Alam
Etymology
The word ‘Alam (Arabic: عَالَم, Turkish: Âlem) translates to “world” or “universe” in English. It is derived from the Arabic root word ‘A-L-M (ع ل م), which is associated with knowledge and signs indicative of a larger structure or system.
Definition and Context
In Islamic theology, Alam refers to the realms or worlds that encompass the totality of existence created by Allah. The term is frequently encountered in the Qur’an and traditional Islamic literature. Among the different realms, notable ones include:
- Alam Al-Insan (The World of Humans): The earthly domain inhabited by human beings. Humans are unique in their possession of free will and accountability.
- Alam Al-Jinn (The World of Jinn): Another realm, often unseen from the human perspective, populated by jinn, who are also accountable for their actions but exist in a different plane of existence.
- Alam Al-Mala’ika (The World of Angels): The celestial domain of angels, beings created from light, who execute immutable tasks assigned by Allah.
Qur’anic References
Reference to Alam occurs frequently in the Qur’an, such as in Surah Al-Fatiha:
<p>" ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلْعَـٰلَمِينَ "</p>
<p>“Alhamdulillahi Rabbil ‘Alamin”</p>
<p>“All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds.” (Qur’an, 1:2)</p>
Cultural and Theological Significance
The concept of Alam in Islam underscores the vastness, complexity, and orderliness of creation. It reflects the inherent diversity within the cosmos that maintains its unity under the sovereignty of Allah. Alam also highlights the Islamic worldview that recognizes human beings, jinn, and angels as parallel tiers of creation, each with its own purpose and function in the grand scheme of reality.
Interfaith Perspectives
The Islamic understanding of distinct, interwoven realms resonates with similar concepts found in other religious traditions, fostering dialogue and comparative theological studies between Islam and other world religions.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Walking Qur’an: Islamic Education, Embodied Knowledge, and History in West Africa” by Rudolph T. Ware III
- “The Vision of Islam” by Sachiko Murata and William C. Chittick
- “Angels in Islam: Jalal al-Din al-Suyuti’s al-Haba’ik fī akhbar al-mala’ik” translated by Robyn A. Blanke and Erik S. Ohlander
Takeaways
- Alam encompasses three significant realms: the human world, the jinn world, and the angelic world.
- Each Alam adheres to the unity and order established by Allah, despite their intricacies and distinctiveness.
- Understanding these realms results in a deeper appreciation of Islamic cosmology and theology.
Conclusion
The concept of Alam in Islam serves as a cornerstone for understanding the nature, structure, and profound interconnectedness within the divine creation as articulated in the Qur’an. Recognizing this aspect enriches both the appreciation of Islamic teachings and intercultural-religious exchanges.
