INTRODUCTION
Allah, the Creator and the Sustainer has declared that Holy Quran
is His last and final Book revealed to the mankind for its guidance
(6/115). As such, it should contain a complete code of life and
permanent values which would remain unalterable even with the passage
of time, and give guidance to all the problems which mankind would
face for all times to come. This message should obviously be in such a
language which, on one hand, should be simple, clear, unambiguous, and
definite, and on the other all-comprehensive, deep, dignified and
consciously superior. Arabic seems to be the only language in the
world which has all the characteristics mentioned above, and
therefore, is suitable to meet these challenges.
There appeared no Rasool in Arabia in-between the times of
Ishmael and Rasool-Allah, Muhammad (peace be upon
him). It seems that during all this time of 3,000 years, the Arabs
remained busy in enriching their language so that it should be capable
of bearing the last message of Almighty Allah. Arabic language
has 80 different words for honey, 200 for snake, 500 for lion, 1,000
for sword, and 5,744 for camel (Cosmic Consciousness - Richard Mauvice
Bucke pp. 30-31), which helps illustrate the tremendous vastness of
this language. So, when an Arab used a particular word for a camel,
the listener would know its age, colour and all the numerous
qualities.
This was the language in which the Holy Quran was revealed.
The mode of expression of the Quran is neither poetry nor
prose, but has its own style and rhythm. It has a rare beauty and
grandeur, and is sublime. To translate such a language into another
retaining its spirit, beauty, force, seriousness, grandeur, and depth
is just not possible. One may nevertheless make an attempt if it is an
ordinary piece of literature; when it is a book of universal
constitution containing a charter of human rights, one has to be very
careful. Another problem stems from the fact, as mentioned in the
"Foreword" to this Exposition, that any language coins
particular words according to its traditions, culture, concepts and
values. Therefore, how could it be possible for English or for that
matter any other language to give one word for a concept which does
not exist in its culture? This difficulty is apparent when one reads a
Persian or Urdu translation - which per force, retains the original
Quranic words viz. K’afir, Momin, Mushrik,
Rahman, Sabar, Saw’ab, Sal’at, Zak’at,
etc. All these words existed in Arabic language before the advent of Islam,
therefore the Arabs knew who was called a K’afir, a Mushrik,
and a Momin. Similarly, the meaning of Ei’man, Shari’ah
or Sal’at, etc., was not unknown to them. It is,
therefore, very important for the reader to know the exact meanings of
these words as they carry specific Quranic concepts. Their simple
translation in English would either give Biblical meanings or negate
the very spirit of the message. Lastly, these words are repeatedly
used in the Quran and every time it is not possible to give a
detailed explanatory note - hence the necessity of retaining these
words as such and adding this glossary.
This glossary is written in alphabetical order to help the reader
find the required word easily; in Arabic dictionaries the meanings of
different words are given under their "Roots." The fact that
each word has a root, is a distinctive feature of Arabic language.
Various words are derived from that root according to the accepted
principles of grammar, but whatever the formation, these different
derivatives do not lose the basic sense of the root.
While explaining various words the following procedure was
followed:-
- First the root of the word is given, which normally is in three
letters. Then, its basic meanings and characteristics are
explained.
- Then, it is examined in the light of "Muh’awaratul-Arab,"
i.e., how did the Arabs use that word in various ways and manners.
By giving some examples from daily usage, the basic concept of
that root would become more clear. Needless to say that unless the
concepts are clearly explained, its real meanings cannot be
comprehended.
- After that, an effort has been made to tabulate some verses of
the Quran or give their references, wherein that particular
word is used carrying different meanings and concepts with
different emphasis.
While giving different meanings or concepts, their authorities are
also quoted to help the reader consult these dictionaries himself if
he so desires. During compilation of this glossary, besides Lugh’at-u-Quran
and Islam - A Challenge to Religion, which formed the basic
reference sources, numerous other works were also consulted, the list
of which is attached as an appendix.
(Haji) HABIB-UR-REHMAN KHAN
ISLAMABAD
26th March, 1987