The universe; world; condition, state of being.
'Alamu 'l-arwh The world of spirits
'Alamu 'l-khalq The world; this life
'Alamu 'I-baqi The future state
'Alamu 'I-a'zamah The highest heaven
'Alamu 'sh-shahadah The visible world
'Alamu 'l-ghaib The invisible world
'Alamu 'l-ma' qul The rationale world
The four mystic stages of the Sufis are 'Alamu 'n-nasut The present world
'Alamu 'l-malakut The state of angels
'Alamu 'l jabarut The state of power
'Alamu 'l-lahut The state of absorption into the Divinity
[SUFIISM.]
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
'ALAM
A standard or ensign. A term used for the flags and standards paraded during the Muharram. [MUHARRAM, STANDARDS.]
AL-A'LA
"The Most High." The title of the lxxxviith Surah of the Qur'an, in the second verse of which the word occurs: "The name of thy Lord the most high is celebrated."
AKHUNDZADAH
The son of Akhund. A title of respect given to the sons or descendants of celebrated religious teachers. [AKHUND.]
AKHUND
A maulawi; a teacher. A title of respect given to eminent religious teachers. One of the most celebrated Muhammadan teachers of modem times was the "Akhund of Swat," who died A.D. 1875. This great religious leader resided in the village of Saidu, in the district of Swat, on the northwest frontier of India.
AKHLAQ
The plural of Khulq. Natures, dispositions, habits, manners The general term for books on morality, e.g. Akhlaq-i-Jalali, Akhlaq-i-Mushini, the name of a dissertation on Ethics by Husain Wa 'iz Kashifi, A.H. 910, which has been translated into English by the Rev. H.G. Keene (WH Allen & Co).
AKHIR- I -CHAHAR - I - SHAMBAM .
The last Wednesday of the month of Safar. It is observed as a feast in commemoration of Muhammad's having experienced some mitigation of his last illness, and having bathed. It was the last time he performed the legal bathing, for he died on the twelfth day of the next month. In some parts of Islam it is customary, in the early morning of this day to write verses of the Qur'an known as the Seven Solams (q.v.), and then wash off the ink and drink it as a charm against evil. It is not observed by the Wahhabis nor is its observance universal in Islam.
AJAL
The appointed time of death, said to be ordained by God from the first. Qur'an, Surah. xxxv. 44, "He respites them until the appointed time. When their appointed time comes, verily God looks upon His servants." [DEATH.]
AHZAB
"Confederates." The title of the xxxiiird Surah of the Qur'an which is said to hare been written when al-Madinah was besieged by a confederation of the Jewish tribes with the Arabs of Makkah. A.H. 5.
AHMAD
The name under which Muhammad professes that Jesus Christ foretold his coming. Vide Qur'an, Surah lxi. 6, "And remember when Jesus the son of Mary said 'O children of Israel! of a truth I am God's Apostle to you to confirming the law which was given before me, and to announce an apostle that shall come after me, whose name shall be Ahmad."' Muhammad had, no doubt, heard that Our Lord had promised a Paraclatos , John xvi.7. This title, understood by him, probably from the similarity of Sound, as equivalent to Periclytos , he applied to himself with reference to his own name Muhammad, the praised or glorified one. Muir thinks that in some imperfect Arabic translation of the Gospel of St. John, the word may have been translated Ahmad, or praised. (Life of Mahomet, vol. i., 17.)
AHLU' L-KITAB
Lit. "The people of the book." A term used in the Qur'an for Jews and Christians, as believers in a revealed religion. Some Sects of the Shi'ahs include the Majusi (Magi) under this term.
AHLU'L-BAIT
"The people of the house." A term used in the Qur'an (Surah xxxiii. 33), and in the Hadis (Mishkat, xxiv. 21), for Muhammad's house hold.
