Ẕaʿfirāniyah (ذعفرانية)
Definition
Ẕaʿfirāniyah (ذعفرانية) refers to a sect within Islam that holds the belief that the Qur’an is a created entity. This sect’s viewpoint significantly diverges from the orthodox Islamic belief, which maintains that the Qur’an, as the Word of God, is uncreated and eternal.
Etymology
The term “Ẕaʿfirāniyah” is derived from Arabic, and its root is ذ ع ف ر (Ẕ-ʿ-F-R), though the significance of the root in this context may not be entirely clear. The suffix “iyah” (ية) typically denotes a group or sect. The Arabic spelling is ذعفرانية, transliterated as Ẕaʿfirāniyah.
Theological Implications and Debate
The major point of contention for the Ẕaʿfirāniyah revolves around whether the Qur’an is a creation of God or His eternal and uncreated Word. This debate is an essential part of Islamic theological discourse and has historical significance, often contrasted with the traditionally accepted Sunni position.
Orthodox View on the Qur’an
The orthodox Sunni perspective holds that the Qur’an is the literal, uncreated, and eternal Word of God, thus existing alongside God Himself. This belief aligns with the traditional teachings established by the early Muslim theologians and reinforced by subsequent scholars across various Islamic traditions.
Historical Context
During the 8th and 9th centuries, the debate over the nature of the Qur’an reached its peak, particularly during the Mihna (ordeal) imposed by the Abbasid Caliph al-Ma’mun, who supported the view of the Qur’an being created. The Ẕaʿfirāniyah’s perspective would have found sympathizers and opponents during such periods of intense theological scrutiny.
Arabic and Turkish Translations
- Arabic: ذعفرانية (Ẕaʿfirāniyah)
- Turkish: Zaafiranîlik
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Qur’an: A New Historical and Theological Introduction” by Nicolai Sinai
- “The Formation of Islamic Theology” by Josef van Ess
- “Islamic Theologies of Divine Word and Revelation” by Asma Afsaruddin
- “The Encyclopedia of Islamic Doctrine” by Hisham Kabbani
- “The Cambridge Companion to Classical Islamic Theology” edited by Tim Winter
Takeaways
- The Ẕaʿfirāniyah constitutes a significant part of Islamic theological history, emphasizing a different understanding of the nature of the Qur’an.
- The debate over whether the Qur’an is created or uncreated is a profound element of Islamic intellectual history, reflecting the complex nature of Islamic theology and jurisprudence.
Conclusion
Understanding the Ẕaʿfirāniyah’s perspective adds depth to the study of Islamic theology and illustrates the diversity of thought within Islamic traditions. Engaging with this and other theological debates allows for a richer comprehension of Islamic intellectual history and the development of its doctrines.
By exploring the viewpoints and historical context of the Ẕaʿfirāniyah, one gains insight into the multifaceted nature of Islamic thought and the dynamic interplay between various theological positions throughout history.
