HU, HUWA (هو)
Definition and Significance
HU (هو) or HUWA (هو) is the personal pronoun of the third person, singular, masculine, translating to “He” in English. This term specifically refers to God in Islamic theology. It signifies the singular and transcendent nature of God. The word HUWA is employed to denote God in many Islamic theological and mystical contexts, affirming God’s supremacy and oneness.
Occurrence in the Qur’an
In the Qur’an, HUWA is used to describe God in various verses. One notable instance is found in Sūrah Al-‘Imran (3:1):
<p>** الاه لا اله الا هو (Allah lā ilāha illā Huwa)**</p>
This translates to “God, there is no god but He.” This sentence is known as the “nafy wa is̤bāt”, a phrase that rejects any deity but affirms the singular existence of God.
Usage in Sufism
The term HU is profoundly significant in Sufi mysticism. Sufi mystics often use the phrase:
<p><strong>يا هو يا هو يا من لا يعلم ما هو الا هو (yā hū, yā hū, yā man lā yaʿlamu mā hū illā hū)</strong></p>
This translates to “O He (who is), O He (who is), O He whom no one knows what He Himself is but Himself.” This reflects the deep spiritual reverence and recognition that the true essence and attributes of God are known only to God Himself.
Etymology
- Arabic: هو (HU, HUWA)
- Turkish: O (The equivalent pronoun, commonly used to refer to God in various contexts)
Ismu ‘L-aʿzam
Some Islamic scholars and commentators suggest that the word HU might represent the exalted name of God, known as Ismu ‘L-aʿzam. It is often regarded as a name known only to God and encapsulates His ultimate transcendence and omnipotence.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Study Quran: A New Translation and Commentary” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr et al.
- “Sufism: An Introduction to the Mystical Tradition of Islam” by Carl W. Ernst
- “Mystical Dimensions of Islam” by Annemarie Schimmel
- “Islamic Names and Their Roles in Islamic Society” by Sheila S. Blair
Takeaways and Conclusion
- HU, HUWA (هو) is a profound term in Islamic theology that denotes the singular presence of God.
- The term affirms the monotheistic belief central to Islam, echoed in the Qur’an and particularly emphasized in Sufi mysticism.
- Understanding HU/ HUWA facilitates a deeper appreciation of Islamic spiritual practices and the acknowledgment of God’s unfathomable nature.
This term and its associated practices highlight the theologically rich and spiritually evocative tradition of Islam, serving as a bridge to deeper spiritual understanding and religious devotion.
