MAʾŪDAH (موءودة): The Daughters of Pre-Islamic Arabia 🌺
Comprehensive Definition
MAʾŪDAH (موءودة): Term used to describe the tragic practice of burying female infants alive, which prevailed in Pre-Islamic Arabian society. This custom, driven by economic hardship and social ridicule, was unequivocally banned by the advent of Islam as detailed in the Qur’an.
Etymology
The term “MAʾŪDAH (موءودة)” is derived from the Arabic root “waʾad,” meaning “to bury alive.” This signifies the horrific act denoted by the term.
Background
In Pre-Islamic Arabia, societal pressures often led to the burying of female infants alive. The cultural preference for male offspring, coupled with economic constraints, fueled this practice. The advent of Islam marked a pivotal transformation as Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) vehemently condemned and forbade this custom.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Cultural aversion towards female infants was prevalent in various patriarchal societies; yet, the defenselessness and innocence of female infants bear a universal resonance, crying for empathy and protection. Post-Islamic culture honored and empowered women, overturning many Pre-Islamic norms.
Synonyms
- Infanticide: The modern term for killing infants, extends beyond the gender-specific context.
- Female fetus destruction: A practice of similar disdain, replete in many past societies.
Antonyms
- Preservation: Upholding and protecting life, no matter the gender.
- Nurture: Providing care and support for infants.
Related Terms and Definitions
- Infanticide: The act of killing an infant, often for socio-economic or cultural reasons.
- Jāhilīyah: Term denoting the “Age of Ignorance” before the advent of Islam in Arabian Peninsula when such practices were prevalent.
- Sūrahs: Chapters of the Qur’an which illuminate various aspects of humane conduct.
Exciting Facts
- The Qur’an explicitly condemns the act of burying daughters alive, shedding light on the sanctity of all human life.
- Prophet Muhammad’s renowned speeches emphasized equality, compassion, and the abolishment of unjust practices against women.
Quotations from Notable Writers
“Sura 81:8-9: ‘And when the girl [who was] buried alive is asked for what sin she was killed.’ This divine revelation marked a pivotal change in Arabian ethics, embedding compassion in societal norms.” — Dr. Yusuf Al-Qaradhawi
References
- Qur’an: Primary source highlighting the transformation from pre-Islamic customs to Islamic ethics (“Sūrahs xvi. 61; xvii. 33; lxxxi. 8”).
- “The Age of Ignorance and the Feminine” by Leila Ahmad.: Scholarly work discussing the role of pre-Islamic customs and their abolishment.
- An-Nawawi, “Riyadh-us-Saliheen”: Discusses moral and legal changes brought by Islam.
Suggested Literature
- “Women in Islam: An Historical and Theological Enquiry” by Leila Ahmed
- “Islamic Society and Civilization” by W. Montgomery Watt
- “The Life of Muhammad” by Muhammad Husayn Haykal
- “Qur’anic Commentary: Understanding Compassion in Islam” by Tahir Ilyas
In reflecting on the transformation from the travesty of MAʾŪDAH to the sanctity bestowed upon human life in Islam, we witness not merely historical change but an enduring testament to compassion and morality.
Farewell Thought: “In shedding light upon darkness, we not only free the shadows of the past but guide the footsteps of the future.” — Sahar El-Nour
