Understanding Sakīnah (سكينة): Tranquility in Islamic Theology
Comprehensive Definition
Sakīnah (سكينة) is an Islamic term that conveys peace, tranquillity, and divine calmness. It is referenced five times in the Qurʾān to describe a state of divine reassurance and composure bestowed by God upon the believers, especially in moments of distress or amidst spiritual trials.
Etymology and Background
The term Sakīnah derives from the Arabic root س ك ن (S-K-N), which translates broadly to “stillness” or “tranquillity.” It shares linguistic and theological parallels with the Hebrew term שְׁכִינָה (Shechinah), which signifies the dwelling or settling presence of God.
In the Qurʾān, Sakīnah first appears in Sūrah al-Baqarah 2:248, associated with the Ark of Covenant (Tābūt) that contains divine grace and tranquillity from the Lord, offering a physical symbol of God’s covenant and divine presence. Subsequent mentions in the Qurʾān highlight Sakīnah as a spiritual state benefiting the Prophet Muhammad and believers during critical moments of need, conveying God’s continuous support and presence.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
While Sakīnah in Islam elucidates divine tranquillity and assurance, Shechinah in Jewish theology denotes the manifest presence of God, particularly within the context of the sanctuary and Temple. Both concepts signify an immediate, comforting presence of the Divine, with Shechinah historically elaborating a more visual symbolism, and Sakīnah emphasizing an inner state of peace.
Synonyms and Antonyms
- Synonyms: Peace (سلام), Tranquillity (طمأنينة), Serenity (هدوء)
- Antonyms: Turmoil (اضطراب), Anxiety (قلق), Agitation (ازعاج)
Related Terms and Definitions
- Tābūt (تابوت): The Ark of the Covenant, a sacred chest containing holy relics, which in Islamic thought, was a symbol of God’s covenant and the physical embodiment of divine Sakīnah.
- Shechinah: A Hebrew term meaning the resting or dwelling presence of God, comparable to Sakīnah in its divine reassurance.
Exciting Facts
- The concept of Sakīnah played a vital role during the Prophet Muhammad’s life, especially in moments like the Battle of Badr mentioned in Sūrah al-Fath.
- Sakīnah is also a term used within Sufi mysticism to denote the state of divine presence felt by the ascetic in conjunction with dhikr (remembrance of God).
Quotations from Notable Writers
“The State of Sakīnah descends as dew upon parched souls, balm upon wounded hearts, a light penetrating the depths of despair.” — Ali Al-Ghazali
“To dwell in Sakīnah is to live perpetually connected to the nurturing presence of the Divine, a peace so profound that even the harshest turmoils become feather-light.” — Rumi
“The Sakīnah is not merely the cessation of chaos; it is a luminous stillness born out of divine communion, anchoring belief in the soul’s vast ocean.” — Ibn Sina
Suggested Literature for Further Studies
- “Divine Presence and Guidance in Islam” by Tariq Ramadan - A comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted concept of divine tranquillity within Islamic theology.
- “Sakīnah and Shechinah: Parallels and Divergences in Islamic and Jewish Thought” by Reza Shah-Kazemi - Investigates the theological confluence and distinctions between these analogous concepts in Abrahamic faiths.
- “The Gardens of Consolation: The Role of Sakīnah in the Qur’an” by Leila Ahmed - Detailed exegesis on the occurrences and implications of Sakīnah in the Holy Qur’an.
- “Mysticism of Sakīnah: Covenant and Peace in Early Islam” by Hossein Nasr - An insightful look into the spiritual dimension and mysticism surrounding the term Sakīnah.
Quizzes
Reflect on these teachings and realize that in seeking Sakīnah, you are pursuing an eternal thread that connects the earthly with the divine.
— Yusuf Al-Hakim, 2023
