'ABID

"A worshipper [of God]." A term generally used for a devout person. The word frequently occurs in the Qur'an: e.g. Surah ii. 132: "The baptism (sibghah) of God! And who is better than God at baptizing? We are the worshippers ('abidun) of God" The word sibghah is translated by Professor Palmer "dye" and "dyeing", but Sale, following the Muslim commentators, al-Baizawi, Jalalu'd-din, aud Husaini, who say it refers to tho Christian rite, translates it "baptism." Others say that it means fitrah or din, the religion of God, with an adaptation to which mankind are created. See Lane's Lexicon. [BAPTISM.]