Question No. 3150 31 August 2022 Official answer by Master Ali Saei (Abdullah Meshkat) verified Content level: Intermediate

What Does “O Lord of Grace and Expression” Mean?

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Dear questioner, Master Ali Saei

Tracking code: #Q-3150

What does bayān mean in the phrase “O Lord of Grace and Expression”?

Subject category: Theology and Creed Epistemological

The essence and first answer at a glance (60-word summary)

Al-bayān is God’s gift of knowledge to His creatures, through which truths are revealed and conveyed. By granting this capacity, God makes it possible to teach and communicate truths. The Imams (AS) possess the highest degree of bayān, and God has granted them knowledge of how to express everything. This is the secret behind Imam Ali’s (AS) words, «سلوني قبل ان تفقدوني».

Answer by Master Ali Saei (Abdullah Meshkat)

Teacher and researcher in the intellectual tradition of wisdom and the Ahl al-Bayt | Soroush Bamdadān Cultural Center

“Al-bayān” is a scholarly grace bestowed by the All-Knowing upon His creatures, enabling truths to be made manifest. It is also a special power and capacity through which God, the All-Powerful, makes it possible to teach and transmit truths.

الرحمن : 4 علمه البیان

The highest degree of *bayān* belongs to the Pure Imams, peace be upon them. God Most High granted them the elucidation of all things. This is the secret behind our master, the Commander of the Faithful, peace be upon him, saying: «سلونی قبل ان تفقدونی».

عن أبی الحسن الرضا ع فی قوله: الرحمن علم القرآن قال ع: الله علم محمدا القرآن، قلت خلق الإنسان قال ذلک أمیر المؤمنین ع قلت علمه البیان‏
قال علمه تبیان کل شی‏ء یحتاج الناس إلیه‏
تفسیر القمی، ج‏2، ص: 343

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What Does “O Lord of Grace and Expression” Mean?

The essence and first answer at a glance (60-word summary)

Answer by Master Ali Saei (Abdullah Meshkat)

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