Hārūt wa Mārūt (هَارُوت وَ مَارُوت)
Definition and Significance
Hārūt wa Mārūt (هَارُوت وَ مَارُوت) are two angels referenced in the Qur’an. They serve as examples of divine lessons about human frailty and temptation. According to Islamic tradition, these angels were sent to Earth with the intention of testing mankind and teaching them to resist sinful temptations, particularly the practice of sorcery and magic.
Etymology and Translation
- Arabic: هَارُوت وَ مَارُوت
- Turkish: Hārût ve Mārût
Qur’anic Reference
The story of Hārūt and Mārūt appears in Surah Al-Baqarah (Sūrah 2:102):
<p>“They followed what the devils taught during the reign of Solomon. It was not Solomon who disbelieved, but the devils disbelieved; they taught sorcery to people along with what had been revealed to the two angels, Hārūt and Mārūt, in Babylon. Yet these two would not teach anyone until they had said, ‘We are only a trial, so do not disbelieve [by practicing sorcery].’ And yet they learned from them [the angels] that by which they cause separation between a man and his wife. But they do not harm anyone through it except by permission of Allah. And they [the people] learn what harms them and does not benefit them. But they certainly knew that whoever purchases [the magic] would have no share in the Hereafter. And wretched is that for which they sold themselves, if they only knew.” (Qur’an, 2:102)</p>
Significance in Islamic Tradition
** Hārūt and Mārūt**’s story is a moral tale within Islamic tradition. It highlights several key themes:
- Divine Justice: The tale illustrates the testing of moral character and the consequent divine justice.
- Temptation and Sin: It teaches the consequences of succumbing to forbidden knowledge and practices, such as sorcery.
- Repentance and Punishment: Hārūt and Mārūt chose their punishment to occur in the present rather than in the Hereafter, emphasizing the theme of immediate repentance and accountability.
Cultural Impact
In Islamic culture, the names Hārūt and Mārūt have become emblematic of the dangers and ethical quandaries associated with forbidden knowledge, particularly the use of magic for harmful purposes.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Tales of the Prophets” by Ibn Kathir: This traditional compilation provides context and elaboration on various Quranic stories, including the account of Hārūt and Mārūt.
- “The Study Quran” edited by Seyyed Hossein Nasr: A comprehensive commentary on the Quran that provides detailed explanations of the verses.
- “Islamic Myths and Mysteries: The Crescent Moon” by Didier I Decobert: A book that examines various myths and legends in Islamic traditions, providing cultural and historical insights.
Takeaways
- Moral Teachings: The story underlines the Islamic view on moral rectitude and the consequences of transgressing divine commandments.
- Divine Providence: Humans may suffer harm only by the will and permission of God.
- Consequences of Sorcery: Engaging in sorcery is considered a major sin with no benefit in the Hereafter.
Conclusion
The story of Hārūt wa Mārūt serves as a crucial moral and ethical lesson in Islam, providing insights into divine justice, human frailty, and the severe consequences of practicing forbidden knowledge like magic. It stands as a warning and an instruction for Muslims to adhere strictly to the guidance provided in the Qur’an and avoid falling into the traps of sin and immorality.
