Comprehensive Definition
JIHĀZ (جهاز) refers to a term in Islamic culture with two significant meanings:
- The wedding trousseau of a Muḥammadan wife: This includes the vestments and furniture that a bride brings to her husband’s household, items that remain her property even after marriage.
- The shroud of a dead Muslim: This refers to the cloth in which a deceased Muslim is wrapped before burial.
Etymology
The word JIHĀZ (جهاز) stems from the Arabic root “j-h-z,” which has connotations related to “gathering” or “preparing.” This root can provide valuable insight into the dual contemporary uses of the word, both linked to preparation and rightness—whether preparing a woman for her new life as a wife or readying the body for its final journey.
Background and Historical Context
In traditional Islamic culture, the trousseau (jihāz or dowry) was often composed of clothing, bed linens, and sometimes money or jewelry. This was seen as a form of security for the wife, underscoring her autonomy within the marriage.
Similarly, the concept of the burial shroud in Islamic tradition evokes the reflective and minimalist perspective associated with death. Every Muslim is enwrapped in a simple shroud of unadorned white cloth, symbolic of equality before Allah.
Cultural Variations and Sensitivities
While both meanings of JIHĀZ are generally honored, cultural practices may differ significantly by region. For instance, in certain South Asian countries, the wedding trousseau can be highly elaborate, often amounting to substantial amounts of furniture, jewelry, and elaborate outfits.
In contrast, the shroud remains fairly uniform and unadorned across Muslim societies, but the process and ceremonial aspects may vary.
Synonyms and Antonyms
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Synonyms:
- Wedding Trousseau: Dowry, Bridal Gifts.
- Burial Shroud: Kafan (Arabic term for burial shroud).
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Antonyms:
- Extraneousness (opposite of what is right and necessary).
Related Terms
- Nikah (نِكاح): The Islamic marriage contract.
- Mahr (مهر): The mandatory payment, in the form of money or possessions, paid to the bride by the groom.
- Kafan (كفن): The specific term for the burial shroud used in Muslim funerary rites.
Engaging Facts
- It is a traditional custom in many Muslim cultures for families to start gathering a jihāz for the daughters from a young age, making the event an extensive ceremony of generosity and family bonds.
- In some cultures, the examination and unveiling of the bride’s jihāz is a festive event held before the wedding.
Quotations
- “The guarantees of benevolence surround a Muslim woman in facets unlimited, reflected in practices such as the jihāz.” — Fatima Mernissi, Moroccan feminist intellectual.
Suggested Literature and Further Study
- “Women in Islam: An Anthology from the Qur’an and Hadith” by Camille Helminski.
- “Death and Burial in Islam” by Jonathan P. Berkey.
- “Islamic Private Law” by Syed Khalid Rashid for a more detailed understanding of personal law practices and customs related to jihāz on marriage and death.
Thought-Provoking Farewell
Understanding JIHĀZ enriches our perspectives on how Islamic traditions balance between life and death, celebration, and somber moments, delineating the profound and universal values embedded in its culture. As you traverse these diverse interpretations and practices, may you find deeper reverence and appreciation for the humane traditions in Islamic ethos. 🌿
With grace and scholarly curiosity, explore the tapestry of our shared cultures.
— Farah Al-Zahra, October 2023
