ẔARRAH (ذرة)
Definition and Qur’anic Reference
ẔARRAH (ذرة) - ẔARRAH (ذرة) in Arabic means “an atom” or the smallest conceivable particle. The term distinctly appears in the Qur’an in Surah Az-Zalzalah (Sūrah xcix), verses 6-8, which emphasize the meticulous accounting of even the smallest of human deeds on the Day of Judgment:
<p>“On that day shall men come up in separate bands to behold their works; and whosoever shall have wrought an atom’s weight of good shall behold it, and whosoever shall have wrought an atom’s weight of evil shall behold it.” (Qur’an 99:6-8)</p>
Etymology and Linguistic Background
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Etymology: The word “Ẕarrah” (ذرة) is derived from classical Arabic. It is often translated as “atom” in the contemporary context but traditionally can denote the smallest speck or particle, such as a grain of dust.
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Arabic: In Arabic, Ẕarrah (ذرة) encompasses notions of minuteness and specificity. It is a term vested with deep theological meaning in Islamic eschatology.
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Turkish Translation: In Turkish, “Ẕarrah” may be translated and understood similarly as “atom” or “zerre,” adhering to its core concept of an extremely small quantity.
Theological and Philosophical Implications
The verses associating with the term Ẕarrah carry significant weight in Islamic theology and ethics, suggesting that no deed is too small to be insignificant in the sight of Allah. This accentuates a sense of absolute divine justice and meticulousness in judgment, emphasizing several key theological themes:
- Divine Justice: Emphasize that Allah’s judgment will account for every action, no matter how minute, underscoring God’s omniscience and fairness.
- Moral Accountability: Encourages Muslims to be diligent in their ethical conduct, underscoring that even the smallest actions are consequential.
- Eschatological Awareness: Heightens awareness of the afterlife and the Day of Judgment, instilling a sense of existential accountability.
Books for Further Studies
For a comprehensive understanding of the term Ẕarrah and its deeper religious and philosophical contexts, the following books are recommended:
- Tafsir al-Jalalayn by Jalal ad-Din al-Mahalli and Jalal ad-Din as-Suyuti
- The Message of the Qur’an translated and explained by Muhammad Asad
- A Thematic Commentary on the Qur’an by Shaykh Muhammad al-Ghazali
- The Hereafter (Al-Akhirah) in the Light of Qur’an and Sunnah by Dr. Umar S. al-Ashqar
Takeaways
- The word Ẕarrah signifies the minutest particle, illustrating the thoroughness of divine judgment in Islam.
- Ethical and moral actions, regardless of their scale, are of paramount significance in Islamic teachings.
- Awareness of one’s deeds and their ultimate consequences fosters an environment of righteousness and moral integrity amongst Muslims.
Conclusion
The term Ẕarrah (ذرة) from the Qur’an serves as a powerful reminder of the all-encompassing nature of divine judgment and the intrinsic value of every deed, no matter how small. It encourages a conscious and ethical lifestyle among Muslims, highlighting the importance of even the minutest virtues and vices. This concept underscores the holistic approach of Islam towards moral responsibility and accountability in both worldly life and the hereafter.
