ḤĀDIS̤ (حادث)
Definition
ḤĀDIS̤ (حادث) is an Arabic term used to describe something that happens for the first time, is new, or fresh. In Islamic theology, it specifically refers to that which is born in time or created, in contrast to Qadīm (قديم), which denotes that which is eternal or without a beginning, such as God.
Etymology
- Arabic Script: حادث
- Transliteration: ḤĀDIS̤
- Root Word: The term originates from the Arabic root ḥ-d-th (ح-د-ث), meaning “to happen” or “to occur.”
Contextual Usage
In Islamic theology, the term ḤĀDIS̤ is often discussed in relation to the attributes of God and the created universe. While God is characterized as Qadīm, eternal and without beginning, all other entities and events are considered ḤĀDIS̤, created and having a specific beginning in time.
Examples
- CREATION: The universe and everything within it are considered ḤĀDIS̤, meaning they were brought into existence by God’s command.
- PROPHETIC TRADITIONS: The events in the lives of the prophets, the revelations they received, and their actions can be classified as ḤĀDIS̤ because they occurred in historical time.
Significance in Islamic Thought
The distinction between ḥādith and qadīm is central to Islamic theology and philosophy. It helps to conceptualize the nature of God in contrast to His creation. This distinction supports several theological arguments, such as those about divine foreknowledge, predestination, and contingency.
Important Concepts
- Qadīm (قديم): Eternal, without a beginning, typically describing God in Islamic theology.
- Sifr, newness: Sifr in Arabic also conveys the idea of beginning or newness but is less frequently employed in theological discourse.
Expanded Insights
- Kalam (علم الكلام): Important Islamic theological tradition where scholars lavishly debated the nature of divine attributes, creation, and temporal events.
- Ash’ari and Maturidi Schools: They detailed elaborate theological positions on the distinctions between created and uncreated phenomena.
Etymological Analogues
- Turkish Language: In Turkish, the term “hadis” retains the same meaning but also frequently refers to a prophetic tradition or saying of the Prophet Muhammad.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Islamic Theology and Philosophy” by W. Montgomery Watt - for insights into categorization of divine and created entities.
- “A History of Islamic Philosophy” by Majid Fakhry - for a broader framework on Islamic philosophical thought.
- “The System of the Mu’tazila” by Ignaz Goldziher - for an understanding of Islamic theological discourse particularly focusing on the attributes of God.
Takeaways
- Central Distinction: The main takeaway is understanding the essential distinction between what is temporal (ḤĀDIS̤) and what is eternal (Qadīm) in Islamic theology.
- Theological Implications: The ḤĀDIS̤ versus Qadīm distinction underscores fundamental premises about God’s nature and how His attributes are perceived in relation to the created universe.
Conclusion
The concept of ḤĀDIS̤ plays a pivotal role in Islamic thought by providing a categorical distinction between the transient nature of the universe and the eternal nature of God. This helps in shaping fundamental theological divergences, extending into legal, philosophical, and ethical discourses within Islam.
This structured outline aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the term ḤĀDIS̤ while also offering pathways to delve deeper into its theological and philosophical implications in Islamic thought.
