📜 Meaning
QADĪM (قديم)—The term denotes something ancient or old. In Islamic theology, it particularly refers to the timeless, eternal nature of God. Al-Qadīm translates to “The one without beginning,” underscoring God’s infinite existence beyond time. The expression Qadīmu ʾl-Aiyām or “Ancient of days” similarly reinforces the concept of God’s eternal, unchanging nature.
🔍 Etymology
Derived from the Arabic root q-d-m (ق د م), the word Qadīm (قديم) implies ancientness or primeval existence. It has connotations of being timeless, predating all creation.
🔎 Background
In Islamic theology, the notion of God’s timelessness is central to understanding His omnipotence and omnipresence. Al-Qadīm emphasizes that God exists without a beginning and without an end, distinguishing Him from all creation which is bound by time. This belief underscores the uniqueness and supreme nature of God in Islam, forming a core part of Islamic cosmology and eschatology.
🌍 Cultural Differences and Similarities
In many religious traditions, the concept of timeless or eternal beings is not unique. For instance, in Christianity, God is often termed as “Alpha and Omega,” — the beginning and the end. Hinduism, on the other hand, talks of Sanatana Dharma, meaning eternal religion that transcends time. Such similarities highlight a shared human quest to understand the divine as transcendent and timeless.
🔗 Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms
- Azali (أزلى): Eternal
- Abad (أبد): Forever
- Daim (دائم): Everlasting
- Qidam (قدم): Ancientness
Antonyms
- Hadith (حديث): New
- Fani (فاني): Perishable
- Mahdud (محدود): Finite
🔍 Related Terms
Azali (أزلى)
- Definition: Eternal, unending
- Significance: Points to the infinite duration of God’s existence and His attributes.
Dahr (دهر)
- Definition: Time, eternity
- Significance: Used in the Qur’an to refer to endless time, often in contrast with human temporality.
📚 Exciting Facts
- The epithet Al-Qadīm is not commonly found among the 99 Names of Allah but is implicitly understood within the Islamic theological discourse.
- The term Qadīmu ʾl-Aiyām beautifully captures the poetic aspect of divine timelessness, often evoking deep contemplation among scholars and mystics alike.
📝 Quotation
“On the Day when We will fold the heaven like the folding of a [written] sheet for the records. As We began the first creation, We will repeat it. That is a promise binding upon Us. Indeed, We will do it.” — Qur’an 21:104
This verse captures the essence of God’s timeless dominion over creation and the certainty of His eternal promise.
📖 Suggested Literature and Sources
- “The Divine Names: The 99 Healing Names of the One Love” by Rosina-Fawzia Al-Rawi
- “The Study Quran: A New Translation and Commentary” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr
- “The Eternal Now” by Paul Tillich
- “The Garden of Truth: The Vision and Promise of Sufism, Islam’s Mystical Tradition” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr
🙋 Quizzes
“In the threads that bind us to our momentary lives, we find hints of timeless truths that connect us to the eternity beyond.” — Amina Al-Fahad, 2023.
