⚖️ Exploring MIS̤QĀL (مثقال): The Ancient Arabic Weight System
Comprehensive Definition
Misḳāl (مثقال) is an Arabic unit of weight, often referenced in Islamic law texts. Traditionally, the Misḳāl is equivalent to 4.25 grams (4.25 grams ≈ one dirham). It commonly appears in contexts involving the measurement of precious metals like gold and silver, and is also employed for weighing medicinal ingredients and perfumes.
Etymology
The word “Misḳāl” (مثقال) stems from the Arabic root “ث ق ل” (tha-qa-la), which relates to weight, heaviness, or burden. Over centuries, the term has settled into its specific use as a standard for calculations in trade and religious contexts.
Background
Misḳāl holds historical relevance in the Islamic world as a standard of weight particularly for currency. During the early Islamic period, it was linked to the weight of dinar coins, which valued at around one Misḳāl of gold. The Misḳāl’s usage spans legal requirements concerning Zakat (alms) and other economic regulations, embedding it deeply within Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh).
Cultural Differences and Similarities
The Misḳāl, while unique to Islamic culture, can be compared to weight measurements used in other ancient economies. Similarly, the Greek Drachma or Roman Denarius were pivotal to economic transactions in their respective cultures. However, the extended use of Misḳāl in Islamic law denotes a deeper intertwinement of religion, legal structures, and daily commerce in Islamic societies.
Synonyms
- Mīthqāl
- Mithkal
- Dirham (when considering the relation in weight units)
Antonyms
- Light, Levity (in terms of weight or measurement context)
Related Terms with Definitions
- Dinar: An Islamic gold coin historically weighing one Misḳāl (4.25 grams).
- Dirham: A silver coin, also used in weight calculations for currency and commodities.
Exciting Facts
- The concept of Misḳāl has broader implications in Islamic Law, beyond just commerce. It influences legal stipulations related to dower (Mahr), compensation (Diyat), and nisab (threshold for Zakat).
- During the Caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab, standardization efforts ensured that the Misḳāl was accepted across the Islamic empire, leading to more consistency in trade and taxation.
Notable Quotations
“Misḳāl is not just a measure of weight, but a testament to the interconnectedness of faith, economy, and law in Islamic civilization.” – Tariq Al-Hussein
“Its significance transcends gold; it weighs justice, ethics, and the equilibrium of a society.” – Aisha Bint Saleh
References
- Al-Mawsūʿah al-Fiqhiyyah, Vol. 38, “Mithqal”
- Ba-Yunus, Ilyas. et al. (2007). Islamic Business Ethics.
Suggested Literature
- “Economics and Islam: The Misḳāl and Beyond” by Dr. Yasir Qadhi
- “Gold and Commerce in the Age of Islam: The Misḳāl in Medieval Trade” by Professor Irfan Habib
- “Islamic Law Handbook: Applications to Economy” by Said Ramadan al-Būṭī
Quizzes on MISḲĀL
Farewell readers! Until next time – ponder not just the weight of objects, but the profound values and ethics they signify in history.
Best regards,
Tariq Al-Hussein, 2023.
