Definition and Etymology
ILĀHĪ (الهى)
ILĀHĪ (الهى) derives from the Arabic word Ilāh (إله), which means “God”. The suffix -ī (ـي) is a possessive, denoting “of” or “pertaining to”. Therefore, Ilāhī translates to “divine” or “godly”.
Arabic and Turkish Translations
- Arabic: الهى (Ilāhī)
- Turkish: İlahi
Usage and Context
1. Divine Connotation
In a religious context, Ilāhī refers to anything divine or godly, an attribute of God. For instance, ad-dīnu ʾl-Ilāhī (الدين الإلهي) means “the divine religion”.
2. Historical Usage
The Ilāhī Era
Ilāhī also refers to a specific era instituted by Mughal Emperor Akbar. This era began in the year 963 AH (1556 AD), marking the first year of Akbar’s reign. The term “Ilāhī era” (الهى تقويم) symbolizes this historical period.
- Introduction: Akbar introduced the Ilāhī era to harmonize various cultural and religious beliefs in his empire.
- Historical Context: The era is prominently featured on Akbar’s coins and those of his immediate successors but did not become widespread and is now obsolete.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
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“The Mughal Empire” by John F. Richards:
- Overview: Provides an in-depth study of the Mughal Empire, including Akbar’s reign and the Ilāhī era.
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“Akbar: The Great Mughal” by Ira Mukhoty:
- Overview: A comprehensive biography of Akbar, providing context to his establishment of the Ilāhī era.
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“Islamic Historiography” by Chase F. Robinson:
- Overview: Explores historical writing in the Islamic world, including the significance of different eras and their implications.
Takeaways
- Divine Connotation: The term Ilāhī broadly speaks to anything that possesses a godly or divine nature.
- Historical Relevance: It is historically significant due to its unique association with Emperor Akbar’s reign and is a symbol of his attempts to unify his diverse empire.
Conclusion
The term ILĀHĪ (الهى) is a multifaceted concept within Islamic tradition, denoting divinity and historical advancements. While its religious connotation remains profound, its historical usage during Akbar’s reign illustrates the cultural amalgamation attempted by one of the most influential Mughal emperors. Understanding Ilāhī offers a deeper insight into the religious and historical landscape of the Islamic world during the Mughal period.
