yet contain essential features that constitute complete identities. This simplicity is deliberate - a simple notion contains within it the widest possible range of implications. These terms are more akin to entelechies (an aristotelian term denoting the 'principle' or 'function' of what's otherwise 'inert'; it comes to you when you see a certain animal, a Cheetah, you immediately perceive that this cat is astonishingly fast', you're here not contemplating the form, 'shape', 'appearance' of the cat, but a function of it. Entelechy can be understood as that 'functional' thing which the form or 'appearance', hides) than mere words.

Understanding Neema (نعمة)

The term Neema (نعمة), often translated simply as "favors," "blessings," or "bounties," carries far deeper significance. While it shares aspects with the concept of divine providence, its Quranic articulation reveals several distinct characteristics presupposed - but not made explicit - in the notion of 'providence' :

1. Permanence: while providence denotes a general 'facility' of God, Neema is more specific and 'discrete', it shows an 'example' of an 'instance' of providence; rather, how 'providence' works. a Neema is a 'disederatum', it's something that's always needed, because it's in our nature to seek after it. Had it not existed, we'd be seeking some alternative to it, yet the alternative will be a manifestation of the thing itself..

2. Generativity: Contains potential for multiple applications. One does not receive a transient gift but an enduring resource, something that stays with you, and from which you can derive progressively more 'benefits'.

3. Resourcefulness: Functions as a renewable source of benefit

4. Developmental Potential: Unfolds new benefits over time (As said)

   as the above verse tells us, we cannot count neema, not only because we possess so many of it, which is true, but the verse also refers to the 'intensional' sense; that is, what other benefits can be 'extracted' from any given neema'..

   
   

The Enduring Nature of Neema

Consider the Quranic example of horses and donkeys as Neema. While these might seem obsolete in our industrial age, understanding them through the lens of Neema reveals their transcendental significance. The concept of "horsepower," coined by James Watt, perfectly illustrates this - the transformation of a physical animal into a universal unit of measurement demonstrates the enduring nature of the blessing. It's not a coincidence that Watt decided to use the horse; but it was a natural progress.

وَتَحْمِلُ أَثْقَالَكُمْ إلى بَلَدٍ لَّمْ تَكُونُواْبَالِغِيهِ إِلاَّ بِشِقِّ الأَنفُسِ إِنَّ رَبَّكُمْ لَرَؤُوفٌ رَّحِيمٌ

"And they carry your heavy loads to lands that you could not otherwise reach except with great hardship. Indeed, your Lord is Most Kind, Most Merciful." (An-Nahl: 5-6)

أَفَلَا يَنظُرُونَ إلى الْإِبِلِ

"Do they not look at the camels?" (Al-Ghashiyah: 17)

The Transcendental Aspect

The concept of Neema transcends time and culture. Just as the camel's characteristics (longevity, efficiency, multi-purpose utility) are reflected in modern transport systems, the essential qualities of these divine gifts persist across technological evolution. The modern bus, with its capacity for long-distance travel, cargo storage, and passenger comfort, fulfils the role which the camel embodies.

Neema and the Law of Identity

Neema reflects an ontological need - a permanent human requirement. Transportation, for instance, represents a Neema without which human civilization could not exist. The law of identity helps us understand how these concepts maintain their essence despite technological evolution.

Identity and Quantification

The law of identity encompasses the awareness of conceptual versatility and morphology. When we recognize common patterns across different domains (like transportation systems in biology and commerce), we engage in quantification. The core concept remains identical despite infinite complexity.

Specialized Forms of Neema

Consider the specialized Neema granted to prophets, such as Solomon's ability to understand animal speech. These are not mere miraculous exceptions but essential aspects of their nature and purpose. As the Quran states:

"My Lord! Grant me—by your grace—righteous offspring" (3:38)

هُنَالِكَ دَعَا زَكَرِيَّا رَبَّهُ ۖ قَالَ رَبِّ هَبْ لِي مِن لَّدُنكَ ذُرِّيَّةً طَيِّبَةً ۖ إِنَّكَ سَمِيعُ الدُّعَاءِ

Divine Names and Neema

The divine name Alwahab الوهاب (The Bestower) connects intimately with the concept of Neema. When making du'a (supplication), one invokes this name whether consciously or not. Understanding this name's significance implies:

1. Recognition of individual uniqueness

2. Awareness of purpose

3. Connection to universal good

4. Understanding of divine complexity

   
   

Conclusion

Understanding Neema requires more than simple recognition of identity (A = A). It demands equivalence relations and understanding concepts in their transcendental sense (each of these is obtained by way of the other, a transcendental sense, is attained by sublating equivalences, and equivalences are attained transcendentally). This deeper comprehension reveals how divine gifts maintain their relevance across time and technological progress.