Comprehensive Definition
Nasīʾ (نسيء)
Definition: Nasīʾ refers to the practice of postponing or intercalating one of the four sacred months in the pre-Islamic Arabic lunar calendar, often to adjust the calendar or fulfill certain societal or religious needs. The months traditionally considered sacred were Muḥarram, Rajab, Dhū al-Qaʿdah, and Dhū al-Ḥijjah.
Etymology
The Arabic term “Nasīʾ” (نسيء) is derived from the root “ن س أ” which signifies “to postpone” or “to defer”.
Background
In pre-Islamic Arabia, the concept of sacred months was deeply entrenched. During these months, acts of warfare were prohibited to ensure peace and safe pilgrimage. However, the practice of Nasīʾ allowed pre-Islamic Arabs to occasionally defer a sacred month to ensure economic and social advantages, thereby losing the essence of those months’ sacrality.
This manipulation of the calendar system was also economically motivated, allowing tribes to either delay or bring forward their business or military engagements based on convenience.
Abolition of Nasīʾ
The custom of Nasīʾ was abolished by Prophet Muhammad during his farewell pilgrimage in 10 AH (632 CE). This pivotal change was elaborated in Sūrah al-Tawbah (9:36-37):
Qurʾanic Reference: “Twelve months is the number of months with God, according to God’s book, since the day when He created the heavens and the earth. Of these, four are sacred…”
- Sūrah al-Tawbah (9:36-37)
Cultural Differences and Similarities
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Pre-Islamic and Islamic Calendar Systems: Before Islam, the Arabian calendar was a purely lunar one, manipulated via Nasīʾ to match the solar year, enhancing socio-economic activities. Post-Islam, the lunar calendar followed a regular, unadjusted cycle. Many other ancient civilizations, such as the Romans, had similar calendar intercalations.
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Synonym: “Intercalation” - though it is a broader term employed in various calendars worldwide.
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Antonym: “Calendrical Stability” or “Regularity” - an unaltered calendar system where months and days remain consistent without interruptions or adjustments.
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Related Terms:
- Hijri Calendar: The lunar calendar established in Islamic tradition post-Nasīʾ abolition.
- Sacred Months: The four months (Muḥarram, Rajab, Dhū al-Qaʿdah, Dhū al-Ḥijjah) deemed sacred in Islamic tradition.
Exciting Facts
- Lost Year: The pre-Islamic practice of Nasīʾ resulted in a year drop every 33 years.
- Resonance with Solar Calendars: Like the Isle-Alpes Roman calendar’s leap month, Nasīʾ was an attempt to synch lunar compositions with solar expectations.
Quotations
- “To carry over a sacred month to another, is only a growth of infidelity…” - Qurʾān, Sūrah al-Tawbah (9:36-37)
References and Suggested Literature:
- “The History of Arabia” by Alfred Schlicht
- “Chronology of Ancient Nations” by Al-Biruni (translated by C. Edward Sachau)
- “The Pre-Islamic and Early Islamic Arabian Calendar” by Robert G. Hoyland
Quizzes
Inspirational Conclusion
As we delve into the intriguing facets of Nasīʾ, we uncover more about the rich tapestry of Islamic history and its constant tug between tradition and innovation. Recognizing the wisdom in sacred temporal cycles, let’s appreciate the sacredness in our own time cycles.
- Amina Al-Fahad, October 2023
