Abjad Calculation: The Divine Harmony of Letters and Numbers
In the Islamic scientific heritage, the Abjad system (the arrangement of letters and numbers in a specific order) is not merely a mathematical system, but also a tool used for discovering esoteric meanings. This system is based on assigning a specific numerical value to each letter in the Arabic alphabet. This harmony, which has existed since ancient times, holds a special place in Islamic culture, particularly in the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (a.s.).
The Secrets of Letters in the Quran and Sahih Hadiths
In Islamic sources, especially within the school of the Ahl al-Bayt (a.s.), it is stated that letters are connected to the secrets of creation. In authentic narrations transmitted from Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq (a.s.) and other infallible Imams, the connection of letters with the divine names and their esoteric meanings has been explained. It is stated in the hadiths that every letter has an outward pronunciation, as well as an inward light and a numerical equivalent.
"Each of the 'Abjad' letters points to the beautiful names and attributes of Allah Almighty. The hadiths from the infallibles regarding this show that the letters were not created by chance, but on the basis of deep wisdom."
"Ilm al-Huruf" (The Science of Letters) in the School of the Ahl al-Bayt (a.s.)
Hazrat Ali (a.s.) said that all the sciences in the world are contained in the heavenly books, the science of the heavenly books is in the Quran, the science of the Quran is in Surah al-Fatihah, and the science of al-Fatihah is in "Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim". From this perspective, the numerical values of letters have been used to point to the esoteric interpretations of Quranic verses and the symbols of certain historical events.
In the Abjad system, the symbolic meanings of the first four letters are expressed as follows:
- Alif (1): Points to the oneness of Allah (Tawhid) and Him being the beginning of everything.
- Ba (2): Points to the duality of creation and, at the same time, represents the symbol of Wilayah (guardianship).
- Jeem (3): Is the manifestation of the divine attributes of majesty (Jalal) and beauty (Jamal).
- Dal (4): Points to the four elements and the order of the material world.
It is emphasized in authentic Shia hadiths that abusing these sciences or using them as tools for falsehoods such as fortune-telling is forbidden. The true science and harmony of letters and numbers belong only to the infallible Imams by the permission of Allah, and this science is a means of contemplation that brings human beings closer to Allah.
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