AHADIYA
Unity, concord. Al-Ahadiyah is a term used by Sufi mystics to express a condition of the mind. completely absorbed in a meditation on the Divine Unity. (See 'Abda 'r-Razzaq's; Dictionary of the Technical Terms of the Sufis. Sprenger's edition)
AGENT
Arabic wakil . One legally appointed to act for another. For the Muhammadan law regarding the appointment of agents to transact business, or to negotiate marriages, see Hamilton's Hidiyah, vol. iii. p. 1; Baillie's Digest Hanifi Code, p. 75: Imamiyah Code, p. 29. The author of the Hidayah says, "It is lawful for a person to appoint another his agent for the settlement, in his behalf, of every contract which he might lawfully have concluded himself, such as sale, marriage, and so forth ; and he then proceeds to lay down rates for guidance in such matters at great length. A woman who remains in privacy and is not accustomed to go into Court, ought, according to the saying of Abu Bakr, to appoint an agent and not appear herself. A slave or a minor may be appointed agent for a free man.
AFU
Lit. "erasing, canceling. The word is generally used in Muhammadan books for pardon and forgiveness. It occurs eight times in the Qur'an. e.g Surah ii. 286, "Lord, make us not to carry what we have not strength for, but forgive us and pardon us and have mercy on us." Surah iv 46, "Verily God pardons and forgives.
Al' Afu is one of the ninety-nine special names. of God. It means "one who erases or cancles;" "The Eraser (of sins)." See Qur'an. Surah iv. 51.
Al' Afu is one of the ninety-nine special names. of God. It means "one who erases or cancles;" "The Eraser (of sins)." See Qur'an. Surah iv. 51.
AFFLICTION
Arabic huzn, ghamm . The benefits of affliction are frequently expressed in both the Qur'an and Traditions. For example : Surah ii., 150, "We will try you with something of fear, and hunger, and loss of wealth, and souls and fruit; but give good tidings to the patient who, when there falls on them a calamity, say, 'Verily we are God's and verily to Him we return'." This formula is always used by Muhmmadans in any danger or sudden calamity, especially in the presence of death.
In the traditions (see Miskatu 'l-Masabih), Muhammad is related to have said, "A Muslim is like unto standing green corn, which sometimes stands erect, but is sometimes cast down by the wind." "No affliction befalls a servant of God but on account of the which he commits."
In the traditions (see Miskatu 'l-Masabih), Muhammad is related to have said, "A Muslim is like unto standing green corn, which sometimes stands erect, but is sometimes cast down by the wind." "No affliction befalls a servant of God but on account of the which he commits."
AFFINITY
Arabic Qurabah . The prohibited degrees hurmah with regards to marriages are as follows: - Mother, daughter, paternal aunt, maternal aunt, brother's or sister's daughter, grandmother, granddaughter, mother-in-law, step mother, daughter-in-law, granddaughter-in-law. Nor can any man marry any who stand in any of these relationships from fosterage. The marriage of two sisters at the same time is forbidden, but the marriage of a deceased wife's sister is allowed. Marriage with a deceased brother's wife is very common in Muslim countries, such marriages being held to be a very honourable means of providing for a brother's widow. The marriage of cousins is also considered most desirable, as being the means of keeping families and tribes together. The passage of the Qur'an on the subject of affinity, is as follows (Surah v.27)
"Marry not women whom your fathers have married: for this is a shame, and hateful, and an evil way :-though what is past (i.e. in times of ignorance) may be allowed.
"Forbidden to you are your mothers, and your daughters, and your sisters, and your aunts, both on the father and mother's side, and your nieces on the brother and sister's side, and your foster-mothers, and your foster-sisters, and the mothers of your wives, and your step-daughters who are your wards, born of your wives to whom ye have gone in: (but if ye have not gone in unto them, it shall be no sin in you to marry them;) and the wives of your sons who proceed out of your loins; and ye may not have two sisters; except where it is already done. Verily, God is Indulgent, Merciful!
"Forbidden to you also are married women, except those who are in your hands as slaves: This is the law of God for you. And it is allowed you, beside this, to seek out wives by means of your wealth, with immodest conduct, and without fornication. And we give those with whom ye have cohabited their dowry. This is the law. But it shall be no crime in you to make agreements over and above the law. Verily, God is Knowing, Wise!"
"Marry not women whom your fathers have married: for this is a shame, and hateful, and an evil way :-though what is past (i.e. in times of ignorance) may be allowed.
"Forbidden to you are your mothers, and your daughters, and your sisters, and your aunts, both on the father and mother's side, and your nieces on the brother and sister's side, and your foster-mothers, and your foster-sisters, and the mothers of your wives, and your step-daughters who are your wards, born of your wives to whom ye have gone in: (but if ye have not gone in unto them, it shall be no sin in you to marry them;) and the wives of your sons who proceed out of your loins; and ye may not have two sisters; except where it is already done. Verily, God is Indulgent, Merciful!
