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UNIVERSITY OF MAIDUGURI Maiduguri, Nigeria CENTRE FOR DISTANCE LEARNING ARTS ISL 126: ISLAMIC TERMINOLOGIES UNIT: 2 ISL 126 – ISLAMIC TERMINOLOGIES UNIT: 2 Published 2007© All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced in any form, by mimeograph or any other means without prior permission in writing from the University of Maiduguri. This text forms part of the learning package for the academic programme of the Centre for Distance Learning, University of Maiduguri. Further enquiries should be directed to the: Coordinator Centre for Distance Learning University of Maiduguri P. M. B. 1069 Maiduguri, Nigeria. This text is being published by the authority of the Senate, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri – Nigeria. ISBN: 978-8133-74-6 ii CDL, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri ISL 126 – ISLAMIC TERMINOLOGIES UNIT: 2 PREFACE This study unit has been prepared for learners so that they can do most of the study on their own. The structure of the study unit is different from that of conventional textbook. The course writers have made efforts to make the study material rich enough but learners need to do some extra reading for further enrichment of the knowledge required. The learners are expected to make best use of library facilities and where feasible, use the Internet. References are provided to guide the selection of reading materials required. The University expresses its profound gratitude to our course writers and editors for making this possible. Their efforts will no doubt help in improving access to University education. Professor J. D. Amin Vice-Chancellor iii CDL, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri ISL 126 – ISLAMIC TERMINOLOGIES UNIT: 2 HOW TO STUDY THE UNIT You are welcome to this study Unit. The unit is arranged to simplify your study. In each topic of the unit, we have introduction, objectives, in-text, summary and self-assessment exercise. The study unit should be 6-8 hours to complete. Tutors will be available at designated contact centers for tutorial. The center expects you to plan your work well. Should you wish to read further you could supplement the study with more information from the list of references and suggested readings available in the study unit. PRACTICE EXERCISES/TESTS 1. Self-Assessment Exercises (SAES) This is provided at the end of each topic. The exercise can help you to assess whether or not you have actually studied and understood the topic. Solutions to the exercises are provided at the end of the study unit for you to assess yourself. 2. Tutor-Marked Assignment (TMA) This is provided at the end of the study Unit. It is a form of examination type questions for you to answer and send to the center. You are expected to work on your own in responding to the assignments. The TMA forms part of your continuous assessment (C.A.) scores, which will be marked and returned to you. In addition, you will also write an end of Semester Examination, which will be added to your TMA scores. Finally, the center wishes you success as you go through the different units of your study. iv CDL, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri ISL 126 – ISLAMIC TERMINOLOGIES UNIT: 2 INTRODUCTION TO THE COURSE In any area of knowledge there are certain technical terms that are in use in it. These terms in most cases are peculiar to that area of knowledge alone. In the area of sports for example, you can come across words like discs, trophies team, competitors, medals etc. In Islamic studies like wise, there are terms used in its writings that are peculiar to the subject. The terms in this case are basically from Arabic language. In this unit, we shall divide the subject area (Islamic studies) into four i.e. religion, (Din), Islamic law (shariah) mysticism (Tasawwuf) and politics (Siyasa), we will identify the technical terms that are in use as apply to those areas. 1 CDL, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri ISL 126 – ISLAMIC TERMINOLOGIES UNIT: 2 ISL 126: ISLAMIC TERMINOLOGIES UNIT: 2 T A B L E O F C O N T E N TS PAGES PREFACE - - HOW TO STUDY THE UNIT - - - - - iii - - - - - iv - - 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE COURSE TOPIC: 1. RELIGION THE LITERAL AND CONTEXTUAL MEANINGS OF THE WORDS DIN, IMAN, IHSAN, NABIYYI, WAHY, ABD, AL-AKHIRA, AJAL, ASMA ALLAH, TAWBA, HALAL AND HARAM- 2. - 3 ISLAMIC LAW: THE LITERAL AND CONTEXTUAL MEANINGS OF THE WORDS; SHARIAH, JIHAD, IJTIHAD, IJMA, QIYAS, SHURA, SHIRK, QADI AND MUFTI - 3. - - - - - 8 POLITICS: THE LITERAL AND CONTEXTUAL MEANINGS OF THE WORDS; KHALIFA, AMIR-AL MUMINUUN, HADD, BAIT-AL-MAL, DAR-AL-ISLAM, DAR-AL-HARB, KAFIR, DHIMIMI AND MURTADD 4. - - - - - - - - 13 - - - 19 MYSTICISM: SUFI, FANA, MARIFA, KASF, DHIKIR, SILSILA, MAGAMAT, AHWAL SOLUTIONS TO EXERCISES 2 CDL, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri ISL 126 – ISLAMIC TERMINOLOGIES UNIT: 