🔍 Raqs: Dancing 🚶🏽 in Islamic Culture
Dancing, referred to as Raqs (رقص) in Arabic, occupies a contentious position within Islamic thought and practice. This entry aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the varying viewpoints regarding Raqs from theological, historical, and cultural perspectives.
Comprehensive Definition
Raqs (رقص), or dancing, generally involves rhythmic physical movements often accompanied by music. While not explicitly mentioned as forbidden in the Qurʾān or the Hadith, its permissibility has been the subject of much debate among Islamic scholars.
Etymology
The term Raqs comes from the Arabic root ر-ق-ص (ra-qá-ṣ), which means “to dance” or “to move rhythmically.”
Background and Theological Context
Though the Qur’ān does not explicitly prohibit dancing, some scholars interpret certain verses as indirect admonitions against the practice. For example:
- Sūrah 17:39: “Walk not proudly on the earth,” is sometimes cited in this context, though this interpretation is widely contested.
Cultural Differences and Symilarities
Sufism has adopted dancing, referred to as Sama or Whirling, as a form of religious exercise. Contrarily, most Sunnī and Salafist scholars regard dancing as immoral or distracting from worship.
Regional Variations:
- In some parts of South Asia and Turkey, certain forms of dance are incorporated into social and devotional practices.
- In many Arab nations, secular dance performances are prevalent, albeit with some limitations based on local custom and law.
Synonyms
- Sama (Symphonic Recital)
- Whirling (as performed by Mevlevi Order Dervishes)
Antonyms
- Ascetic Practices
- Stillness/Meditation
Related Terms with Definitions
- Sufism: A mystical Islamic belief system featuring practices such as whirling.
- Hadith: Recorded sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that form a major source of Islamic theology and law.
- Halal & Haram: Terms that describe what is permissible and forbidden within Islam.
Exciting Facts
- Ayna Inā’ilūna fī l ākhirat ilī rūḥina Ruhkūdin: Sufis often dance as an expression of their inner spirituality and connection with the divine.
Quotations
- “On the day of the great festival, the Prophet permitted people to dance out of joy and jubilation.” — al-Bukhari
- “Sufi dances are a physical manifestation of an inner spiritual journey in search of the ultimate truth.” — Rumi.
References
- al-Bukhari, Sahih al-Bukhari (Arabic Edition, p. 135)
- Hidāyatu ʾs-Sāʾil, p. 107
Suggested Literature and Sources
- “Rumi’s Poetry and the Dance of the Whirling Dervishes” by Annemarie Schimmel
- “Sufism: Love & Wisdom” by Jean-Louis Michon
- “Qur’an and Woman: Rereading the Sacred Text from a Woman’s Perspective” by Amina Wadud
- “Islam and Music: Politics of pleasure” by Kristina Nelson
Thought-Provoking Farewell
May your intellectual pursuit of understanding Islamic traditions be as rhythmic and harmonious as the dances themselves. Dive deep and connect with the diverse interpretations, letting your heart and mind whirl in unison.
Muhammad Iqbal 2023-10-03
