Briefing Document: Quranic Model of Idea Development

Quranic Characters as a Functional Model for Ideas

Source: Excerpts from a podcast transcript, "Quranic: The Idea Model from Inspiration to Application" (Episode: Noah, Abraham, Lot, Ishmael)

Format: Podcast dialogue between Jamal and Maryam

Approximate Duration: 10-12 minutes

Overview:

This podcast episode presents a unique interpretive framework for understanding the stories of four Quranic figures – Noah, Abraham, Lot, and Ishmael. Instead of narrating their stories chronologically or focusing solely on their religious significance, the speakers, Jamal and Maryam, propose viewing these prophets as symbolic representations of distinct stages in the process of taking an idea from initial inspiration to successful implementation and security, applicable to various fields like industry, technology, and medicine.

Main Themes:

• Quranic Stories as Functional Models: The core theme is the reinterpretation of Quranic narratives not just as historical or moral lessons, but as practical, functional models that can be applied to understand and manage real-world processes, particularly the development and execution of ideas.
• The Four Stages of Idea Development: The podcast identifies four key stages in the journey of an idea, each symbolized by a specific prophet:
• Stage 1: Inspiration/Genesis (Noah): The initial moment of a unique idea or revelation.
• Stage 2: Verification/Practical Application (Abraham): The process of detailed examination, testing, and planning to make the abstract idea concrete.
• Stage 3: Execution/Implementation Support (Ishmael): The practical work and collaboration involved in bringing the idea to life, relying on a dedicated team.
• Stage 4: Security/Protection (Lot): The crucial element of ensuring safety, security, and stability for the implemented idea or project.
• Symbolic Meaning of Prophets: The prophets are not just historical figures in this framework but serve as archetypes or symbols representing specific functions within the idea development process.
• Universality of the Model: The speakers emphasize that this model is not limited to a single field but can be applied across various domains, from industrial production and technological innovation to medical procedures.

Most Important Ideas and Facts (with Quotes):

1. Reinterpreting Quranic Stories: The fundamental premise is a departure from traditional narrative-focused interpretations.

• Jamal states: "Today, we will talk about four Quranic figures: Noah, Abraham, Lot, and Ishmael, but in a different way. We won't tell the story as a story, but rather we will try to see it as a model that can be applied in our lives, even in industry and technology and in every field, whatever it may be."

1. Stage 1: Noah and the Moment of Inspiration: Noah's story of building the ark is used to represent the initial inspiration or "revelation" of an idea.

• Maryam explains: "Exactly like what happened with the Prophet Noah, to whom God revealed to build the ship. This stage can be called: the 'Noahic' stage."
• Jamal adds: "This is the moment the idea is born. Let's assume a scientist in the aircraft industry saw a type of bird and it inspired him with a new design idea for an airplane. This moment is the 'revelation', if you will."

1. Stage 2: Abraham and Verification/Practicality: Abraham's request to God to show him how the dead are brought back to life (seeing the process) symbolizes the need for detailed examination, testing, and making the idea concrete.

• Maryam says: "Here we enter the second stage, which can be called the 'Abrahamic' stage. Abraham asked his Lord: 'Show me how You give life to the dead,' meaning he wanted to see how, not just believe in the result."
• Jamal connects this to practical application: "Exactly, like the scientist who started taking precise measurements of the bird. He measured the distance between the wings, saw the appropriate weight, and started thinking about how to embody the model. And this is what we call 'practical application' of the idea."

1. The Symbolism of "Four" and "Arab": Jamal delves into a symbolic interpretation related to Abraham's story of the four birds, connecting it to the Arabic word "عرب" (Arab). This is a more abstract and philosophical interpretation within the practical model.

