Definition: AL-ʿAẒBĀʾ (العضباء) refers to one of Prophet Muhammad’s favorite camels, known for its distinctive slit ear.
Etymology: The term “AL-ʿAẒBĀʾ” in Arabic (العضباء) translates to “the slit-eared,” denoting the unique physical trait of the camel.
Background: AL-ʿAẒBĀʾ was not just any camel but held a special place in the life and missions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This camel was used during significant journeys and held in high regard for its loyalty and endurance. Camels, in general, were highly regarded in the Arabian Peninsula for their ability to withstand the harsh desert environment, making them indispensable in daily and commercial life.
Cultural Differences and Similarities: In the broader Arab and Islamic culture, animals, particularly camels, have always held a venerable status. AL-ʿAẒBĀʾ symbolizes not just physical transportation but spiritual steadfastness and loyalty. In other cultures, similar iconic animals include elephants in Indian traditions and horses in various nomadic cultures. Each symbolizes strength, utility, and majesty.
Synonyms:
- The Prophet’s Camel
- The Slit-Eared Camel
Antonyms:
- There are no direct antonyms, but general disobedient or unreliable animals could be considered opposites in symbolic context.
Related Terms with Definitions:
- Hijra (هجرة): The migration of Prophet Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina.
- Buraq (البراق): The celestial steed that carried the Prophet during the Night Journey (Isra and Mi’raj).
- Qaswa (القَصْوَاء): Another highly revered camel of Prophet Muhammad, known for its intelligence and patience.
Exciting Facts:
- AL-ʿAẒBĀʾ was used during the Battle of Badr; the camel chose to kneel at what became the final resting place of the Prophet Muhammad in Medina.
- Known for its speed and endurance, AL-ʿAẒBĀʾ was unbeaten in races until a common Bedouin camel outran it, teaching a lesson in humility.
Quotations from Notable Writers:
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“In the life of the Prophet, every living being found its place, every camel had its name. AL-ʿAẒBĀʾ was among those beings who held the line between the worldly and the sacred.” – Fazlur Rahman
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“The slit ear of AL-ʿAẒBĀʾ wasn’t just a physical trait, but a marker of its sacrifices and journeys shared with the Prophet.” – Seyyed Hossein Nasr
References:
- Rahman, Fazlur. Islam, Second Edition. University of Chicago Press, 2002.
- Nasr, Seyyed Hossein. Muhammad: Man of God. Kazi Publications, 1983.
Suggested Literature and Other Sources:
- K. Armstrong. Muhammad: A Biography of the Prophet. Harper San Francisco, 2001.
- M. Lings. Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources. Inner Traditions, 1983.
- Ibn Ishaq, The Life of Muhammad: Sirat Rasul Allah, Oxford University Press, 1955.
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