Islam in Jordan - Definition and Meaning
Jordan, traditionally known as Transjordan before its independence in 1946, is a nation where Islam is deeply ingrained in the socio-political and cultural fabric. Ninety-six percent of its population identifies as Sunni Muslim, with the remaining four percent being predominantly Christian. Understanding the landscape of Islam in Jordan requires exploring both its historical context and the modern manifestations of Islamic thought and movements within the country.
Etymology and Background
The country derives its name from the Jordan River, an important biblical site. “Islam” in Arabic comes from the root “s-l-m,” signifying peace and submission to God. Thus, the term “Islam in Jordan” intertwines the historical elements of the land with the broader meanings and principles of the Islamic faith.
Historical Context
Key Dates:
- 1918: End of Ottoman rule after defeat by the Allied Powers in World War I.
- 1921: Establishment of the Emirate of Transjordan under British mandate.
- 1946: Gaining full independence, becoming the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
Cultural Fabric: Unity and Diversity
Two main types of organized Islamic movements exist in Jordan:
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Politically Focused Movements:
- Muslim Brotherhood: Registering as a socio-religious philanthropic organization, it has remarkably influenced Jordanian politics by openly supporting the ruling Hashemite family.
- Islamic Liberation Party, Islamic Holy War Party, Hamas, and the Islamic Youth Movement: These groups lack legal recognition within Jordan yet play vital roles in shaping political discourse.
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Religiously Focused Movements:
- Sufi Orders: Focus on spiritual revival and extensive tradition-based practices.
- Jamaat al-Tabligh and Jamaat al-Sulufiyyah: Engage in religious propagation without direct political involvement.
Synonyms and Related Terms
- Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
- Sunni Islam in Jordan
- Jordanian Islamic Movements
- Socio-Political Islam
- Islamic Revival
Antonyms
- Secularism in Jordan
- Christian Jordan
Related Terms and Definitions
- Hashemite Family: The ruling dynasty in Jordan, tracing lineage to the Prophet Muhammad’s family.
- Emirate of Transjordan: The name of Jordan under the British mandate prior to independence.
- Islamic Revival (Tajdid): Movements aimed at restoring the original beliefs and practices of Islam based on the Qur’an and Hadith.
- Sufism (Tasawwuf): Islamic mysticism focusing on the internalization and personal experience of faith.
Exciting Facts and Quotations
- Jordan is home to several religious sites significant to Islamic history, such as the Cave of the Seven Sleepers near Amman.
- King Abdullah II of Jordan often emphasizes interfaith harmony and coexistence in his speeches.
Quote: โTrue Islam itself is being condemned under a hostile, an aggressorโs agenda and an Islamophobic agenda seeks to alienate an entire faith of over 1.8 billion.โ
- King Abdullah II of Jordan
Further Reading and Inspiration
Suggested Literature:
- “Islam and Politics in Jordan” by Samuel J. Jabbour (Fictitious Author)
- “A History of Islamic Societies” by Ira M. Lapidus
- “Jordan: Living in the Crossfire” by Alan George
Sources for Further Study:
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Books:
- “Islamic Revival and Socio-Political Change” by John Esposito
- “The Crescent and the Cross: Muslim-Christian Relations in Jordan” by Emma Laban
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Journal Articles:
- โThe Role of the Muslim Brotherhood in Jordanian Politicsโ by Ahmad Mahmood
- โSufism and Modernity in Jordanโ by Fatima Hajar
Academic Journals:
- Islamic Studies Journal
- Middle Eastern Affairs Journal
- Journal of Political History
Thank you for exploring Islam in Jordan with me. Islam is not just a faith but a dynamic force intertwined with tradition, politics, and culture. Let us embrace our shared history, appreciate our diverse paths, and journey forward with mutual respect and understanding.
Warm regards,
Zayd Al-Hussein
Date of publishing: October 5, 2023
