Baḥīrah

Baḥīrah (بحيرة‎)

Definition and Historical Context

Baḥīrah (بحيرة‎) is an Arabic term referring to specific categories of she-camel, she-goat, or ewe that were subject to particular religious rituals and taboos in pre-Islamic Arabian society. The term is used in two primary contexts:

1. A she-camel, she-goat, or ewe that had given birth to a tenth offspring.
2. A she-camel whose mother had consecutively given birth to ten female offspring.

Etymology

The Arabic word بحيرة‎ (Baḥīrah) possesses no direct equivalent term in Turkish. The root of the word stems from the Arabic verb بَحَرَ (baḥara) which means “to slit” or “to cut,” referencing the specific act of slitting the animal’s ear as part of the rituals performed.

Religious Significance and Islamic Perspective

In pre-Islamic Arabian religions, the Baḥīrah was treated with special reverence. Specific religious ceremonies such as slitting the animal’s ear were performed, and the animal was sometimes set free, not to be used for labor or slaughtered for meat, out of a mistaken sense of piety.

However, with the advent of Islam, such practices were explicitly forbidden as shirk (associating partners with Allah) and superstition. The Qur’an, in Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:103), categorically states: “God hath not ordained any Baḥīrah.” This verse nullifies the cultural practice and emphasizes that such religious ceremonies have no foundation in Islamic worship.

Qur’anic Reference

The Qur’an addresses and condemns these practices in Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:103):

<p>“Allah has not instituted [such innovations as] Baḥīrah or Sā’iba or Waṣīla or Ḥām; but those who disbelieve invent falsehood about Allah, and most of them do not reason.”</p>

Suggested Books for Further Studies

1. “Pre-Islamic Arabia: Socio-cultural Foundations” by Jonathan E. Brockopp
2. “The Life of Muhammad: A Translation of Ibn Ishaq’s Sirat Rasul Allah” by A. Guillaume
3. “Qur’anic Studies: Sources and Methods of Scriptural Interpretation” by John Wansbrough
4. “Islam: Religion, History, and Civilization” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr

Takeaways and Conclusion

1. Historical Practices: Baḥīrah reflects pre-Islamic Arabian societal and religious traditions that were deeply ingrained and linked to their understanding of piety.
2. Islamic Reformation: Islam sought to eradicate such superstitious practices and directed the believers to more rational and true worship centered solely on Allah.
3. Qur’anic Clarification: The Qur’an emphatically nullifies the customary practices related to Baḥīrah, simplifying religious devotion without unnecessary ritualistic burdens.

In conclusion, the term Baḥīrah signifies more than an animal; it is representative of a bygone era of religious practice that Islam sought to reform and simplify, focusing on pure monotheism and rational devotion.

This dictionary entry aimed to provide comprehensive coverage of Baḥīrah, from its etymological roots to its religious and cultural implications, as well as its transformation under Islamic teachings.