ʿALAQ (علق)
Comprehensive Definition: ʿALAQ (علق) refers to “congealed blood” or “a clinging substance” and is the name of the 96th Sūrah of the Qurʾān. This Sūrah holds immense significance as it contains the first five verses revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through the Archangel Gabriel. These verses are considered the inception of divine revelation in Islam.
Etymology: The word ʿALAQ originates from Classical Arabic, denoting something that clings or hangs. It derives from the root “ʿ-l-q” (علق) which carries connotations of attachment and adherence. The imagery of congealed blood or a clinging form reflects the embryonic stages of human development, emphasizing the concept of creation and origin in Islamic thought.
Background: Historically, these verses were revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in the Cave of Hira on Mount Nur, marking the beginning of his prophethood. The experience was profound and transformative, setting the foundation for the Islamic faith that was to unfold.
Cultural Differences and Similarities: The concept of congealed blood as a stage in creation has analogies in various cultural and religious narratives worldwide. In Islamic tradition, ʿALAQ symbolizes human creation and divine purpose, intimately tying spiritual belief with biological development. In comparison, some other traditions emphasize the primordial elements differently but share the universal theme of life’s divine inception.
Synonyms:
- Clinging clot
- Congealed blood
- Leech-like substance
Antonyms:
- Dispersed
- Non-cohesive
Related Terms with Definitions:
- Revelation (Wahy): The act through which God communicates His messages to prophets via angels.
- Prophethood (Nubuwwa): The office or period of being a prophet.
- Qurʾān (قرآن): The holy book of Islam, believed to be the word of God as revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Exciting Facts:
- Sūrah ʿALAQ is also known as Sūrah Al-‘Alaq or “the Clot.”
- The revelation of Sūrah ʿALAQ marked the end of Jahiliyyah, the period of ignorance, in Arabian history.
- The archangel Gabriel’s visitation is a recurring element in Abrahamic faiths, also significant in Christianity and Judaism.
Quotations:
- “Recite in the name of your Lord who created—Created man from a clinging substance.” — [Qurʾān 96:1-2]
- “Iqra! In the Name of your Lord who has created (everything).” — [Qurʾān 96:1]
Suggested Literature:
- “The Qurʾān: A New Translation” by M.A.S. Abdel Haleem
- “In the Footsteps of the Prophet: Lessons from the Life of Muhammad” by Tariq Ramadan
- “The Message of the Qur’an” by Muhammad Asad
Inspirational Thought: Reflect on the first breath of revelation in Islam and envision how every small creation, like a drop of blood, unfolds into a complete being through divine orchestration.
With respect and contemplation, Yasmin Al-Rashid
