Nothing will rectify this nation at the end, other than what rectified it at the beginning.
Imam Malik ibn Anas
(93–179 AH/ 711–795 CE)
In our understanding today, ‘rijaal’ only means ‘men,’ as opposed to ‘nisaa,’ which only means ‘women.’
Yet ‘Rijaal,’ plural of ‘rajul’ (m), is also plural of ‘rajlaa’ (f), denoting an active woman on her feet, independent of a mount.
More than 1,000 years ago, everyone knew what these words stood for.
In our understanding today, ‘Islam’ characterizes our entire faith (‘Eman’), and serves as its ‘definition.’
Yet the important distinction between these two words was made almost 1400 years ago.
‘Islam’ by definition is about entering fully into Peace/Silm, unrelated to one’s faith. Such a person of peace is ‘Muslim’ by definition.
‘Eman’ is superior to ‘Islam.’
Eman includes Faith and Trust in God, in the Arabi Qur’an, and in Muhammad as His final Messenger .
‘Muslimeen’ are not addressed in the Qur’an.
‘Those who Attained Faith’ are repeatedly addressed in the Qur’an. Their community is one of ‘Mu’mineen.’
Early recipients of the Qur’an made the distinction:
They named the national Treasury (which served everyone) ‘Beyt maal al Muslimeen’ while calling their leader ‘Ameer al Mu’mineen’.
After attaining Faith however, Islam is about pure Reverence to God, in an untainted relationship with Him that guides toward beauty and excellence of conduct.
Want to know more?
Visit Qur'an BlogThe ‘Iqra!’ command was not only the tried and tested principle which early Mu’mins proved effective, but it is the principle which we Cognizant Humans must adopt and activate before it is too late. Time is of the essence.
The first edition of arabic ‘Revival of the Iqra Principle’ ran out in two mnths, the second is in print. The English version is also in print, scheduled to come out shortly.
Visit the author's website for her other worksThe prevalence of certain misinterpreted words and concepts is partly due to the gradual decline of the Arabic language among its speakers as well as to the absence of dictionaries and lexicons in the Arabic and Islamic educational systems which provide readers with approved definitions and explanations at the bottom of their texts.
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This researcher takes full responsibility -in real time- for what she shares in these talks, asking listeners to bear in mind that with ongoing research there would be probable additions and possible corrections.
This entire project is built around ‘tadabbur’ of the Qur’an, following its context and the earliest definitions of its words to the end result, all the while gaining insight from authenticated tradition and scholarly works.
Discerning listeners are encouraged to do the same, noting that later works would be more precise, and that no single session is definitive in its findings.
