Daniel (Dāniyāl) in Islamic Tradition
Etymology and Translation
- Arabic: دانيال (Dāniyāl)
- Turkish: Danyal
Overview
Daniel, known as Dāniyāl in Arabic, is a prophet celebrated among Muslims for his ability to interpret dreams. While he is not mentioned explicitly in either the Qur’an or the Hadith, his story finds prominence in Islamic folklore and religious literature such as the “Qaṣaṣu ’l-Ambiyāʾ” (Stories of the Prophets).
Historical Context
In Islamic tradition, during the reign of Bukhtu Naṣṣar (Nebuchadnezzar), Daniel was imprisoned. The king experienced a dream that troubled him but which he subsequently forgot. Learning of Daniel’s gift for interpreting dreams, the king summoned him.
Daniel’s Refusal to Prostrate
When brought before the king, Daniel refused to prostrate to him, stating it was lawful only to prostrate to the Lord Almighty. This act of devotion nearly cost him his life, but he was spared to interpret the king’s dream.
The King’s Dream
The dream as described involved a large idol with the following characteristics:
- Head: Gold
- Upper Body: Silver
- Lower Body: Copper
- Legs: Iron
- Feet: Clay
Suddenly, a stone fell from heaven, pulverized the idol, and then grew until it covered the entire earth.
Interpretation of the Dream
Daniel’s interpretation of the dream is as follows:
- Gold Head: Represents Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom.
- Silver Upper Body: Symbolizes the kingdom of Nebuchadnezzar’s son.
- Copper Lower Body: Reflects the Roman Empire.
- Iron Legs: Represents the Persian Empire.
- Clay Feet: Denotes the tribe Zauzan, from which future Persian and Roman kings would descend.
- Falling Stone: Represents a religion that would eventually spread across the world.
Significance in Islam
Though Daniel is not part of the canonical Islamic texts, his story is valued for its lessons in faith, devotion, and divine wisdom. His refusal to compromise on monotheistic principles in the face of mortal danger is especially esteemed.
Further Reading
For those interested in exploring more about Daniel (Dāniyāl) and his role in Islamic tradition, the following books are highly recommended:
- “Qasas al-Anbiya” by Ibn Kathir
- “The Lives of the Prophets” by Wadād al-Qāḍī
- “An Introduction to Islamic Cosmological Doctrines” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr
Takeaways
- Daniel (Dāniyāl) is a respected figure in Islamic folklore, renowned for his dream interpretations.
- His story underscores the importance of faith and allegiance to God, even at the risk of one’s life.
- Through symbolism, Daniel’s interpretations convey deeper theological and eschatological meanings.
Conclusion
The figure of Daniel (Dāniyāl) demonstrates the interconnected religious narratives between Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, emphasizing familiarity with divine principles and the importance of prophets as intermediaries of God’s will. His legend, while not part of the core Islamic texts, continues to inspire and teach valuable lessons to the Muslim Ummah.