"Forbidden to you also are married women, except those who are in your hands as slaves: This is the law of God for you. And it is allowed you, beside this, to seek out wives by means of your wealth, with immodest conduct, and without fornication. And we give those with whom ye have cohabited their dowry. This is the law. But it shall be no crime in you to make agreements over and above the law. Verily, God is Knowing, Wise!"
Thursday, January 21, 2010
ADULTERY
Arabic zina' . The term zina' includes both adultery and fornication, but there is a difference in the punishment for these offences. [FORNICATION.]
Adultery is established before a Qazi, either by proof or confession. To establish it upon proof, four witnesses are required. (Qur'an Surah iv, 1.) When witnesses come forward, it is necessary that they should be examined particularly concerning the nature of the offence. When the witnesses shall have borne testimony completely, declaring that "they have seen the parties in the very act of carnal conjunction," the Qazi passes sentence.
A confession of adultery must be made by the person who has committed the sin, at four different times, although, according to the Imam ash-Shifi'i, one confession is sufficient. Some of the doctors hold that if a person retract his confession, his retraction must be credited, and he must be forthwith released.
At the commencement of Muhammad's mission, women found guilty of adultery and fornication were punished by being literally immured - Suratu 'n nisa (iv.) 19, "Shut them up within their houses till death release them, or God makes some way for them. This, however, was cancelled, and lapidation was substituted as the punishment for adultery, and 100 stripes and one year's banishment for fornication.
Adultery is established before a Qazi, either by proof or confession. To establish it upon proof, four witnesses are required. (Qur'an Surah iv, 1.) When witnesses come forward, it is necessary that they should be examined particularly concerning the nature of the offence. When the witnesses shall have borne testimony completely, declaring that "they have seen the parties in the very act of carnal conjunction," the Qazi passes sentence.
A confession of adultery must be made by the person who has committed the sin, at four different times, although, according to the Imam ash-Shifi'i, one confession is sufficient. Some of the doctors hold that if a person retract his confession, his retraction must be credited, and he must be forthwith released.
At the commencement of Muhammad's mission, women found guilty of adultery and fornication were punished by being literally immured - Suratu 'n nisa (iv.) 19, "Shut them up within their houses till death release them, or God makes some way for them. This, however, was cancelled, and lapidation was substituted as the punishment for adultery, and 100 stripes and one year's banishment for fornication.
ADORATION
The acts and postures by which the Muslims express adoration at the time of prayer are similar to those used by the ancient Jews (vide Smith's Dictionary of the Bible, in loco), and consist of Ruku or the inclination of the body, the hands being placed on the knees; and Sujud, or prostration upon the earth, the forehead touching the ground. [PRAYER] The adoration of the black stone at Makkah forms an important feature in the ceremonies of the pilgrimage. [HAJJ.]
ADOPTION.
Arabic Tabanni. An adopted son, or daughter, of known descent, has no right to inherit from his or her, adoptive parents and their relatives, - the filiation of this description being neither recommended nor recognised by Muhammadan law. Such son or daughter is, however, entitled to what may be given under a valid deed in gift or will. In this particular the Muhammadan agrees with the English, and the Hindu with the Roman law. (Tagore Law Lectures, 1873, p.124.)
'ADN
The garden of Eden. Jannatu 'Adu. The garden of perpetual abode. The term is used both for the garden of Eden, in which our first, parents dwelt, and also for a place in celestial bliss. [JANNATU 'AND.]
AL- 'ADL
One of the ninety-nine special names of God. It signifies "the Just." It does not occur in the Qur'an as an attribute of the Divine Being, but it is in the list of attributes given in the Traditions. (Mishkat, book x.)
