Beyond Words: Abu'l Fazl's Philosophical Take on Speech and Divine Praise
Published on 4/17/2024
The Akbarnama, the grand chronicle of Emperor Akbar's reign penned by his confidant and advisor, Abu'l Fazl, doesn't begin with tales of conquest or administrative reforms. Instead, its opening pages embark on a deep philosophical journey, contemplating the nature of speech itself. For Abu'l Fazl, this wasn't mere preamble; it was a foundational argument for the very purpose and significance of the history he was about to write.
The Sublime Jewel of Speech
Abu'l Fazl opens by elevating speech to a position of immense importance. He describes it as a "profound thought and glorious idea," a "sublime" and "rare jewel" unmatched by material forms. It is the essential tool for building both our inner world of thought and the outer world of civilization.
He uses powerful metaphors, calling speech the "Commander-in-Chief of Truth's army," the "true son and heir of the mind," and the "Archimage of knowledge." It is the bridge between the heart and the ear, the arena where expression and audition meet. For Abu'l Fazl, speech is not just communication; it is the very fabric of human understanding and societal structure.
Where Words Fail: The Limits of Divine Praise
Yet, despite this high praise, Abu'l Fazl quickly confronts the limitations of human language. When faced with the task of describing the "incomparable Deity," speech falters. He writes, "praise of the incomparable Deity lies outside the field of possibility, and the panegyric of the unequalled God is beyond the field of existence."
How can finite words capture infinite being? How can a "drop embrace the ocean"? Abu'l Fazl uses verses to emphasize this point, suggesting that any human attempt at divine praise, when measured against God's perfection, becomes "dispraise." Our most elaborate language, our "letters and dots," are mere "desert sand" on the path to divine perfection; the "city of speech is but some market-booths" compared to the universe of God's knowledge.
This realization leads to a moment of perplexity for Abu'l Fazl. If direct verbal praise of the Divine is impossible, how can one fulfill the duty of thanksgiving?
Action as the Highest Form of Praise
It is at this point that Abu'l Fazl introduces a profound shift in perspective. He realizes that while the "door of utterance was closed," the "door of action" was open. True praise, he argues, is not just in speaking about God, but in embodying divine attributes through action.
For a ruler, this means prioritizing the "betterment of others," acting as a "shepherd watching the flock," and embodying "universal guardianship." For a subject, it means obeying the legitimate ruler and purifying the inner self.
But the highest form of this "action as praise" is found in describing the "perfect man" (insan-i-kamil), the "God-worshipping king" who, by divine aid, has risen above ordinary degrees and become a "masterpiece of the eternal artificers." For Abu'l Fazl, Emperor Akbar is this perfect man, this "world-adorning luminary."
Describing Akbar's spiritual and temporal achievements, his justice, wisdom, and benevolence, becomes the ultimate act of divine praise. It's not just adorning the book with praise of God; it's adorning the praise of God by writing about this divine masterpiece. The history itself becomes an act of worship, a testament to God's power manifested in a perfect ruler.
Preserving History, Embodying Praise
Abu'l Fazl's introduction is more than just a literary flourish. It sets the philosophical stage for the entire Akbarnama. It tells the reader that this history is not merely a chronological record but a sacred text, a form of devotion. By meticulously documenting Akbar's life and reign, Abu'l Fazl believes he is fulfilling his duties of worship, loyalty, and gratitude, and establishing a claim to the regard of future generations.
He sees the Akbarnama as a "reservoir for irrigating and moistening the rose garden of fortune," constructed through "honesty and lavish labour." His goal is to display the "wondrous new fruit of the garden of creations" – Akbar's life – so that it may serve as a "lamp of vision" for others.
Relevance Today
Abu'l Fazl's exploration of speech, its limits, and the power of action as praise offers a timeless perspective. In an age saturated with words, his argument reminds us that true value often lies beyond mere utterance. It challenges us to consider how our actions, our character, and the lives we lead might be the most profound expressions of our beliefs and values. The Akbarnama, through this lens, becomes not just a historical document, but a philosophical treatise on the nature of leadership, virtue, and the ultimate purpose of human existence – a purpose found not just in speaking, but in being and doing.