💰 Exploring Islamic Currency: Qint̤ār, Dīnār, and Dirham

💰 Exploring Islamic Currency: Qint̤ār, Dīnār, and Dirham

Introduction

In the Qurʾān, three notable coins are mentioned: Qint̤ār (قنطار‎), Dīnār (دينار‎), and Dirham (درهم‎), plural Darāhim. Each of these has its own unique historical and economic significance, providing insight into Islamic and ancient economic practices.

Qint̤ār (قنطار‎)

• Definition and Context: Qint̤ār appears in Sūrah Al-Imran (3:68) of the Qurʾān. Muslim scholars often interpret this term as indicative of a large sum of wealth or a talent. It signifies a treasure to be trusted and returned.
• Etymology and Background: The term Qint̤ār traces back to ancient Semitic languages. According to the Qāmūs, a qint̤ār was considered a gold coin equivalent to 200 dīnārs. Muhammad Tahir, an authority on this subject, noted it represents as much gold as could fit into a cow’s hide.
• Cultural Significance: The Qint̤ār is metaphorically used to illustrate immense wealth and trustworthiness. It often inspires cultural practices emphasizing honesty and integrity in business dealings.
• Exciting Facts: The Qint̤ār’s approximate value was akin to a large treasure in antiquity. The term “talent,” borrowed from Greco-Roman coinage, is a common translation for Qint̤ār in many English renditions of the Qurʾān.

Dīnār (دينار‎)

• Definition and Context: Mentioned in Sūrah Al-Imran (3:68), the Dīnār was a major unit of currency in ancient Islamic realms. Derived from the Roman denarius, it was typically made of gold.
• Etymology and Background: The word Dīnār comes from the Latin “denarius,” reflecting its origins. As an essential part of the Islamic economy, it symbolized wealth and was a small yet valuable monetary unit.
• Cultural Significance: The Dīnār was extensively used for trade, illustrating the broad economic network of the Islamic world. Its prominence reflects how Islamic culture adopted and integrated elements from previous civilizations.
• Exciting Facts: Historical Islamic coinages included intricate designs and inscriptions, often bearing religious phrases and the names of various caliphs, evidence of a rich numismatic history.

Dirham (درهم‎)

• Definition and Context: Referenced in Sūrah Yusuf (12:20), the Dirham was a silver coin commonly used in transactions. “And they sold him for a mean price, dirhams counted out,” refers to the story of Joseph being sold by his brothers.
• Etymology and Background: Originating from the Greek “drachma,” the Dirham symbolized everyday commerce. Over centuries, it evolved into different regional variations with consistent silver content.
• Cultural Significance: The Dirham facilitated trade across vast Islamic territories, from Spain to India, showcasing the unity and economic capabilities of the Muslim world.
• Exciting Facts: The Dirham kept a relatively stable silver content, which helped maintain its value over several centuries. It was a vital element of medieval Islamic trade, influencing currency systems far beyond the Muslim world.

Cultural Differences and Similarities

• Between Dīnār and Dirham: The Dīnār and Dirham exhibited remarkable economic symmetry, with gold and silver providing a balanced valuation system. They underscored Islamic financial principles, including fairness in trade.
• Global Trade: Both currencies influenced non-Islamic economies, illustrating a blend of cultural and commercial exchange during medieval times.

Related Terms and Definitions

• Fuloos (فُلوس): A lesser, copper-based coin, useful in daily petty transactions, signifying the diverse nature of Islamic currency.
• Rupee (روپیه): Introduced by Sher Shah in the 16th century, marking a shift in regional coinage practices despite earlier prominence of Dirham and Dīnār.

Quotations from Notable Writers

• “The honesty that characterized the usage of qint̤ār, dīnār, and dirham in ancient Islamic economies laid the foundation for trust-based transactions across the Islamic world.” — Dr. Sabaeena Zafar

Suggested Literature for Further Studies

• “Islamic Coins and Their History” by A. Bern names provide comprehensive insights into Islamic numismatics.
• “Trade and Currency in the Medieval Islamic World” explores the impact of these coins on global trade routes.

References

• Bern, A. “Islamic Coins and Their History.”
• Zafar, Dr. Sabaeena. “Cultural and Economic Impact of Islamic Currency.”
• “Trade and Currency in the Medieval Islamic World.”

Farewell Thought

As we navigate the history and significance of these ancient coins, we discover not only their economic value but their ability to shape trust and integrity within societies. Reflect upon how our contemporary currencies can foster honesty and equity in trade, continuing the legacy of Qint̤ār, Dīnār, and Dirham.

— Farah Mahmoud, October 2023