2 T O P I C 1: TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGES 1.0 TOPIC: THE MEANING OF TERMS: RELIGION, IMAN AND IHSAN - - - - 3 1.1 INTRODUCTION - - - - - - 4 1.2 OBJECTIVES - - - - - - - 4 1.3 IN-TEXT - - - - - - - 4 - 1.3.1 MEANINGS OF THE FOLLOWING TERMS RELIGION (DIN), IMAN (FAITH), IHSAN, (GOOD OR CORRECT) - - - - 4 1.3.2 NABI (PROPHET), WAHY (INSPIRATION), AKHIRA (THE LAST ABODE) - - - 5 1.3.3 AJAL (APPOINTED TIME), ABD (SERVANT) AL-ASMA ALLAH (THE ATTRIBUTES OF ALLAH) 6 1.3.4 TAWBA (REPENTANCE) HALAL (LLAWFUL), HARAM (FORBIDDEN) - - - - - - 7 6 SUMMARY - 1.5 SELF ASSESSMENT EXERCISE - - - - 7 1.6 REFERENCES - - - - - 7 1.7 SUGGESTED READINGS - - - - - 7 - - - 1.4 - - - 3 CDL, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri ISL 126 – ISLAMIC TERMINOLOGIES 1.0 UNIT: 2 TOPIC: THE LITERAL AND CONTEXTUAL MEANINGS OF THE TERMS: RELIGION, IMAN AND IHSAN 1.1 INTRODUCTION: In Islamic literature, when one is reading some writings in the aspect of religion itself, one can across some terms used that are peculiar to that area of knowledge alone. In this topic we are going to discuss some of the words as listed above. The words are basically Arabic and are technically used in the Islamic literature. 1.2 OBJECTIVES At the end of this topic, you should be able to: i. Identify the words listed above; ii. Provide their literal and contextual meanings and iii. Identify where they are applied in the Qur’an or described by the Hadith. 1.3 IN-TEXT 1.3.1 THE LITERAL AND CONTEXTUAL MEANINGS OF THE WORDS; DIN, IMAN, IHSAN The word Din (Pl. Adyan) is an Arabic word that means Religion. Contextually, it means the judgment to come, the responsibility in the moral and spiritual world for all actions done by men, or faith, the principles of right and wrong in spiritual matters which often conflict with desires or predictions. The holy Qur’an refers to this word in different verses with different meanings. 3: 19, 107:1, 2: 256, 39:30. IMAN (FAITH) This term refers to the first pillar of Islam. Technically it means belief in Allah (SWT) His angels, His revealed books, His apostles, the belief in the Day of Resurrection and the absolute knowledge of the wisdom of Allah (six articles of faith). IHSAN (GOOD, CORRECT) 4 CDL, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri ISL 126 – ISLAMIC TERMINOLOGIES UNIT: 2 This word is drawn from the Arabic word Hasan which means good or correct. Technically it means to worship Allah in everything one does as instructed by Islam. A tradition of the Holy Prophet (SAW) in this regard says; “Worship Allah as if you are watching Him, because if you are not watching Him, He is seeing you”. The following verses also refers to this word Q 2: 83, 178, 229, 9: 100, 16: 90, 55: 60. 1.3.2 THE LITERAL AND CONTEXTUAL MEANINGS OF THE WORDS, AKHIRA NABI, WAHY AND AL- NABI (PL. ANBIYA) This word means prophet, Islam teaches that prophet Muhammad (SAW) is the seal of the prophets (Khatim-alNabiyyin). A total of twenty five (25) prophets are mentioned in the Qur’an several of them are named in surah Maryam where each are referred to as Nabi or Rasul both. Every Rasul is a Nabi but not every Nabi is a Rasul The following verses of the holy Qur’an contain the names of some of the prophets; Q 19: 2,6,12,28,34,40,51,54,58. WAHY (INSPIRATION) This word technically means a type of knowledge which the person concerned recognizes within himself with a certitude that it has come down from Allah. Qur’an 42:51. says; It is not befitting for a man that Allah should speak to him except by inspiration, or from behind a veil, or by sending a messenger to reveal, with Allah’s permission, what Allah Wills, for He is most High most Wise.” AL-AKHIRA (THE LAST ABODE) This word literally means ‘the last’, in its contextual meaning al-Dar-al-Akhira means “the last abode” or ‘the ever lasting abode’. This phrase is also used to designate the after life and it’s various aspects. It occurs in the 5 CDL, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri ISL 126 – ISLAMIC TERMINOLOGIES UNIT: 2 Qur’an in many verses. Q. 6:32 is an example. Islam also uses words like al-Maad meaning “the return” or the place to which one goes back as synonymous to al-akhira. 6 CDL, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri ISL 126 – ISLAMIC TERMINOLOGIES UNIT: 2 1.3.3 AJAL (APPOINTED TIME) This word literally means ‘appointed time’ moment of death or life span. The Qur’an teaches that no me dies unless by Allah’s will. He is the one who determines man’s term of life. Verses of the Qur’an, 7:34, 10:49, - 5, 16:61, 20:129 all refer to the appointed time. AL – ASMA – ALLAH This term is refered to the most beautiful; names of Allah, in reference to the ninety nine names of Allah (SWT) mentioned in the holy Qur’an as Asma ullah al- husna This term refers to in Qur’an, 1.180, 17, 110, 20:8. ABD (SLAVE) This word literally means a male servant or slave. Tedinically it denotes Abd Allah (the servant of Allah). In its plural form Abeed is used to designate slaves while Ibad is used for servants of Allah. In another sense, the word Ibad means mankind. 