Comprehensive Definition
In Islamic jurisprudence, the term Jauhar (جوهر) refers to jewels or precious stones, which include rare and valuable items like emeralds, rubies, and chrysolites. These gems are not merely ornamental but also hold significant economic, cultural, and sometimes therapeutic value across Islamic traditions.
Etymology and Background
Jauhar originates from the Arabic root word “جَهَرَ” (jahara), which means to shine or to be obvious. The term embodies the brilliance and distinctiveness of precious stones. Historically, jewels have been associated with wealth, status, and divine beauty in many cultures, including pre-Islamic Arabia, which venerated them.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Culturally, jewels serve multiple roles in Islamic societies:
- Adornments: They are worn for beauty and status enhancement.
- Dowries: Often part of dowries in marriage ceremonies.
- Economic Investments: Considered valuable investments that can be used in trade or inheritance.
Compared to Western traditions, where jewels are primarily worn for personal adornment, Islamic cultural practices integrate them into legal and economic frameworks, such as dowries and wills, rooted in the Sharia law.
Related Terms
- Hijab حجاب: Modesty framework that may affect jewel wear.
- Mahram محرم: Closely related male, impacting gifting of jewels.
- Fidya فدية: Compensation, sometimes paid in form of jewels.
Synonyms, Antonyms, and Related Terms
- Synonyms: Gems, Precious Stones
- Antonyms: Ordinary Stones, Common Minerals
- Related Terms: Gold (ذهب), Silver (فضة)
Exciting Facts
- The Qur’an mentions jewels to symbolize divine beauty and the rewards in paradise (e.g., Surah Al-Insan 76:15-21).
- Islamic calligraphers once wrote verses of the Qur’an with ink mixed with ground precious stones.
Quotation from Notable Writer
“Among the pious and the noble, dazzling jewels symbolize not only the wealth they possess but the light within their souls.” - Hasan Al-Qatrani
Literature and Further Studies
- Books:
- “The Jewelled Path in Islamic Art” by Layla S. Diba.
- “Islamic Economic Jurisprudence” by Imran Ahsan Khan Nyazee.
- Articles:
- “Jewelry in Islamic Culture” in Islamic Quarterly.
- “Sharia and Property Distribution: A Gemological Perspective” in Islamic Law Review.
Quiz Section
Farewell Note from the Author: Exploring jewels in Islamic tradition offers a glimpse into the soul’s adornment through material and spiritual splendors. May we all find the gem-like purity within our hearts and cherish wisdom as the rarest jewel.
Hasan Al-Qatrani October 2023
