📜 Delving into DAHRĪ (دهرى): The Concept of Eternal Matter in Islamic Thought
Comprehensive Definition
Dahrī (دهرى) refers to an individual who believes in the eternal nature of matter and the universe, rejecting the concept of creation and finitism in time. Consequently, such a person denies the Islamic doctrine of the Day of Resurrection and Judgment. In wider theological terms, a Dahrī is often viewed as an atheist or materialist from the Islamic perspective.
Etymology
The term Dahrī derives from the Arabic word دهر (dahr), meaning “time” or “age.” This lexical root emphasizes timelessness or eternity, contrasting sharply with the Islamic notion of temporal creation followed by an eventual end and accountability.
Historical and Theological Background
In Islamic theology, Dahrīs are viewed through a critical lens due to their denial of divine creation, judgment, and afterlife, which are foundational principles of Islam. The concept gained particular attention during various Islamic intellectual movements when scholars and theologians were engaged in refuting materialistic and atheistic worldviews.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
While similar atheistic perspectives can be found globally, what distinguishes a Dahrī is their specific cultural and historical context within Islamic thought. This contrasts with modern secular atheism, which often does not engage directly with the theological constructs found in Islam.
Synonyms
- Materialist
- Atheist (within the Islamic context)
- Eternist
Antonyms
- Theist
- Believer (in Islamic eschatology)
- Fideist
Related Terms with Definitions
- Eschatology: The study of the end of the world and the final events in cosmology, including judgment after death.
- Kāfir (كافر): An Arabic term referring to a disbeliever or one who denies the tenets of Islam.
- Mushrik (مشرك): A person who associates partners with Allah or practices idolatry.
Interesting Facts
- The Qur’an directly addresses and refutes the beliefs of Dahrīs in several verses, noting their inclination towards materialism (Qur’an 45:24).
- Scholarly works by notable Islamic philosophers like Al-Ghazali and Ibn Taymiyyah have historically critiqued and attempted to counter Dahrī ideas.
Quotation from Notable Writers
“It is a fundamental breach in the faith to deny the Day of Resurrection. The Dahrī attempts to bind infinity only to that which is tangible, forsaking the divine.” - Ibn Al-Jawzi
Suggested Literature for Further Study
- “The Incoherence of the Philosophers” by Al-Ghazali - A critical work addressing the boundaries between faith and philosophy.
- “Ibn Taymiyyah Against the Greek Logicians” - Exploration of the refutation of Aristotelian logic and eternal matter.
- “The Qur’an and Secular Atheism” by Yasir Qadhi - Insightful analysis of atheistic beliefs within an Islamic framework.
Inspirational Farewell
Belief intricately weaves the fabric of human existence and understanding. As you delve into the concept of Dahrī, let it inspire a reflection on the divine and the mysteries that transcend human comprehension. Always strive to gain not only knowledge but also wisdom.
