📜 Comprehensive Definition
K͟HIẔLĀN (خذلان) refers to the theological concept of divine abandonment in Islam, where God withdraws His support, guidance, and protection from an individual. This term symbolizes a profound state in which a person feels abandoned by God, often due to their own misdeeds or loss of faith.
📚 Etymology and Background
The Arabic term K͟HIẔLĀN stems from the root “خ-ذ-ل” (khādhal), meaning to abandon or forsake. It encapsulates the Qurʾānic understanding of what happens when an individual strays from God’s path. The term appears in the Qurʾān, specifically Sūrah ʾĀl-ʿImrān (3:154), emphasizing that without God’s aid, no assistance can prevail.
🕌 Cultural Differences and Similarities
While K͟HIẔLĀN is an Islamic concept, the notion of divine abandonment or feeling forsaken by a higher power is present in various religious traditions:
- Christianity: Parallels can be found in the idea of “falling from grace” where an individual’s separation from God’s grace occurs due to sin or lack of faith.
- Judaism: Experiences of divine hiddenness, known as “Hester Panim,” imply moments where God hides His face from people, often believed to be due to Israel’s sins.
- Hinduism: Concepts of karma and dharma can also create scenarios where one’s misdeeds lead to divine disfavor.
🔍 Synonyms, Antonyms, and Related Terms
- Synonyms: Forsakenness, Desertion, Estrangement.
- Antonyms: Support, Patronage, Divine favor, Salvation.
- Related Terms:
- Ḥiṣān (حِصان): Divine protection or fortification.
- Tuqa (تُقَى): Fear of God or piety leading to divine favor.
- Maghfira (مغفرة): Forgiveness from God, essentially the opposite of divine abandonment.
📜 Exciting Facts
- The concept of K͟HIẔLĀN in Islam emphasizes personal responsibility and accountability in maintaining divine support.
- Despite its one-time mention in the Qurʾān, K͟HIẔLĀN has been extensively discussed in Islamic theology to denote the gravity of spiritual neglect.
✍ Quotations from Notable Writers
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Ibn Taymiyyah, a renowned Islamic scholar, emphasized: “The state of K͟HIẔLĀN is not just caused by external actions but also the heart’s deviation from God’s remembrance.”
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Rumi wrote, “As the shadow of separation deepens, the soul recognizes the void of K͟HIẔLĀN, yearning earnestly for reunion with the Divine.”
📚 Suggested Literature and Further Studies
- Books:
- “The Study Quran: A New Translation and Commentary” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr - Provides comprehensive analysis and interpretation of Qurʾānic verses including Sūrah ʾĀl-ʿImrān 3:154.
- “Inner Dimensions of Islamic Worship” by Imam Al-Ghazali - Explores deeper spiritual states, including notions of divine presence and absence.
- Articles:
- “Concepts of Divine Favor and Abandonment in Islamic Doctrine” - An academic paper that relates K͟HIẔLĀN to other religious and philosophical traditions.
- “Emotional and Psychological Implications of Divine Abandonment” - A case study examining how the concept affects believers’ mental and spiritual well-being.
🧩 Quiz
🌟 Inspirational Farewell
Remember, understanding spiritual concepts like K͟HIẔLĀN not only connects us with the divine narratives of Islam but also bridges our understanding of how faith shapes lives and principles. May your journey into these theological realms illuminate the path of wisdom and empathy.
Best Regards, Riyad Al-Hassani
