Is Self-Knowledge a Prerequisite for Knowing God?

The question "Is self-knowledge a prerequisite for knowing God?" is one of the profound and fundamental inquiries that has always occupied the human mind. While the Holy Quran does not explicitly use the phrase "self-knowledge is a prerequisite for God-knowledge," it strongly emphasizes the importance of contemplation (tadabbur), reflection (tafakkur), and observation of divine signs (Ayat), both in the horizons (the universe) and within oneself (the human being). This emphasis indicates that a deep look into oneself, as one of the most significant manifestations of divine power and wisdom, can be a clear path to attaining knowledge of God. A proper understanding of one's own existence serves as the initial step towards comprehending the Creator of all existence. The Quran repeatedly invites humanity to reflect upon their own creation and the stages of their development. This invitation is not merely a scientific curiosity but a call to know the origin and the ultimate return, and to realize the Creator's magnificence. In Surah Adh-Dhariyat, verses 20 and 21, Allah states: «وَفِي الْأَرْضِ آيَاتٌ لِّلْمُوقِنِينَ * وَفِي أَنفُسِكُمْ ۚ أَفَلَا تُبْصِرُونَ» (And on the earth are signs for those of assured faith. And in yourselves. Then will you not see?). These verses clearly indicate that the signs of God are not only present in the vast expanse of the cosmos and nature but also deeply embedded within the human being himself. Reflecting on the process of creation, from a lifeless sperm-drop to a complex being endowed with intellect and emotion, is a symbol of God's infinite power and boundless knowledge. Every cell, every tissue, and every system in the human body is a miracle that testifies to the existence of a Wise and Omnipotent Creator. This form of introspection, in essence, is an inner journey (sayr-e anfusi) that, when undertaken with insight, uncovers the secrets of existence and paves the way for knowing God. This self-reflection begins with an understanding of human weaknesses and needs; one quickly realizes that they are finite, dependent, and limited beings. This realization guides them towards an unlimited power and absolute independence, which is God. When a person comprehends that they do not even have complete control over the smallest function of their own body, they realize that a greater, superior force lies behind this intricate creation. Furthermore, in Surah Fussilat, verse 53, it is stated: «سَنُرِيهِمْ آيَاتِنَا فِي الْآفَاقِ وَفِي أَنفُسِهِمْ حَتَّىٰ يَتَبَيَّنَ لَهُمْ أَنَّهُ الْحَقُّ ۗ أَوَلَمْ يَكْفِ بِرَبِّكَ أَنَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ شَهِيدٌ» (We will show them Our signs in the horizons and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that it is the truth. But is it not sufficient concerning your Lord that He is, over all things, a Witness?). This verse also reaffirms the significance of self-knowledge on the path to knowing God. The word "Ayat" in the Quran means a sign, a mark, or an evidence that guides humanity towards the truth. When the Quran emphasizes that Allah reveals His signs "within themselves" (in human beings), it means that the human existential structure, the complexities of their soul and psyche, their unique mental and emotional capabilities, all can serve as windows to understanding the Creator's magnificence. Understanding the purposeful nature of human creation is one of the qualities that distinguishes humans from other creatures. When a person realizes their identity as a being with free will, responsibility, and as a vicegerent of Allah on Earth, this self-knowledge guides them towards understanding their duties and mission before God. This deep understanding of one's place is not merely a philosophical insight but a spiritual awakening that leads a person towards submission to divine will and absolute servitude. Self-knowledge, in the Quranic sense, transcends merely knowing one's superficial traits and personality. It encompasses understanding one's place in existence, the purpose of one's creation, one's inherent weaknesses and needs, as well as one's potential talents and capabilities. When a person recognizes their inherent weaknesses, they realize that for survival and perfection, they need a superior power and a firm support. This innate need for an absolute and infinite power is precisely the need for God. This understanding of one's intrinsic poverty and absolute dependence on the Creator solidifies the foundations of humility and servitude within the human being and guides them towards pure worship. From this perspective, deep self-knowledge is not only a prerequisite but an inseparable component of the path to knowing God, because without a proper understanding of one's own position, one cannot attain a correct understanding of God's position and grandeur. This self-understanding helps a person to abandon arrogance and pride, and with humility before the Creator, traverse the path of spiritual growth. Furthermore, the Quran refers to the divine fitra (innate disposition) of humanity. In Surah Ar-Rum, verse 30, Allah says: «فَأَقِمْ وَجْهَكَ لِلدِّينِ حَنِيفًا ۚ فِطْرَتَ اللَّهِ الَّتِي فَطَرَ النَّاسَ عَلَيْهَا ۚ لَا تَبْدِيلَ لِخَلْقِ اللَّهِ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ الدِّينُ الْقَيِّمُ وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ» (So direct your face toward the religion, inclining to truth. [Adhere to] the fitrah of Allah upon which He has created [all] people. No change should there be in the creation of Allah. That is the correct religion, but most of the people do not know.) This fitra is the inner, unconscious inclination of humanity towards truth, justice, and the worship of the One God. True self-knowledge means unveiling this divine fitra. When a person looks within themselves and discovers these deep inclinations, they are essentially finding signs of the Creator within their own being. This fitra is the foundation of monotheistic knowledge, and true self-knowledge can awaken and activate it. This awakening of the fitra is itself a great step on the path of knowing and drawing closer to God. Also, knowing oneself and one's weaknesses leads a person to have more hope in divine mercy and forgiveness and to repent from their sins, which is one of the main pillars of drawing closer to God. Ultimately, it can be said that the more a person becomes aware of their existential dimensions, from material and physical aspects to spiritual and moral dimensions, the more they realize the complexity and order of creation, and the more they come to believe in the necessity of a Wise and Powerful Creator. This inner journey towards self-knowledge is, in essence, a journey towards knowing the Creator, and only with this deep knowledge can a person achieve the true purpose of their creation, which is servitude and worship of God, and experience a meaningful life.