Lot (Lūt in Arabic) - Comprehensive Definition and Meaning
Definition and Meaning: Lot, rendered as لُوط (Lūt) in Arabic, is a respected prophet in Islamic tradition, known for his righteousness and his mission to the people of Sodom and Gomorrah. His mission was to warn the inhabitants of these cities of divine punishment due to their sinful and immoral behavior.
Etymology: The name “Lūt” in Arabic is believed to be derived from Hebrew roots, similar to how it appears in the Bible as “Lot.” The original Hebrew may signify “covering” or “concealed,” fitting for his role as a prophet amongst the concealment of immorality.
Background: Lot is traditionally thought to have been a nephew to the prophet Ibrahim (Abraham). Both figures inhabit a timeline where they serve as key leaders, guiding their communities towards righteousness and warning against sinfulness. Lot settled in the city of Sodom, which, along with Gomorrah, was condemned for excessive immorality.
Historical Facts and Dates: While the exact historical dates of Prophet Lot’s life aren’t distinctly identified, Islamic tradition places his endeavors around the same period as Ibrahim, roughly in the early second millennium BCE. The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah are commonly cited in both Abrahamic faiths as areas encompassed in modern-day Jordan.
Cultural Differences and Similarities: Islamic, Jewish, and Christian traditions vary slightly in their recount of Lot’s story. In the Quran, Lot (Lūt) focuses primarily on warning Sodom of its immense sinful ways, notably sexual lewdness and societal corruption. Unlike the Bible, the Quran does not mention Lot’s daughters’ incestuous actions. This highlights a generalized principle of only the moral dimensions in Islamic tradition compared with both moral and genealogical considerations in the Bible.
Synonyms:
- Islamic Synonym: Prophet Lot
- Religious Synonym: Prophet Lūt
Antonyms: In the context of righteousness and submission, terms like “disbeliever” or “sinner” serve as antithetical roles to that of Prophet Lot.
Related Terms with Definitions:
- Sodom: City mentioned in Abrahamic faiths known for excessive immorality.
- Gomorrah: This city alongside Sodom faced divine destruction for pervasive wickedness.
- Ibrahim (Abraham): Lot’s uncle and a major prophet in Islamic tradition.
- Punishment of Sodom: Divine retribution delivered upon the cities due to their moral failings.
Exciting Facts:
- Prophet Lot is considered one of the noble prophets in Islam who was known for his righteousness amidst profound corruption.
- Quranic references to Lot can be found in several Surahs, including Surah Hud and Surah Al-Hijr.
- The story of Lot’s wife transforming into a pillar of salt is present in the Bible but omitted in Islamic texts, which focus solely on her lagging behind.
Quotations: The story of Prophet Lūt is significantly noble in varied Abrahamic faiths. As Allamah Sayyid Muhammad Husayn Tabatabai elaborates on him,
“Indeed, [among them] is Lūt, who was righteous amidst those that err…”
Literature and Other Sources for Further Studies and Inspiration
- “Stories of the Prophets” by Ibn Kathir
- “The Qurʾan: An Encyclopedia” by Oliver Leaman
- “Islamic Historiography” by Chase F. Robinson
- “Muhammad, Man and Prophet” by Adil Salahi
- “An Introduction to Quranic Studies” by Mazhar Mahmood Ahmad
Always remember that knowledge is a never-ending journey. 🌍
With enduring curiosity,
Nadia Ahmed
Published on October 03, 2023
