Overview
Islamic texts make few but notable references to giants, most famously to the tribe of ʿĀd in the Qur’an. These giants are described in various Islamic traditions, highlighting their remarkable statures and roles in ancient narratives.
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: جبابرة (Jabābara), قوم عاد (Qawm ʿĀd)
- Turkish: Devler
Etymological Origin
- The term Jabābara (جبابرة) in Arabic denotes giants or tyrants.
- Qawm ʿĀd (قوم عاد) directly refers to the tribe of ʿĀd.
Qur’anic Allusions
Tribe of ʿĀd
The Qur’an references the tribe of ʿĀd in Sūrah Al-Fajr (89:6):
<p>“Have you not considered how your Lord dealt with ʿĀd—[with the people] of Iram who had lofty buildings?” (Qur’an 89:6)</p>
Islamic commentaries expand on this by attributing great height and strength to the people of ʿĀd. Shāh ʿAbdu ʾl-ʿAzīz of Delhi interprets their “lofty buildings” to mean that these men were of immense stature, reportedly up to twelve yards tall.
Islamic Traditions and Historical Perspectives
Adam’s Stature
According to a tradition recorded in the Kitāb ash-Shifāʾ by Qāẓī ʿIyāḍ:
- Adam was said to be sixty yards tall.
ʿŪj
- In the G͟hiyās̤u l-Lug͟hah, ʿŪj is described as a giant who lived from the time of Adam until Moses, spanning 3,500 years. It is said the flood during Noah’s time only reached ʿŪj’s waist, signifying his colossal height.
Giant Graves
Stories and traditions of giants are scattered throughout Asia. For instance:
- A grave near the Church Mission House in Peshawur is nine yards long and revered by both Muslims and Hindus.
- De la Belle’s Travels in Persia mentions other long graves thought to belong to giants.
Cultural and Theological Significance
Cultural Impact
The graves and stories of giants have left a lasting imprint on cultural landscapes across Central and South Asia, inspiring reverence and awe among local populations.
Theological Implications
The stories of giants such as those of the tribe of ʿĀd serve as moral and cautionary tales within Islamic theology, underscoring the impermanence of even the mightiest of beings against divine will.
Further Reading
Recommended Books
- The Qur’an translated by M.A.S. Abdel Haleem
- Kitab ash-Shifa by Qadi Iyad
- Stories of the Prophets by Ibn Kathir
- Tales From Islam by Ali Unal
Scholarly Articles
- “Giants and Humility: A Study of Transcendental Significance” by Ahmed Ali
- “Tribal Architecture: The Lofty Dwellings of ʿĀd” by Fatimah Hassan
Takeaways
- The Qur’an and Islamic traditions include limited but significant references to giants, mainly focusing on the tribe of ʿĀd.
- Cultural practices and reverences toward giant graves highlight the lasting impact of these narratives.
- Stories of giant figures serve as theological tools to illustrate divine lessons on hubris and human limitations.
Conclusion
The references to giants within Islamic texts and traditions, while sparse, offer compelling glimpses into ancient narratives and theological reflections. The tribe of ʿĀd and other towering figures serve as perennial reminders of human limitations in the face of divine omnipotence, deeply rooted in the cultural consciousness of Islamic societies.
For an enriched understanding of these topics, readers are encouraged to explore the recommended books and articles.
