Ṣafūrāʾ (صفوراء)
Definition and Significance
Ṣafūrāʾ (صفوراء), known as Zipporah in the Biblical context, holds an important place in Islamic tradition. She is recognized as the wife of the Prophet Mūsā (Moses) and the daughter of Shuʿaib, a prophet mentioned in the Qur’an.
Etymology
- Arabic: صفوراء (Ṣafūrāʾ)
- Turkish: Sefûrâ
The name Ṣafūrāʾ, derived from the Arabic root صفَر (ṣ-f-r), is parallel to the Hebrew name Zipporah (צִפּוֹרָה), which means “bird.”
Role and Significance in Islam
Ṣafūrāʾ’s significance lies in her connection to key prophetic figures in Islam:
- As the wife of Moses (Mūsā): She met Moses at the well in Midian, where he had migrated after fleeing Egypt. Their marriage is mentioned as a significant event in Mūsā’s life, presenting his transition from a prince of Egypt to a humble servant of God.
- As the daughter of Shuʿaib: In Islam, Shuʿaib is revered as a prophet, and his wisdom and guidance are considered to have played a crucial role in shaping Moses’s character and spiritual journey.
Qur’anic References
- While the Qur’an does not explicitly name Ṣafūrāʾ, it describes the encounter between Prophet Mūsā and the daughters of the Prophet Shuʿaib in Surah Al-Qasas (Chapter 28), verses 23-28.
Further Studies and Reading
To gain a deeper understanding of Ṣafūrāʾ’s significance within the Islamic tradition, consider exploring the following books:
- “The Prophets Series” by Ibn Kathir (available in various languages)
- “Stories of the Prophets” by Ibn Kathir - A detailed account of the prophetic stories including Prophet Mūsā and his life events.
- “In the Footsteps of the Prophet: Lessons from the Life of Muhammad” by Tariq Ramadan - While focusing primarily on Prophet Muhammad, this book gives insights into the lives of other prophets as well.
Takeaways
- Ṣafūrāʾ (صفوراء) is an important female figure within Islamic tradition, reflecting the interconnectedness of prophetic histories across Abrahamic faiths.
- Her story highlights themes of faith, family, and spiritual guidance.
- Ṣafūrāʾ’s legacy is preserved through Qur’anic narratives and Islamic scholarly works, emphasizing her significance in the larger context of prophetic stories.
Conclusion
Ṣafūrāʾ’s (صفوراء) role as the wife of Prophet Mūsā and the daughter of the Prophet Shuʿaib underscores the depth of her spiritual and familial connections within Islamic tradition. Understanding her story offers valuable insights into the shared heritage of Muslim, Christian, and Jewish narratives and enriches our appreciation of prophetic histories.
