Fig (at-Tīn) in Islam
Definition
The fig, known as at-Tīn (التين) in Arabic, is prominently mentioned in the Qur’an. It is specifically referenced in the title of the 95th Sūrah, Sūrah at-Tīn. The fruit holds considerable significance as it is the subject of an oath by the Almighty in the very first verse of the Sūrah.
Etymology
The term at-Tīn (التين) directly translates to “fig” in Arabic. The word is believed to have Semitic roots, reflecting its long-standing importance and usage in the region.
Qur’anic Significance
In Sūrah at-Tīn, the fig is cited in the verse:
<p>“By the fig and the olive” (Qur’an 95:1)</p>
The mention of the fig in such a significant context emphasizes its holiness and the great value it is attributed within Islamic belief. According to Islamic tradition, when Muhammad makes the Almighty swear by the fig, it underscores the fruit’s divine and earthly importance.
Exegesis and Health Benefits
Renowned Islamic scholar Al-Baiḍāwī provides an extensive commentary on the fig in his Tafsīr al-Baiḍāwī. He elucidates that God swears by figs because of their manifold benefits:
- Nutritional Value: Figs can be eaten immediately and do not contain any stones.
- Digestive Benefits: They are noted for their ease of digestion.
- Medical Uses: Figs are believed to help in expelling phlegm, clearing gravel from the kidneys or bladder, relieving liver obstructions, and treating piles and gout.
Health in Islamic Tradition
The multifaceted health benefits listed by Al-Baiḍāwī depict a comprehensive view of the fruit’s medicinal usage and its respected place in classical Islamic thought. These references not only focus on the physical fordel of the fruit but also point to a theological appreciation for God’s creations, emphasizing natural remedies.
Translations
- Arabic: التين (at-Tīn)
- Turkish: Incir
Further Studies
For those interested in an in-depth study of the fig’s significance in Islam and Qur’anic exegesis, the following books and tafsīr (exegesis) works are recommended:
- Tafsīr al-Baiḍāwī by Al-Baiḍāwī
- The Study Qur’an: A New Translation and Commentary by Seyyed Hossein Nasr
- The Sublime Qur’an and Orientalism by Muhammad Khalifa
- Qur’anic Exegesis and Classical Tafsir by Feras Hamza
Takeaways and Conclusion
The fig, or at-Tīn, emerges as not just a fruit within Islamic scripture but a symbol of God’s bountiful creation, intertwining spiritual reverence with practical health benefits. Recognized in early Islamic exegesis and Qur’anic commentary, the fig provides an illustrious example of how everyday elements in Muslim life are imbued with deeper religious and therapeutic significances.
Understanding the place of the fig in Islam serves as a window into the interconnectedness of faith, well-being, and the natural world as seen through Islamic theology and tradition.