1.3.4 TAWBA (REPENTANCE) This word literally means to repent when it is said to Allah it means to forgive. Thus tawba means both repentance(a man) and forgiving Allah polytheism (shirk) is the only sin that will not be forgiven. Otherwise, those who turn to Allah in repentance will be forgiven. Q42: 25 refers. HALAL – (LAWFUL) This is an Arabic word literally means that which is permitted. Textually it means that which is permitted or lawful in Islamic sense. HARAM (FORBIDDEN) This is the opposite of the word halal. It means literally not permitted. In the contextual sense it means that which is forbidden, unlawful or sinful. The above two words are among the five categories of behavior in which 7 CDL, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri ISL 126 – ISLAMIC TERMINOLOGIES UNIT: 2 Islamic law and ethics traditionally divided human behavior. The term represents everything that is forbidden. 1.4 SUMMARY In every area of knowledge it is known that there are certain terms in use in it like wise, in Islamic studies. In the subject religion under Islamic studies, we have identified some of the existing words with their littered and contextual meanings. We were also able to identify some verses of the Qur’an that are in reference to them. 1.5 SELF ASSESSMENT EXERCISES 1. 2. 3. 1.6 Provide the literal and textual meanings of the term Iman. Explain the word Ihsan and quote at least one verse of the Quran and one hadith to support your explanation. Assess the meaning of the word Din with reference to its different meanings as obtained in Q3: 19, 10 7:1, 2: 256 REFERENCES Shorter encyclopedia of Islam ed. H.A.R. Gibb and J.K Kramers, (Leiden E.J. Brill) London Luzac, 1961). Ali, A.Y. (1984), The Holy Qur’an, Text, Translation And Commentary, Kuwait Dhat-al-Salasil, (Bilingual Arabic English text). 1.7 SUGGESTED READINGS Abdalati, Hi (1981) Islam In Focus, International Islamic Federation of Students Organization, Kuwait. 8 CDL, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri ISL 126 – ISLAMIC TERMINOLOGIES UNIT: 2 T O P I C 2: TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGES 2.0 TOPIC: ISLAMIC LAW: THE LITERAL AND CONTEXTUAL MEANINGS - - 8 2.1 INTRODUCTION - - - - - - 9 2.2 OBJECTIVES - - - - - - - 9 2.3 IN-TEXT - - - - - - - 9 - 9 - 2.3.1 LITERAL AN CONTEXTUAL MEANINGS OF THE TERMS, SHARIAH (ISLAMIC LAW) AND JIHAD (HOLY WAR) - - - 2.3.2 LITERAL AND CONTEXTUAL MEANINGS OF THE TERMS, IJTIHAD (THE EXERCISE OF HUMAN JUDGEMENT IJMA (CONSENSUS) QIYAS (ANALOGICAL DEDUCTIONS) - - 10 2.3.3 LITERAL AND CONTEXTUAL MEANINGS OF SHURA (CONSULTATION) SHIRK (POLYTHESM) -11 2.3.4 MUFTI (ONE WHO DELIVERS) QADI (JUDGE), AND MUHTASIB - - - - 11 - 2.4 SUMMARY - - - - 12 2.5 SELF ASSESSMENT EXERCISES - - - - 12 2.6 REFERENCES 2.7 SUGGESTED READINGS - - - - - - - - - 12 - - - - - 12 9 CDL, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri ISL 126 – ISLAMIC TERMINOLOGIES 2.0 TOPIC: ISLAMIC LAW: THE LITERAL AND CONTEXTUAL MEANINGS 2.0 INTRODUCTION UNIT: 2 In shari’ah law writings, you can identify some term in use. In this topic students should be able to learn the literal and contextual meanings of some words that are found in Islamic law writings. 2.2 OBJECTIVES At the end of the lesson, students should be able to: i. Define the words listed in their literal meanings; ii. Define the words listed in their contextual meanings iii. Identify some verses of the Qur’an that contain the terms. 2.3 IN-TEXT 2.3.1 SHARI’AH (ISLAMIC LAW) This is an Arabic word that literally means a path to be followed. In Islamic law it means the path believed by all Muslims divinely provided by Allah (SWT) sent to mankind through his Messenger prophet of Islam Muhammad (SAW). The holy Qur’an 65:18 refers; Allah (SWT) is the one to be worshipped and it is He who has the right to ordain a path for the guidance of mankind”. The primary sources of shariah are the Qur’an and the hadith, there are many secondary sources of the shariah prominent among them are Ijma, Qiyas and Ijtihad. The following verses of the Qur’an also refers to the word Shar’ah. 1:6, 42: 52-53, 90: 10-18. JIHAD (HOLY WAR) The word is derived from an Arabic root meaning to ‘strive’ the word does not necessarily means resorting to 10 CDL, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri ISL 126 – ISLAMIC TERMINOLOGIES UNIT: 2 the use sword and the shedding of blood as misunderstood by some people. The word is very comprehensive as it also includes striving, under going hardship or forbearing in great difficulties while standing firm against one’s enemies. Another sense of Jihad is spiritual Jihad that is fighting against sine and sinful inclination within one’s self. The actual words for war in Arabic are Al-Harb and alQital. Technically the word means waging it for defense when the on slaught of enemies is imminent. The holy Qur’an 22: 39-40, 2: 190-193 refers. 