'ADL
Justice. Appointing what is just; equalising; making of the same weight. Ransom. The word occurs twelve times in the Qur'an, e.g., Surah iv. 128. "Ye are not able, it may be, to act equitably to your wives, even though ye covet it." Surah ii. 44, "Fear the day wherein no soul shall pay any ransom for another soul." Surah ii. 123, " And fear the day when no soul shall pay any ransom for a soul, nor shall an equivalent be received there from, nor any intercession avail; and they shall not be helped." Surah ii. 282. "Write it down faithfully then let his agent dictate faithfully." Surah v. 105, "Let there be a testimony between you when any one of you is at the point of death- at the time he makes his will - two equitable persons from amongst you." Surah vi. 69, "And though it (soul) compensate with the fullest compensation it would not be accepted." Surah v.115, "The words of thy Lord are fulfilled in truth and justice." Surah xvi., 78, "Is he to be hold equal with him who bids what is just, and who is on the right way?" Surah xvi. 92, "Verily God bids you do justice." Surah xlix. 8, "Make peace with them with equity and be just." Surah lxxxii. 8, " Thy generous Lord, who created thee and moulded thee and disposed thee aright."
AD'IYATU 'L-MASURAH
"The prayers handed down by tradition." Those prayers which were said by Muhammad in addition to the regular liturgical prayers. They are found in different sections of the traditions or Ahadis.
'ADIYAT
"Swift horses." The title of the 100th Surah of the Qur'an, the second verse of which is, "By the swift chargers and those who strike fire with their hoofs." Professor Palmer translates it "snorting chargers".
ADAB
Discipline of the mind and manners; good education and good breeding; politeness; deportment; a mode of conduct or behaviour. A very long section of the Traditions is devoted to the sayings of Muhammad regarding rules of conduct, and is found in the Mishkatu '1-Masabih under the title Babu 'l-Adab (book lxii. Matthew's Mishkat It includes - (l) Salutations, (2) Asking permission to enter houses, (3) Shaking hands and embracing, (4) Rising up, (5) Sitting, sleeping and walking, (6) Sneezing and yawning, (7) Laughing, (8) Names, (9) Poetry and eloquence, (10) Backbiting and abuse, (11) Promises, (12) Joking, (13) Boasting and party spirit. The traditional sayings of these subjects will be found under their respective titles. 'Ilmu 'l-Adab is the science of Philology.
ADAM
Arabic, Adam. The first man. Reckoned by Muslim writters as the first prophet, to whom ten portions of scripture (sahifah) are said to have been revealed. He is distinguished by the title of Safiyu'llab, or, the "chosen one of God." He is mentioned in the Qur'an in in the following Surahs, which are taken from Mr. Lane's Selections (new edition, by Mr. Stanley Lane-Poole; Trübnor, 1879) with the commentary in italics
"Remember, O Muhammad, when thy Lord said unto the angels, I am about to place in the earth a vicegerent to act for me in the execution of my ordinances therein, namely, Adam, they said, Wilt Thou place in it one who will corrupt in it by disobediences, and will shed blood (as did the sons of El-Jann, who were in it; where ore, when the acted corruptly, God sent to then, the angles, who drove them away to the islands and the mountains), when we [on the contrary] celebrate the divine protection, occupying, ourselves with Thy praise, and extol Thy holiness? Therefore we are more worthy of the vicegerency.- God replied, Verily I know that which ye know not, as to the affair of appointing Adam vicegerent, and that among his posterity will be the obedient and the rebellious, and the just will be manifest among them. And he created Adam from the surface of the earth, taking a handful of every colour that it comprised, which was kneaded with various waters; and he completely formed into it the soul so it became an animated sentient being. And he taught Adam the names of, all things, infusing the knowledge of them into his heart. Then He showed them (namely, the things) to the angels, and said, Declare unto me the names of these things, if ye say truth in your assertion that I will not create any more knowing than ye, and that ye are more worthy of the vicegerency. They replied, [We extol]
"Remember, O Muhammad, when thy Lord said unto the angels, I am about to place in the earth a vicegerent to act for me in the execution of my ordinances therein, namely, Adam, they said, Wilt Thou place in it one who will corrupt in it by disobediences, and will shed blood (as did the sons of El-Jann, who were in it; where ore, when the acted corruptly, God sent to then, the angles, who drove them away to the islands and the mountains), when we [on the contrary] celebrate the divine protection, occupying, ourselves with Thy praise, and extol Thy holiness? Therefore we are more worthy of the vicegerency.- God replied, Verily I know that which ye know not, as to the affair of appointing Adam vicegerent, and that among his posterity will be the obedient and the rebellious, and the just will be manifest among them. And he created Adam from the surface of the earth, taking a handful of every colour that it comprised, which was kneaded with various waters; and he completely formed into it the soul so it became an animated sentient being. And he taught Adam the names of, all things, infusing the knowledge of them into his heart. Then He showed them (namely, the things) to the angels, and said, Declare unto me the names of these things, if ye say truth in your assertion that I will not create any more knowing than ye, and that ye are more worthy of the vicegerency. They replied, [We extol]
AD
A tribe located to the south of Arabia, to which the prophet Hud is said to have been sent. See Qur'an, vii., 63:
"And to 'Ad we sent our brother Hud, 'O my people' said he, 'worship God: ye have no other god than Him': Will ye not then fear him?"
