Understanding “Taslim” - Meaning and Significance
Definition
Taslim (تَسْلِيم) - noun:
- From the Arabic root s-l-m.
- Meaning: “to surrender,” “to submit,” or “to be in peace.”
- Signifies complete acceptance of Allah’s will and a sense of inner peace derived from surrendering to His divine decrees.
Etymology
Taslim stems from the triliteral root s-l-m, sharing linguistic origins with:
- Islam (إسلام), translating to “submission” or “surrender” to the will of Allah.
- Salaam (سلام), meaning “peace.”
Background and Historical Facts
- The concept of Taslim features prominently in Islamic theology and spirituality. It’s an expression intrinsic to the spiritual journey of a Muslim.
- Historical Context: Taslim was a characteristic attitude among early Muslims, reflecting their complete faith and unquestioning surrender to God’s commandments during times of hardship.
- Quranic Reference: The Quran speaks frequently about the importance of surrender to God’s will, encapsulated in the phrase “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un” (Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return), emphasizing acceptance.
Cultural Context
- The concept of Taslim resonates deeply across varying Islamic traditions and cultures, though the external expressions of submission might differ.
- Among Sufis, concepts analogous to Taslim, such as Fana (annihilation of self in God), echo the depth of this surrender even further.
Synonyms
- Inshirah (انشراح): Relief or contentment that comes from reliance on Allah.
- Rida (رضا): Satisfaction and unconditional acceptance of God’s will.
Antonyms
- Radd (رد): Rejection.
- Juhd (جحد): Denial.
Related Terms
- Islam (إسلام): The faith itself, connoting submission to Allah.
- Tawakkul (توكل): Reliance on Allah’s plan.
- Qadar (قدر): Divine preordainment.
Exciting Facts
- Taslim is often a conscious practice in daily Muslim prayers, symbolized by the gesture of saying “Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah” (Peace and Mercy of Allah be upon you) towards each shoulder, signifying the conclusion of Salah with a state of peace and submission.
Quotations
-
Rabia al-Adawiyya: “O my Lord, if I worship You from fear of Hell, burn me in Hell; and if I worship You from hope of Paradise, exclude me thence; but if I worship You for Your Own sake, grudge me not Your everlasting Beauty.”
This portrays the sheer depth of Taslim—complete and unconditional devotion, free of worldly concerns.
Literature and Further Studies
- “Al-Ghazali’s Deliverance from Error” (Al-Munqidh min al-Dalal) – This autobiographical text touches deeply on the surrender of intellect in seeking divine truth.
- “Rumi: The Book of Love” (translated by Coleman Barks) – Explores poetic expositions on divine love and surrender.
- “Purification of the Heart” – By Hamza Yusuf; a text focusing on removing inner impediments to pure surrender to God’s will.
Suggested Reading in Other Languages
- Arabic: سليم: يعني الاستسلام الكامل لإرادة الله.
- Urdu: تسلیم: اللہ کی مرضی کے سامنا تقوی۔
- Indonesian: Taslim: Penyerahan diri secara menyeluruh kepada kehendak Allah.
- Persian: تسلیم: پذیرش کامل اراده یا تقدیر الهی.
Quiz Section
### What does the term "Taslim" primarily indicate?
- [x] Acceptance of divine will.
- [ ] Preparation for a holy war.
- [ ] Memorization of the Quran.
- [ ] A celebration.
> **Explanation:** "Taslim" signifies embracing and accepting divine will in Islam, stressing submission.
### "Taslim" shares the same Arabic root s-l-m with which of the following words?
- [x] Islam and Salaam.
- [ ] Jihad and Fiqh.
- [ ] Hadith and Sunnah.
- [ ] Zakat and Sadaqah.
> **Explanation:** The triliteral root s-l-m connects "Taslim" with "Islam" (submission) and "Salaam" (peace).
### Which Sufi concept is closely related to Taslim?
- [x] Fana
- [ ] Dhikr
- [ ] Jihad
- [ ] Hajj
> **Explanation:** "Fana," the Sufi notion of annihilation in God, closely mirrors the self-surrender encapsulated in Taslim.
### Taslim is often signified in prayer through what gesture?
- [x] Saying "Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah" towards each shoulder.
- [ ] Raising hands to the sky.
- [ ] Touching one's forehead to the ground.
- [ ] Circling the Kaaba.
> **Explanation:** Concluding prayer by saying "Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah" towards each shoulder symbolizes peace and submission.
### Which literature best explores themes of spiritual surrender akin to Taslim?
- [x] Al-Ghazali's "Deliverance from Error."
- [ ] Ibn Sina's "The Canon of Medicine."
- [ ] Al-Farabi's "The Book of Music."
- [ ] Al-Kindi's "On First Philosophy."
> **Explanation:** "Al-Ghazali's Deliverance from Error" delves deeply into surrendering to divine wisdom.
### The phrase "Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un" reflects which central concept of Taslim?
- [x] Acceptance of the transient nature of life.
- [ ] The pursuit of knowledge.
- [ ] Engagement in Jihad.
- [ ] Performance of pilgrimage.
> **Explanation:** It highlights the acceptance of life’s temporary nature and the ultimate submission to Allah’s will.
### Synonyms of Taslim include which of the following?
- [x] Rida.
- [ ] Ghusl.
- [ ] Hikmah.
- [ ] Nusuk.
> **Explanation:** "Rida" denotes satisfaction or acceptance, making it synonymous with Taslim.
### Taslim as a concept predominantly signifies what state?
- [x] Spiritual peace through surrender.
- [ ] Intellectual achievement.
- [ ] Material success.
- [ ] Social prestige.
> **Explanation:** It embodies spiritual tranquility attained through surrendering to divine will.
Until next time, may you find peace and contentment in surrendering to the divine will. 🌿
— Zahra Al-Mansouri, October 2, 2023
