Comprehensive Definition
JABALU MŪSĀ (جبل موسى), translated as the Mount of Moses, is commonly identified with Mount Sinai, a historically and religiously significant site in the Abrahamic religions—Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. According to Islamic tradition, it is the mountain on which Prophet Musa (Moses) received divine revelation from Allah. This mountain is specifically mentioned in Sūrah al-Baqarah (2:60) of the Qur’an, referred to as “The Mountain” (at̤-T̤ūr).
Etymology
The term Jabal (جبل) in Arabic means “mountain” and Mūsa (موسى) is the Arabic name for Moses. The epithet “Mount of Moses” underscores the mountain’s association with the Prophet Mūsa.
Background and Significance
Islamic texts, particularly the Qur’an, ascribe to this mountain immense theological importance. It is considered one of the sites where divine communication took place between Allah and Prophet Musa. It was here that Musa received Allah’s commandments, affirming the sanctity of the terrain.
The mountain’s significance transcends religion:
- In Christianity, it is revered as the place where Moses received the Ten Commandments.
- In Judaism, it is known as Har Sinai, the site where Moses ascended to receive the Torah.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Despite the theological differences in the narratives concerning Prophet Musa across various faiths, the synchronous reverence for Jabal Musa underscores points of convergence:
- Common Respect: Revered across Islam, Judaism, and Christianity.
- Divergent Narratives: Islamic scholars position the event of Divine Revelation to Musa within an encompassing theological framework that includes the unique aspects presented in the Qur’an.
Synonyms
- Mount Sinai
- Har Sinai (Hebrew)
- Gebel Musa (Alternative Romanization)
Antonyms
Given the unique sanctity and historical context, direct antonyms are rare, yet secular or mundane mountains can be considered devoid of significant religious symbolism.
Related Terms with Definitions
- Revelation: Divine communication or messages received by a prophet.
- Prophethood: The period or office of being a prophet, in this context specific to Musa.
- Decalogue: Another term for the Ten Commandments, especially in a Judeo-Christian context.
Exciting Facts
- Pilgrimages: Jabal Musa is still a site for various religious pilgrimages and spiritual retreats.
- St. Catherine’s Monastery: An ancient Christian monastery situated at the foot of Mount Sinai, one of the world’s oldest working Christian monasteries.
- Geographical Debate: The exact geographical identification of “Mount Sinai” has been a subject of historical and academic debate.
Quotations
- Al-Qur’an, Sūrah 20:12: “Verily, I am your Lord! Therefore (in My presence) put off your shoes: you are in the sacred valley Tuwa.”
- Ibn Kathir: “[Mount Sinai] represents a location chosen for its sanctity and relevance to both spiritual revelation and human endurance.”
References and Suggested Literature
- The Qur’an (Al-Baqarah 2:60).
- “Stories of the Prophets” by Ibn Kathir - Available in many translations, including English by various Islamic publication houses.
- “Moses and the Monotheists” by Sigmund Freud - Offers a psychoanalytical perspective that can serve an intriguing cross-disciplinary study.
- “Mount Sinai: A History of Travellers and Pilgrims” by James Kinnaird - A comprehensive history through a contextual Christian lens.
- “The Sinai: A Physical Geography” by Judy Dempsey - Provides an ecological and geological insight into the significance of Sinai.
Quiz
May the relentless pursuit of knowledge elevate your understanding and inspire harmony across cultures and beliefs.
With kind regards,
Khalid al-Hakim
2023-10-03
