Comprehensive Definition:
Imsāk (امساك) literally translates to “keeping back” or “withholding.” The term is derived from the Arabic root m-s-k, highlighting actions that involve refraining from giving or holding back resources. Used specifically within the Qur’ān (Sūrah Al-Baqarah, 2:228), Imsāk refers to the holding back of divorce within reason or the deliberate withholding of charity.
Etymology and Background:
The Arabic root of Imsāk (m-s-k) signifies actions linked to restraint and preservation. In the context of the Qur’ān, Imsāk highlights the concept of moderate restraint, as opposed to lavish expenditure. The theological use of Imsāk involves cautioning against greed and miserliness—contrasting sharply with the virtue of Infāq, which refers to open-handed generosity.
Cultural Differences and Similarities:
While Imsāk’s direct counterparts may not be evident in equivalent theological terms within other religions, the concept of deliberately holding back resources is universally understood. In contrast to other theological doctrines promoting unconditional generosity, Imsāk in Islamic theology sees a measured approach to resource distribution.
Similar cultural practices:
- Christianity’s teaching in the Bible about not serving two masters (either God or Money) reflects a caution against withholding one’s wealth from righteous causes.
- Buddhist teachings on non-attachment also endorse prudent generosity and discourage miserliness.
Contrasts might be seen:
- In some secular cultures that promote unmitigated generosity, the strategic withholding (Imsāk) might appear paradoxical.
Synonyms:
- Retention
- Restraint
- Preservation
Antonyms:
- Generosity
- Infāq (إنفاق) - Expenditure in the path of God
Related Terms:
- Infāq (إنفاق) - Generosity, extensive charity.
- Ṣadaqah (صدقة) - Voluntary charity.
- Zakah (زكاة) - Obligatory almsgiving, another core pillar of Islam.
- Akhlaq (أخلاق) - Islamic theological term signifying morality and ethical behavior.
Exciting Facts:
- The term Imsāk might occur in daily Arabic parlance, implying restraint in various contexts, not necessarily related to charity or theological aspects.
- The Qur’ānic guidance on resource management, both through Imsāk and Infāq, aims for societal balance, countering both extravagance and miserliness.
Quotations:
- From Ibn Khathir: “As Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى) has enjoined the actions of charity, He also cautions against miserliness, that through moderation, one’s self should not be at loss."
- The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ): “The best charity is that given from which one still remains affluent.” [Sahih Bukhari]
References:
- Sahih Bukhari
- Tafsir Ibn Khathir
- The Spirit of Islamic Law by Bernard G. Weiss
Suggested Literature:
- Islamic Ethics of Aspiration by Geoffrey Lloyd
- The Ethical Tradition in Islam by Shams Inati
Quizzes and Explanations:
May you find the harmonious balance between giving and withholding, achieving contentment and spiritual growth. Keep exploring and delving deeper into the wisdom of ancient texts. 🌟
Hassan Yaseen
Published on: October 10, 2023
“Restrain through wisdom, give through generosity; for through balance, the soul attains peace.”