• Jamal states: "When the idea is clear and harmonious in his heart, it becomes four - or 'four birds' in a symbolic sense. Squaring something that expresses itself... From 'four' 'ربع' (quarter) to reaching the word 'عرب' (Arab), it is an existential journey... from four to express where the expression of the thing you squared from the beginning reaches... Thus, 'Arab' is every observation, vision, explanation."
• He defines "عرب" as:
• ع (Ayn): The eye of observation, designation, and indication with a sign.
• ر (Ra'): The letter Ra', vision, opinions, and insight.
• ب (Ba'): The letter Ba', بيان (explanation) and بينة (clear proof).
• He concludes: "So 'Arab' is every observational, visual, explanatory thing. Meaning something that expresses itself. So when you square, you express, and when you express, you become 'Arab'."

1. Stage 3: Ishmael and Execution/Support: Ishmael's role in helping Abraham build the Kaaba is used to represent the necessary support, collaboration, and execution team required to bring the idea to fruition.

• Maryam points out: "But Abraham didn't work alone. Here comes the role of Ishmael. The people who work with the researcher or the scientist, helping him, adhering to the instructions, and being patient. When Abraham raised the foundations of the House, Ishmael was with him. Meaning in industry, the engineers and technicians who implement the design, they are 'Ishmael'."

1. Stage 4: Lot and Security/Protection: Lot's story, although not explicitly detailed here in terms of the traditional narrative, is linked to the concept of protection and security. His role symbolizes safeguarding the implemented project or idea.

• Jamal emphasizes the need for safety: "And here, Maryam, let me add an important point. The process of industry is not just work, it also needs security and safety. We cannot work on a plane or a medical device without securing the place."
• Maryam clarifies Lot's role: "Exactly, and here enters the role of Lot. The person responsible for protecting the project, for securing the place from any internal or external danger... All of these represent 'Lot'."
• Jamal connects Lot to the Arabic word "ملاّط" (mortar), which binds things together, further emphasizing security and cohesion: "And not only that. Even the word 'ملاّط' in the language means the material that binds bricks or stones together. Meaning Lot is the guarantee for the safety of the building, he is the one who keeps the walls cohesive."

1. Applicability Beyond Industry: The speakers highlight the model's versatility.

• Maryam illustrates with a medical example: "And the most beautiful thing about this model is that it is not limited to industry. Even in medicine, we can apply it. The doctor diagnoses the illness: this is the Noah stage. Then plans the operation: this is the Abraham stage. The team that helps him: Ishmael. As for the staff responsible for the patient's safety and the operating room: Lot."

1. Quran as a "Functional Model": The overall conclusion is that the Quran provides enduring functional models for understanding complex processes.

• Jamal summarizes: "It is as if the Quran gives us a continuous 'functional model'. From the moment the idea comes, until it is embodied and implemented, to being preserved and secured. And the beautiful thing is that each stage has a Quranic figure that symbolizes it."

In Summary:

The podcast proposes a novel framework that reframes key Quranic stories as a functional model for navigating the process of idea development, implementation, and security. The four prophets – Noah (Inspiration), Abraham (Verification/Practicality), Ishmael (Execution/Support), and Lot (Security) – serve as symbolic anchors for each crucial stage, offering a unique lens through which to understand both the Quranic narratives and the practical realities of bringing ideas to life. While the connection between Abraham, the four birds, and the word "Arab" is a more symbolic digression, the core model of the four stages and their symbolic representation is the central and most important idea presented.

his source describes a podcast episode titled "Stories of Meanings and Lessons," featuring a discussion between Jamal and Maryam. They explore how four Quranic figures – Noah, Abraham, Lot, and Ishmael – can represent stages in the process of bringing an idea to life. Each prophet symbolizes a distinct phase, from the initial inspiration (Noah) and the planning and detailed understanding (Abraham), to the collaborative effort (Ishmael) and ensuring safety and security (Lot) throughout the implementation journey. This approach encourages viewing these stories not merely as historical narratives, but as a functional model applicable to various fields like industry and medicine. convert_to_textتحويل الملاحظة إلى مصدر