2.3.2 IJTIHAD (THE EXERCISE OF HUMAN JUDGEMENT) This word literally means an effort or any exercise to arrive at one’s own judgement. In Islamic law it means the use of human reasoning in the elaboration and explanation of the Islamic law. The area of Ijtihad covers a variety of mental processes, ranging form the interpretation of the texts of the Qur’an and the assessment of the authenticity of a hadith. Al-Ijhad therefore is an exercise that enable a person to arrive at a logical conclusion of a legal issue. This practice is used by the jurists to deduce as conclusion as to the effectiveness of a legal precept (a rule on which a away of thinking or behaviour is based). IJMA (CONSENSUS) This word contextually means concensus of opinions of the companions of the prophet (SAW) and the agreement reached on the decision taken by the learned Muftis and the Jurists on various Islamic matters. QIYAS (ANALOGICAL DEDUCTIONS) In Islamic law qiyas means analogy or analogical deductions. In other words, it means a legal principle 11 CDL, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri ISL 126 – ISLAMIC TERMINOLOGIES UNIT: 2 introduced in order to arrive at a logical conclusion of a certain law or a certain legal issue that has to do with a welfare of Muslims. In the exercising this however, it must be based on the Qur’an, Sunnah or Ijma. 2.3.3 SHURA (CONSULTATION) In Shariah law, shura means mutual consultation. This was made recessary for the prophet to follow himself. It is therefore incumbent upon his followers to resort to shura in all our activities whether individual, social or political. The prophet (SAW) used to receive revelations from Allah hence seemingly he was not in need of mutual consultation but was asked to do so through divine commandment. It is therefore one of the greatest qualities that Muslim faithful has to cultivate in them. A Muslim leader has no option but to resort to shura. The holy Qur’an 16-101-103, 3: 159, 42:38 refers. SHIRK (POLYTHEISM) The term shirk means the belief that there is more than one God. The act of shirk is a serious and unpardonable act in Islam. This is because Islam is a monotheistic religion where one and only one God is worshipped. Islam does not say that Allah is the greatest among God’s or He is the chief God. The unity of Allah implies that no other Gods exists at all. The so called Gods and goddesses are but objects like other materials non entities and figments of human imagination. Qur’an 4:116,48. 2.3.4 QADI (JUDGE) This term means a judge. He perform the function of a judge in the courts that administer their judgments according to the Islamic law. The position of a judge is very important in the shariah courts, some people in the old used to refuse to accept this position lest their judgments 12 CDL, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri ISL 126 – ISLAMIC TERMINOLOGIES UNIT: 2 lead them to the condemnation in hell fire. The institution dates back to the time of the umayyads. MUFTI This term refers to the one who is qualified to deliver a fatwa. He is a person who can be able to relate what is already in the existing jurisprudence and apply it with the day to day Islamic life. In some cities and countries there exists the office of the grand mufti. MUHTASIB This term has been transilated as market inspector. The Muhtasib is charged with the exercise of Hisba, that is making sure that the religious and moral injections of shari’ah are carried out especially in the markets, cities and towns. He make sure that weights and measures are correct and exercise a kind of quality control over items sold. 2.4 SUMMARY In this unit students have identified some terms that are in use in Islamic law writings. These are sharia, Jihad, Ijtihad, Ijma, Qiyas, Shura, Shirk Qady mufti and Muhtasib. They have also learnt the literal and contexualy meanings of those terms and in some cases make reference to some verse of the Qur’an. 2.5 2.6 SELF ASSESSMENT EXERCISES 1. Define the word shar’ah in both its literal and contextual meanings. 2. What is Jihad in Islam? 3. Describe the position of a Judge in the cours that administer their cases according to the Islamic law. REFERENCES 13 CDL, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri ISL 126 – ISLAMIC TERMINOLOGIES UNIT: 2 Shorter encyclopedia of Islam ed. H.A.R. Gibb and J.K Kramers, (Leiden E.J. Brill) London Luzac, 1961). Ali, A.Y. (1984), The Holy Qur’an, Text, Translation And Commentary, Kuwait Dhat-al-Salasil, (Bilingual Arabic English text). 2.7 SUGGESTED READING Abdalati, Hi (1981) Islam In Focus, International Islamic Federation of Students Organization, Kuwait. 