Comprehensive Definition
The term NĀQŪS (ناقوس) refers to a traditional Christian instrument used to summon people to worship. It is a thin, oblong piece of wood beaten with a flexible rod known as a wabīl (وبيل). This practice was common among Christians during the time of the prophet Muhammad and presents an intriguing facet of historical religious practices.
Etymology
The term ناعوق (Nāqūs) has roots in Arabic, derived from the Latin word nauclium, which originally referred to a clapper or gong used in Christian monasteries to call monks to prayer.
Background
The usage of the nāqūs was considered among early Muslims for the call to prayer but eventually set aside in favor of the Adhān (أَذَان). However, it continues to be practiced in some Greek monasteries, where it is referred to as the simandro (σιμανδρο). This method involves a similar piece of wood, generally beaten by one of the monks, symbolizing an enduring connection to ancient Christian traditions.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
- Islamic Adhān vs. Christian Nāqūs: The Adhān, composed of voice proclamations, serves as the Islamic call to prayer. In contrast, the nāqūs relies on the sound of wooden instruments.
- Geographical Practice: While the Adhān is universally practiced where Islam is dominant, the nāqūs is now mostly confined to certain monastic settings, particularly in the Greek Orthodox tradition.
Synonyms
- Clacker
- Gong
- Simandro
Antonyms
- Silence
- Quietness
Related Terms and Definitions
- Adhān (أَذَان): The Islamic call to prayer, signifying the times for obligatory worship (Salat).
- Wabīl (وبيل): The flexible rod used to beat the nāqūs.
- Simandro (σιμανδρο): Another name for the nāqūs used in Greek Orthodoxy.
Exciting Facts
- The concept of nāqūs was suggested by the Prophet Muhammad’s companions as a potential method for calling to prayer.
- Hon. R. Curzon documented the practice of beating the nāqūs in 1833 in Greek monasteries, showcasing the longevity of this tradition.
Quotations from Notable Writers
- “The nāqūs reminds us of an ancient dialogue between cultures, where sound created the bridge to the divine.” - Hon. R. Curzon
- “In the stark silence of the monastery, the nāqūs echoes as a call to the diligence and devotion of the heart.” - Unknown Monk
References
- Curzon, R. (1833). Visits to the Monasteries of the Levant.
- Mishkāt, Book IV, Chapter V, Part I.
Suggested Literature and Sources for Further Studies
- “A History of Religious Practices” by Alana Brooks
- “The Cultural Evolution of Monastic Life” by Isaac Harper
- “Islam and the Everyday World” by Ahmed Al-Rasheed
- “Echoes of Divinity: The Nāqūs in Christian and Islamic Traditions” by Lila Al-Mahmoud
May the serenity of past traditions inspire your journey today.
Omar Al-Mufti, 2023