"Said the unbelieving chiefs among his people; We certainly perceive that thou art unsound of mind; and we surely deem thee an impostor.'
"He said, 'O my people! It is not unsoundness of mind in me, but I am an Apostle from the Lord of the Worlds.
"The messages of my Lord do I announce to you, and I am your faithful counsellor.
Marvel ye that a warning hath come to you from your Lord through one of yourselves that He may warn you? Remember how he hath made you the successors of the people of Noah, and increased you in tallness of stature. Remember then the favours, of God that it may haply be well with you."
"They said, 'Art thou come to us in order that we may worship one God alone, and leave what our fathers worshipped? Then bring that upon us with which thou threatenest us, if thou be a man of truth."
"He said, 'Vengeance and wrath shall suddenly light on you from your Lord. Do ye dispute with We about names that you and your fathers have given your idols, and for which, God hath sent you down no warranty? Wait ye then, and I too will wait with you."
"And we delivered him, and those who were ,on his side by our mercy, and we cut off, to the last man, those who had treated our signs as lies, and who wore not believers."
Also, Surah lxxxix., 5 : "Hast thou not seen how thy Lord dealt with 'Ad at Iram. adorned with pillars, whose like have not been reared in these lands" [HUD, IRAM.]
"And to 'Ad we sent our brother Hud, 'O my people' said he, 'worship God: ye have no other god than Him': Will ye not then fear him?"
"Said the unbelieving chiefs among his people; We certainly perceive that thou art unsound of mind; and we surely deem thee an impostor.'
"He said, 'O my people! It is not unsoundness of mind in me, but I am an Apostle from the Lord of the Worlds.
"The messages of my Lord do I announce to you, and I am your faithful counsellor.
Marvel ye that a warning hath come to you from your Lord through one of yourselves that He may warn you? Remember how he hath made you the successors of the people of Noah, and increased you in tallness of stature. Remember then the favours, of God that it may haply be well with you."
"They said, 'Art thou come to us in order that we may worship one God alone, and leave what our fathers worshipped? Then bring that upon us with which thou threatenest us, if thou be a man of truth."
"He said, 'Vengeance and wrath shall suddenly light on you from your Lord. Do ye dispute with We about names that you and your fathers have given your idols, and for which, God hath sent you down no warranty? Wait ye then, and I too will wait with you."
"And we delivered him, and those who were ,on his side by our mercy, and we cut off, to the last man, those who had treated our signs as lies, and who wore not believers."
Also, Surah lxxxix., 5 : "Hast thou not seen how thy Lord dealt with 'Ad at Iram. adorned with pillars, whose like have not been reared in these lands" [HUD, IRAM.]
ABU YUSUF
Known also an Ya'qub ibn Ibrahim. Born at Baghdad, A.H. 113. Studied under the Imam Abu Hanifah, and is celebrated, together with the Imam Muhammad and the Imam Zufar, as disciples of the great Imam; from whose opinions, however, the three disciples not unfrequently differ as will be seen upon reference to the Hidayah He died in A.H. 182.
ABU 'UBAIDAH
IBN AL-JARRAH One of the Companions, who was with the Prophet in all his wars, and distinguished himself at the battle of Uhud. He was highly esteemed by Muhammad, who made him one of the 'Asharah al-Mubashsharah, or ten patriarchs of the Muslim faith. He died A.H.18, aged 58.
ABU TALIB
Muhammad's uncle and guardian; the father of Ali. He is believed to have died as he had lived, an unbeliever in the Prophet's mission; for forty years he had been his faithful friend and guardian. He died in the third year before the Hijrah.
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