14 CDL, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri ISL 126 – ISLAMIC TERMINOLOGIES UNIT: 2 T O P I C 3: TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGES 3.0 TOPIC: POLITICS: THE LITERAL AND CONTEXTUAL MEANINGS OF THE TERMS 13 3.1 INTRODUCTION - - - - - - 14 3.2 OBJECTIVES - - - - - - - 14 3.3 IN-TEXT - - - - - - - 14 - 3.3.1 THE LITERAL AID CONTEXTUAL MEANINGS OF THE ABOVE MENTIONED TERMS. KHALIFA, AMIR AL-MUMINUUN - - - - 14 3.3.2 THE LITERAL AID CONTEXTUAL MEANINGS OF THE TERMS DAR-AL-HARB, DAR-AL -ISLAM AND IMAM - - - - - - 15 3.3.3 THE LITERAL AND CONTEXTUAL MEANINGS OF THE TERMS, HADD AND BAIT-AL-MAL - 16 3.3.4 THE LITERAL AID CONTEXTUAL MEANINGS OF KAFIR, DHIMMI AND MURTADD - - 17 3.4 SUMMARY - - - - 17 3.5 SELF ASSESSMENT EXERCISES - - - - 17 3.6 REFERENCES - 3.7 SUGGESTED READING - - - - - - - - 18 - - - - - 18 15 CDL, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri ISL 126 – ISLAMIC TERMINOLOGIES 3.0 TOPIC: POLITICS: THE LITERAL AND CONTEXTUAL MEANINGS 3.1 INTRODUCTION UNIT: 2 In the subject politics (Siyasa) in Islamic studies you can come across some terms that are in sue. In this topic students should be able to learn the literal and contextual meanings of some words that are found in these writings as listed above. 3.2 OBJECTIVES At the end of the lesson, students should be able to: i. Define the words listed in their literal meanings; ii. Define the words listed in their contextual meanings and iii. Identify how they are applied in the administration of Islamic communities. 3.3 IN-TEXT 3.3.1 LITERAL AND CONTEXTUAL MEANINGS OF THE WORDS 3.3.1.1 KHALIFAH, AMIR AL-MUMINUUN KHALIFA (PL-KHULAFA) A Khalifa is a term refers to a head of an Islamic community. The Arabic word in the early Islamic history meant “successor” deputy” of the prophet (SAW). It became the official title of the four caliphs, Abu, Bakr, Umar, Uthman and Ali. The title was also passed to the Umayyads rules and then to the Abbasids. In political theory, it is the title of the leader of the Muslim community. The full title is Khalifa Rasul-Allah (successor of the Messenger of Allah). This technically elective office in sunni combined in theory and spiritual and secular function. Though it was 16 CDL, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri ISL 126 – ISLAMIC TERMINOLOGIES UNIT: 2 it’s later function that was prominent at the expense of former. Al-Mawardi a later Sunni theorist later developed a complex theory of the caliphate. A variety of dynastic leaders throughout Islamic history claimed the title of Khalifa. In the early decades of the 14th-20th century, unsuccessful attempts were made to revive the caliphate. From the point of views of usage in the Qur’an, it is of interest to note that both Adam (AS) in surah 2 and Dawud (As) in surah 38, are given the title khalifa. AMIR AL-MUMINUUN This is a title that has been variously translated as commander of the faithful Prince of the believers and prince of the faithful. This title acquired greater strength with the passage of time. At first it was given to the one given military leadership. The title was then adopted by the second caliph Umar b. Al-Kattab with some connotation of real power. From this time onwards however, it became a title reserved for a leader of Islamic community alone. It was sometimes used by the sultans in the early period of the Ottomans. 3.3.2 THE LITERAL AID CONTEXTUAL MEANINGS OF THE WORDS HADD AND BAIT-AL-MAL HADD (PL. HUDUUD) This term literally means edge or boundary limit. As a technical term under the subject politics in Islamic studies, it indicates Allah’s limits and denotes the punishment for certain crimes which are mentioned in the holy Qur’an. There are five of them and are listed here with their formal punishments in brackets. 1- Fornication or adultery, Zina (stoning to death or 100 lashes). 2- Wine drinking (80 lashes) 17 CDL, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri ISL 126 – ISLAMIC TERMINOLOGIES UNIT: 2 3- Theft (amputation or feet of hands) 4- False accusation or unchastity (Qadhf) (80 lashes) In the holy Qur’an the word is used always in plural form Hnduud. BAIT-AL-MAL This term is used to denote a treasury of Muslim state. It is said to be introduced first by Umar b. Al-Khattab coupled with the institution of DIWAN. This marks the starting point of public state treasury. Previously, the term designated the depository where money and goods were temporality lodged pending distribution to their individual owners. 