Dirham (درهم)
Definition and Historical Context
The Dirham (درهم) is an ancient silver coin that holds significant historical value in Islamic culture and economics. Originally modeled in the shape of a date stone, the Dirham underwent several changes during different periods of Islamic rule. Notably, during the caliphate of ʿUmar ibn al-Khattab, the coin was transformed into a circular form. Later, under Zubair ibn al-Awwam, the Dirham was impressed with the words “Allāh” (God) and “barakah” (blessing). In the reign of Ḥajjāj ibn Yusuf, it was further modified to bear the 112th chapter of the Qurʾān, known as Al-Ikhlāṣ, and in some cases, marked with his name.
Etymology and Linguistic Evolution
The term Dirham is derived from the Greek word δραχμή (drachma), reflecting historical interactions between Greek and early Islamic civilizations. In Arabic, it is spelled درهم, while in Turkish, it retains the phonetically similar form dirhem.
Variations in Weight and Value
Various sources provide differing accounts of the weight and value of the Dirham. These variations may include weights of ten, nine, six, or five misqāls. Others suggest weights of twenty, twelve, or ten qīrāt̤s. Tradition holds that Caliph ʿUmar unified these variations by taking a Dirham of each kind to mint a standardized coin weighing fourteen qīrāt̤s, equivalent to one-third of the combined sum of the others.
Islamic Legal and Literary Mention
While the Dirham is frequently mentioned in Islamic legal texts, it appears only once in the Qurʾān. In Sūrah Yusuf 12:20, it states: “And they sold him (Joseph) for a mean price, dirhams counted out, and they parted with him cheaply.” This reference highlights its use as a measure of low value in the context of the narrative.
Books for Further Studies
For those interested in delving deeper into the historical and cultural significance of the Dirham, consider the following scholarly references:
- “Money, Bank Credit, and Economic Cycles” by Jesús Huerta de Soto
- “Islamic Coins and Their Values” by Tim Wilkes
- “A History of Islamic Societies” by Ira M. Lapidus
- “Dirhams for Slaves: Essays for Jonathan Shepard” edited by Veronica Smart and David Stringer
Key Takeaways
- The Dirham is an ancient Islamic silver coin with roots tracing back to Greek civilization.
- It experienced significant transformations under various Islamic rulers concerning its form and inscriptions.
- The weight and value of the Dirham varied historically but were standardized under Caliph ʿUmar.
- It is mentioned only once in the Qurʾān, highlighting its utility as a measure of value.
Conclusion
The historical journey of the Dirham from a simple silver coin to a significant symbol within the Islamic monetary system reflects the dynamic interactions of political, religious, and economic factors in early Islamic history. Understanding the Dirham provides insights into the broader spectrum of Islamic numismatics and economic practices in historic Islamic societies.
