Abjad (ابجد)
Definition and Significance in Islam
Abjad (ابجد, also transliterated as ‘EBJAD’) refers to an ancient arithmetical arrangement of the Arabic alphabet, where each letter equates to a numerical value. This system, historically significant in Islamic culture, is similar to the system used by the Jews up to the letter corresponding to the value 400. It is often employed in various forms of numerological and mystical applications, including divination and talismanic inscriptions.
Etymology
The word “Abjad” itself is taken from the first four letters of this alphabet arrangement: alif (ا), bāʾ (ب), jīm (ج), dāl (د). In Arabic, it is written as ابجد.
Arabic and Turkish Translations
- Arabic: ابجد
- Turkish: Ebced
Historical Context
The Abjad system dates back to pre-Islamic times and was used extensively by early Arabs. The sequence of letters generally follows:
- Abjad (abjad)
- Hawwaz (هوز)
- Ḥuṭṭī (حطي)
- Kalaman (كلمن)
- Saʿfaṣ (سعفص)
- Qarashat (قرشت)
- S̤ak͟haẕ (ثخذ)
- Ẓaz̤ig͟h (ضظغ)
Numeric Values and Corresponding Letters
Each letter in the Abjad system corresponds to a specific numeric value:
| Letter | Arabic | Numerical Value |
|---|---|---|
| a (i, u) | ا | 1 |
| b | ب | 2 |
| j | ج | 3 |
| d | د | 4 |
| h | هـ | 5 |
| w | و | 6 |
| z | ز | 7 |
| ḥ | ح | 8 |
| ṭ | ط | 9 |
| y | ى | 10 |
| k | ك | 20 |
| l | ل | 30 |
| m | م | 40 |
| n | ن | 50 |
| s | س | 60 |
| ʿ | ع | 70 |
| f | ف | 80 |
| ṣ | ص | 90 |
| q | ق | 100 |
| r | ر | 200 |
| sh | ش | 300 |
| t | ت | 400 |
| s̤ | ث | 500 |
| k͟h | خ | 600 |
| ẕ | ذ | 700 |
| ẓ | ض | 800 |
| z̤ | ظ | 900 |
| g͟h | غ | 1000 |
Historical Kings and Familial Linkages
The author of the Arabic Lexicon, al-Qāmūs, indicates that the names of the first six words in the Abjad sequence refer to renowned kings of Madyan (ancient Midian). It is also believed by some scholars that these words are the names of the eight sons of Murāmir ibn Murra, the alleged inventor of the Arabic script.
Further Studies
For those interested in exploring this topic further, here are some recommended books:
- “Mysticism and Magic in Medieval Islam: The Abjad System” by Michael Chamberlain
- “Numerology and Mysticism in the Islamic World” by Annemarie Schimmel
- “Arabic Script and Abjad Numerology: History and Application” by Yasin Dutton
Takeaways and Conclusion
The Abjad system stands as a testament to the rich historical and cultural interplay between alphabets, numerals, and mysticism in Islamic civilization. This sophisticated use of numerology highlights how ancient Muslims contributed to global intellectual traditions, influencing mathematical and metaphysical thought.
By integrating linguistic knowledge with numeral values, the Abjad exudes spiritual, scholarly, and divine significance that continues to fascinate scholars and believers alike.
