ḤĀ MĪM (حا ميم)
Definition
ḤĀ MĪM (حا ميم) refers to a pair of Arabic letters ح (ḥ) and م (m), which appear at the beginning of seven chapters (sūrahs) in the Qur’an. These chapters are Surah 40 (Ghāfir), Surah 41 (Fussilat), Surah 42 (Ash-Shūrā), Surah 43 (Az-Zukhruf), Surah 44 (Ad-Dukhān), Surah 45 (Al-Jāthiyah), and Surah 46 (Al-Ahqāf).
Etymology and Translations
Arabic:
- ḤĀ MĪM (حا ميم)
Turkish:
- HA MİM (یٌ حا ميم)
Significance and Interpretation
Al-Ḥawāmīm: The chapters that begin with ḤĀ MĪM are collectively known as al-Ḥawāmīm. Islamic scholars have debated the meanings of these letters for centuries. Various interpretations are discussed below:
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Divine Knowledge: Jalālu’d-dīn as-Suyūtī, in his comprehensive work “Al-Itqān,” posits that these letters are among the ‘muqatta’āt’ (disjointed letters), whose meanings are hidden from humans and are known solely to Allah.
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Abbreviations: According to the famous commentator Ibn ʿAbbās, the letters ح (ḥ) and م (m) abbreviate one of the attributes of God, ar-Rahmān (Most Merciful).
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Historical Marks: Mr. Rodwell, in his “Introduction to the Qur’an,” suggests that ḤĀ MĪM might have served as private marks or initial letters indicating ownership or the origin of the particular manuscript copies used during the compilation under Caliph Uthman.
Books for Further Studies
- “Al-Itqān fi ‘Ulum al-Qur’an” by Jalālu’d-dīn as-Suyūtī: A detailed book on various sciences concerning the Qur’an.
- “Introduction to the Qur’an” by John Medows Rodwell: Provides historical and textual context to the Qur’an’s composition.
- “Tafsir al-Tabari” by Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari: Known for its detailed commentary on the Qur’an, including interpretations of the disjointed letters.
- “The Qur’anic Phenomenon” by Malek Bennabi: Approaches the mysterious aspects of the Qur’an, including the disjointed letters.
Takeaways
- Mysterious Nature: The letters ḤĀ MĪM remain an area of contemplation and scholarly debate within Islamic tradition.
- Symbolism of Mercy: Some interpretations suggest these letters symbolize divine attributes, like mercy.
- Manuscript Origins: Another perspective is that these letters may denote historical notations tied to textual preservation.
Conclusion
ḤĀ MĪM signifies the mystique and depth inherent in the Qur’an, encouraging further study and reflection. Whether perceived as divine abbreviations or historical markers, they underscore the text’s complexity and the richness of Islamic scholarly tradition.
End of the dictionary entry.
