⛰️ The Mystical Significance of T̤ŪR (طور) in Islamic Tradition
Comprehensive Definition
T̤ŪR (طور) primarily refers to a mountain in the Islamic context. It bears immense historical and spiritual connotations, denoting the sacred mountains mentioned in the Qurʾān, most significantly the mountain associated with divine revelation.
Etymology
The term T̤ŪR derives from the Chaldee word טוּר (tur), meaning “mountain.” The mention of T̤ŪR in the Qur’ān often denotes Mount Sinai, though interpretations vary, pointing sometimes to other significant elevations within the landscape of divine narrations.
Background
Qur’anic References
Notably cited in Surah al-Baqarah (2:60): “When We took a covenant (mīs̤āq) with you, and held the mountain (ready to fall) over you,” the term T̤ŪR is often aligned with Mount Sinai, known in Islamic tradition as T̤ūru Saināʾ.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
In Persian, this mountain is reverently called Koh-i-T̤ūr, reinforcing its ancient roots and continuous reverence across generations and regions particularly synonymous with religious significance.
Al-Baiẓāwī posits that T̤ŪR could also refer to Jabal Zubail, showing a divergence in interpretations. Across Arabian traditions, Mount Sinai itself is lyrically denoted as T̤ūr.
Sūrah-LIstending
Moreover, Sūratu at-Ṭūr (Surah 52), takes its title from this sanctified term, underlining its integral presence in Islamic holy text and theology.
Synonyms and Related Terms
- Mount Sinai: T̤ūru Saināʾ
- Koh-i-T̤ūr: Term used in Persian for the Mount of T̤ūr
- Jabal al-Nūr: Another revered mountain in Islamic tradition (source of the revelation)
- Mīs̤āq (ميثاق): Covenant
Antonyms
- Valley
- Plain
Related Terms with Definitions
- Jabal (جبل): General term in Arabic for mountain.
- Hira (حِرَاء): The cave situated atop Jabal al-Nūr, where Prophet Muhammad received his first revelation.
- Tawḥīd (توحيد): The oneness of God, of which the concept of elevated mountains like T̤ŪR often metaphorically speak, symbolizing the ascent towards divine unity.
Exciting Facts
- Multifaith Reverence: While predominantly Islamic, Mount Sinai (T̤ŪR) is also a sacred site in Judaism and Christianity due to Moses’ reception of the Ten Commandments.
- Historical Landmark: South Sinai is home to St. Catherine’s Monastery, one of the oldest working Christian monasteries in the world, connected intrinsically to the narrative.
- Symbol of Might: The reference to the mountain “held over the heads” in the Qur’an is poetically interpreted to signify the overwhelming might of divine authority and the binding nature of its covenant.
Quotations
“Verily, in the mountains are to be found the signs of the Creator, soaring above like altars of perpetual silence.” — Iqbal al-Jodri.
References and Suggested Literature
- “The Scene and the Unseen: Mountains in Islamic Cosmology” by Tarif Khalidi
- “Mountains Sacred and Profane: Revelation and Redemption across Religious Traditions” by Rudolph Peters
- “Universal Themes in Qur’anic Treasures: A Commentary” by Amina al-Qasimi
Quizzes on T̤ŪR📚
Certainly, the exploration of T̤ŪR invites one to delve into the spiritual peaks of understanding and traverse the undulating terrains of divine interaction.
Zahra al-Hassan - October 6, 2023
“He who contemplates the heights of T̤ŪR pierces the veil of mortal sight to glimpse the majesty of the Eternal.” — Insightful Farewell