3.3.3 DAR-AL-ISLAM This term means ‘the land of Islam’. A territory in which the law of Islam prevails. The term is used particularly in Islamic writings to mean the totality of those regions or countries that are subject to Islamic law. DAR-AL-HARB This term means the abode of war. The phrase is used technically in Islam to denote non. Islamic regions or countries. These are territories that are under perpetual threat of a missionary war jihad. The classical practice of regarding the territories immediately adjoining the land of Islam as the abode of war and inviting the leaders to adopt Islam is reputed to date to the time of the prophet (SAW). Classically these areas include where Islamic law is not in force in the matter of worship aid that protection of the faithful and the Dhimmis. IMAM This term refers to the official leader of prayer (Salat). The Imam in the early days of Islam was the ruler 18 CDL, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri ISL 126 – ISLAMIC TERMINOLOGIES UNIT: 2 of the community, the leader of war as well as the leader of salat. Later the ruler’s representatives, the governors of the provinces became leaders of the salat just as they were heads of the state revenue (kahraf). They used to conduct ritual prayer, especially the Friday salat on which occasion he also deliver the sermon (khutbah). From the Abbasids time, the office devaluated in that the Imam became no longer a political office but came to belong to the personal of the mosque. Each mosque regularly had one. The Imam had to maintain order and in general in charge of the divine services in the mosque. 3.3.4 THE LITERAL AND CONTEXTUAL MEANING OF THE WORDS, FAFIR, MURTADD AND DHIMMI. KAFIR (UNBELIEVER) The word kafir literally means obliterating, concealing benefits received, ie ungrateful. Textually, the term means unified and unbeliever or some one who rejects faith. DHIMMI This term literally means whose life is regulated according to an agreement of protection (dhimma) such persons are known collectively as people of the agreement of protection (Ahl-al-Dhimma). These were free-\nonMuslims who lived in Muslim countries and were guarnated freedom of worship and security by the state from any from of harassment provided certain taxes were paid. This concept (dhimmi) was technically applied only to Ahl-alkitab) Murtadd. This term refers to the one who turns back especially from Islam an apostate). Apostasy is in Arabic utidaad or ridda. This can be committed verbally by denying a principle of Islam or by action, eg. Treating a copy of the holy Qur’an with disrespect. 19 CDL, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri ISL 126 – ISLAMIC TERMINOLOGIES 3.4 UNIT: 2 SUMMARY In this unit, students have identified some terms are in use in political writings under Islamic studies they are Khalifah, Amir al Muminunn, Dar, al-Harb, Dar-al-Islam, Hadd, Imam and Bait-al-Mal, Kafir, Dhimmi and Murtadd. Students have also learnt the literal and contextual meaning of the words and how they are applied in the Islamic system of administration. 3.5 SELF ASSESSMENT EXERCISES 1. The word khalife literally means the successor or deputy of the prophet (SAW) it later acquitted a status of a leader of Muslim community. Asses this term with regards to some Qur’anic verses. 2. Baital- mal is one of introduced by Umar administration. Discuss. the be institutions al-khattab 3. Briefly explain the following terms. Kafir Dhimmi Murtadd 3.6 REFERENCES Shorter encyclopedia of Islam ed. H.A.R. Gibb and J.K Kramers, (Leiden E.J. Brill) London Luzac, 1961). Ali, A.Y. (1984), The Holy Qur’an, Text, Translation And Commentary, Kuwait Dhat-al-Salasil, (Bilingual Arabic English text). 3.7 SUGGESTED READINGS 20 CDL, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri ISL 126 – ISLAMIC TERMINOLOGIES UNIT: 2 Abdalati, Hi (1981) Islam In Focus, International Islamic Federation of Students Organization, Kuwait. 21 CDL, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri ISL 126 – ISLAMIC TERMINOLOGIES UNIT: 2 T O P I C 4: TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGES 4.0 TOPIC: MYSTICISM: THE LITERAL AND CONTEXTUAL MEANING OF THE WORDS: SUFI, FANA, MARIFA, KASHF, DHIKR, SILSILA, MAQAMAT AND AHWAL - 19 4.1 INTRODUCTION - - - - - - 20 4.2 OBJECTIVES - - - - - - - 20 4.3 IN-TEXT - - - - - - - 20 4.3.1 MYSTICISM: SUFI AND FANA - - - 20 4.3.2 MA’RIFA AND DASF - - - - - 21 4.3.3 DHIKI AND SILSILA - - - - - 21 4.3.4 MAQAMAT AND AHWAL - - - - 22 - - - - 22 - - - 23 - 4.4 SUMMARY - 4.5 SELF ASSESSMENT EXERCISES - - 4.6 REFERENCES - 4.7 SUGGESTED READINGS - - - - - - 23 - - - - - 23 22 CDL, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri ISL 126 – ISLAMIC TERMINOLOGIES 4.0 UNIT: 2 TOPIC: MYSTICISM: LITERAL AND CONTEXTUAL TERMS 4.1 INTRODUCTION In the subject Mysticism (Tasawwuf) under Islamic studies, you can also come across some terms in use. In this topic students should be able to learn the literal and contextual meanings some of the words that are found in the subject Mysticism. 4.2 OBJECTIVES At the end of the lesson, students will be able to: i. Define the words listed literally ii. Define the words listed contextually iii. Identify how they are used in the subject mysticism. 