📜 Exploring NAṢṢ-I-KARĪM: The Gracious Revelation of Islam

NAṢṢ-I-KARĪM (نص كريم‎): Unveiling the Gracious Revelation

Definition

NAṢṢ-I-KARĪM (نص كريم‎) refers to a revered title bestowed upon the Qurʾān, denoting it as the “Gracious Revelation.” This term encapsulates the sanctity, sublimity, and divine grace enshrined within the Qurʾānic text.

Etymology

• Naṣṣ (نص): An Arabic word meaning “text” or “scripture”.
• Karīm (كريم): An Arabic adjective meaning “gracious”, “noble”, or “generous”.

Background

The term NAṢṢ-I-KARĪM is more than just a name; it signifies the profound beauty, wisdom, and divinity of the Qurʾānic revelations. Revealed over 23 years to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through the angel Jibril (Gabriel), the Qurʾān is revered as the ultimate guide for human conduct, morality, and spirituality.

Cultural Differences and Similarities

Cultural Similarities:

• In various Islamic cultures, the Qurʾān is universally respected and referenced as the ultimate source of spiritual and legal guidance.
• Recitation and memorization of the Qurʾān (Hifz) are significant practices across the Muslim world.

Cultural Differences:

• The reverence of NAṢṢ-I-KARĪM can be manifested in distinct ways across different Islamic societies. For example, the artistic display of calligraphy differs across cultures, reflecting regional artistic and aesthetic sensibilities.

Synonyms

• Al-Qurʾān (القرآن): Another primary title of the Islamic holy text.
• Al-Kitāb (الكتاب): Meaning “The Book”, a commonly used term among Muslims.

Antonyms

• Bāṭil (باطل): Meaning “falsehood” or “void”, stands in contrast to the Truth and Grace of NAṢṢ-I-KARĪM.

Related Terms with Definitions

• Tanzīl (تنزيل): The process of the divine revelation of the Qurʾān from Allah.
• Ḥikmah (حكمة): Wisdom often attributed to the verses of the Qurʾān.
• Wahy (وحي): Divine inspiration or revelation given to prophets.

Exciting Facts

• Qurʾānic Calligraphy: The Qurʾān’s writings have been ornamented in calligraphy throughout Islamic history, becoming a respected art form.
• Pages Sanctified: Muslims believe that each leaf of the Qurʾān holds immense sanctity and should be treated with immense respect, never to be placed on the floor or discarded.

Quotations

• Jalal al-Din Rumi: “The Qurʾān is the bird of the garden of the soul. Its verses are the fruits carried from the trees of God’s garden.”
• Ghazālī: “The Qurʾān is the source of the welling wisdoms and the seeds of the sciences.”

References

1. Al-Ghazali, A., The Jewels of the Qurʾān, [Publishing House], [Date].
2. Karen Armstrong, Muhammad: The Prophet for Our Time, [Publishing House], [Date].
3. Seyyed Hossein Nasr, The Study Quran: A New Translation and Commentary, [Publishing House], [Date].

Suggested Literature and Sources

• Tafsir Ibn Kathir - A classical commentary on the Qurʾān.
• The Study Quran - Offers detailed commentary and explanations of the Qurʾānic text.

Quizzes: Test Your Knowledge!

Farewell Thought

May the understanding of NAṢṢ-I-KARĪM enhance your appreciation of the divine grace and wisdom encapsulated within the sacred texts, illuminating your path with knowledge and spiritual insight.

Kind regards,

Fatima Al-Zahra

2023-10-07