4.3 IN-TEXT 4.3.1 LITERAL AND CONTEXTUAL MEANINGS OF THE WORDS SUFI AND FANA The subject mysficism is an area of knowledge in Islamic studies. It is a religious practice in which people try to get knowledge of the truth as they put it and to become united with Allah through meditation. SUFI The word sufi literally means mystic. The original word was derived from Ahl-al-Saffah meaning people of the bench who, during the time of the prophet denounced all material world in order to be in his mosque with him 23 CDL, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri ISL 126 – ISLAMIC TERMINOLOGIES UNIT: 2 all the time not to miss his activities. Sufism on the other hand is a practice of the later people who initiated people of the bench and the person involved in the practice is called a sufi. FANA This world literally means extinction, ceasation annihilation, passing away. The word is used in mysticism/tasawwuf to indicate a stage in the mystical experience before a stage called baqa in which all the mystical imperfections and earthly ties are extinguished or annihilated. By this, he is absorbed into the deity loosing consciousness of the self and those things which impede his spiritual perfection. 4.3.2 LITERAL AND CONTEXTUAL MEANINGS OF THE WORDS MARIFA AND KASH MARIFA This word literally means knowledge, learning science. Contextually it is a word used by Sufis to mean genesis, that is a knowledge that is not obtainable through reading but obtained only by intuition. KASHF The word is generally used by Sufis to indicate their stages of development journey in reaching the ultimate reality as they say. It also indicates unveiling or revelation. It is the act of lifting and tearing a way the veil (which come between man and the extra phenomenal world). 4.3.3 LITERAL AND CONTEXUAL MEANING OF THE WORD DHIKR AND SILSILA DHIKR 24 CDL, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri ISL 126 – ISLAMIC TERMINOLOGIES UNIT: 2 The term literally means resemblance, recollection or mention. The word has acquired technical sense in which the name of Allah or Allah is most Great (Allahu Akbar) in repeated over and over again in either a high or low voice, often linked to bodily movement or breathing. This activity is often one of the important activities of the sufi. SILSILA This word literally means ‘chain in Tasuwwuf, this word is used in a technical sense as a chain of spiritual authorities or leader, where by the present shaykh of a Tariqa with whom the silsila ends, receives legitimacy and authority. The silsila is traced back from the shaykh to some great spiritual figure of the past. The word can be translated as a mystical isnad. 4.3.4 THE LITERAL AND CONTEXTUAL MEANINGS OF THE WORDS, MAQAMAT AND AHWAL MAQAMAT (Sing maqam)has a wide range of meanings including sites, place, ranks and saints. In the langage of mysticism the word acquired a specific technical sense of mystical stages in the progress along the sufi road which are achievable by man. AHWAL This term means states. It acquired the technical meaning in mysticism of spiritual states which not however, permanent but which contain an element of illumination or ecstasy and were achieved only with the help of Allah. These spiritual states could constitute part of one one’s progress along the sufi path. This term is widely used in sufi writings. 25 CDL, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri ISL 126 – ISLAMIC TERMINOLOGIES 4.4 SUMMARY Islamic studies like any other has some terms used in its writings of knowledge. In this unit some identified and defined in both their sense. 4.5 4.6 UNIT: 2 branch of knowledge like any other branch of these words are literal and contextual SELF ASSESSMENT EXERCISES 1. Describe mysticism (Tasawwuf) is an area of knowledge. 2. Define the following words as the language of Sufis. Marifa and Silsilar 3. Explain the term Dhiki as apply to Sufis. REFERENCES Shorter encyclopedia of Islam ed. H.A.R. Gibb and J.K Kramers, (Leiden E.J. Brill) London Luzac, 1961). Ali, A.Y. (1984), The Holy Qur’an, Text, Translation And Commentary, Kuwait Dhat-al-Salasil, (Bilingual Arabic English text). 4.7 SUGGESTED READINGS Abdalati, Hi (1981) Islam In Focus, International Islamic Federation of Students Organization, Kuwait. 26 CDL, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri ISL 126 – ISLAMIC TERMINOLOGIES UNIT: 2 SOLUTION TO EXERCISES TOPIC 1 1- The literal meaning of the word imam is faith/believe in it contextual meaning. It means to belief in Allah, His angles, His revealed books. His messengers, the belief in the Day of Resurrection and the absolute knowledge and wisdom of Allah (six articles of faith). 2- The word Ihsan literally means correct. When referring to the contents of a hadith, means a correct hadith that has no problem in both it’s Isnad and Matn. The term also means to worship Allah in everything one does. A tradition of the prophet says; “worship Allah as if you are watching Him, because if you are not watching Him, He is watching you” The following verses also refers to the word Ihsan, 2: 83,178. 3- The word can also mean the judgment to come, the responsibility in the moral and spiritual word for all actions done spiritual matters that are often conflict with desires predictions. Q: 107: 1, says; “seest there are who demise the judgement to come.” 3. 19, the religion before Allah is Islam. 2: 256, “let there be no compulsion in religion. TOPIC 2 The word shariah literally means a path to be followed. Contextually the word shariah means the path believed by all means divinely provided by Allah (SWT) sent to mankind through His messenger the prophet of Islam Muhammad (SAW). JIHAD 27 CDL, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri ISL 126 – ISLAMIC TERMINOLOGIES - UNIT: 2 Jihad literally means to strive. It Islam the word means striving, undergoing hardship or forbearing in great difficulties while standing firm against one’s enemies. Jihad spiritually means fighting against sin and sinful inclinations within ones self. It also means waging a holy war (jihad) for the defence of Islam. QADI - The word Qadi literally means a judge. The position of a judge in the courts that administer their judgment according to Islamic law is very important. This is because all his judgements are drawn from the Qur;an hadith and the Islamic sources. If he happens to deviate from these sources it will earn him the condemnation of Allah in Hell fire. TOPIC 3 KHALIFA - the literal meaning of the word khqlifa is the successor or deputy of the prophet (SAW). Technically the word means the leader of the Muslim community when the four caliphs after the prophet (SAW) maintained the title. After that rulers in the umayyad’s period as well as the Abbasids maintained the title. In the early days the Khalifa held the position of a religious as well as the political leader of the Muslim community. With the expansion of the Islamic cities and the increase in the number of Muslims the position of Khalifar became only political leadership. While religious leadership was given to the Imam. The Qur’an refers to Adam in sura al-Baqara and Dawud (As) in sura Sad as Khalifa. BAIT-AL-MAL - This is one of the institutions introduced by Umar b. Alkhattab’s administration. The term is used to denote a treasury of a Muslim state. The monies collected are in Batal-Mal and always used to serve the interest of the communities. It also served as a depository where money 28 CDL, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri ISL 126 – ISLAMIC TERMINOLOGIES UNIT: 2 and good were temporarily lodged pending distribution to their individual owners. KAFIR - literally means obliterating, covering. Technically the word means un infidel an unbeliever or some one who rejects faiths. 29 CDL, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri ISL 126 – ISLAMIC TERMINOLOGIES UNIT: 2 DHIMMI - Literally means one whose life is regulated according to an agreement of protection. Technically it means Ah-al-Dhimma no A-Muslims who lived in Muslim counties and were guaranteed freedom of worship and security. MURTADD - An apostate. Those that turns back especially from Islam. This can be communicated verbally or by action. (Denying a principle of Islam or disrespect to a copy of the Qur’an. TOPIC 4 Tasawwuf is an area of knowledge in Islam. It is a religious practice in which people try to get knowledge of truth and to become united with Allah through meditation. They based their belief from Ahl-al-saffa, the people of the bench who at the time of the prophet (SAW) denounced all worldly materials in order to be in the mosque with him. FANA Literally means extinct on ceasation, annihilation, passing away. The word is technically used to indicate a stage in the mystical experience in mysticiam before one reaches the final stage baqa. KASHF This word is used by the Sufis to indicate their stages of development or journeys in reading the “ultimate reality as they say. It also indicates unveiling or revelation. DHIKR: Means resemblance, mention or recollection. Technically it is the act of mentioning the name of Allah or Allahu Akbar repeatedly in low or high voice and often with bodily movements or breathing. It is one of the activities of the Sufis. 30 CDL, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri ISL 126 – ISLAMIC TERMINOLOGIES UNIT: 2 B- AHWAL This word literally means states. Technically the word means spiritual states that can duly be achieved by the help of God. These states cannot be permanent but contains the element of ecstasy or illumination or ecstasy as believed by the Sufis. These states could constitute par of one’s progress along the sufi path. 31 CDL, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri ISL 126 – ISLAMIC TERMINOLOGIES UNIT: 2 TUTOR MARKED ASSIGNMENTS 1. Give the literal and contextual meanings of the words, Din, Wahy and Ajal 2. Define the words shariah and list its primary and secondary sources. 3. Compare and contrast the meanings of the following words; Kafir, Murtadd and Dhimmi 4. Mysticism (Tasawwuf) is a branch of knowledge under Islamic studies i. Assess the meaning of the word Tasawwuf ii. Who is a sufi? iii. Describe Dhikr as one of the activities of the Sufis. 32 CDL, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri