Jās̤ulīq (جاثليق) in Islam
Definition and Context
Jās̤ulīq (جاثليق) is an Arabicized term derived from the Greek Καθολικὸς (Katholikos), meaning “universal” or “general”. Historically, it has been used to signify the Catholicos, the Primate, or the leading ecclesiastical authority among Christians, especially in the context of Syriac Christianity.
The term is used in Islamic literature to denote a high-ranking Christian cleric, primarily within the Eastern Christian traditions. The definition in G͟hiyās̤u ʾl-Lug͟hah indicates that the Jās̤ulīq is the chief figure of the Christians, having ecclesiastical subordinates such as the Mit̤rān (Metropolitan), Usquf (Bishop), Qasīs (Presbyter), and Shammās (Deacon).
Hierarchy of Christian Clergy
In Mr. Lane’s Dictionary, there is a noted hierarchical order under the Jās̤ulīq:
- Bit̤rāq (Patriarch) is placed under the Jās̤ulīq, representing figures like the Patriarchs of Jerusalem or Antioch in Islamic scholarly works.
- Subsequent levels involve the Mit̤rān (Metropolitan), Usquf (Bishop), Qasīs (Presbyter), and Shammās (Deacon).
Etymology
- Arabic: جاثليق, transliterated as Jās̤ulīq.
- Greek: Καθολικὸς, transliterated as Katholikos, meaning “universal” or “general”.
Turkish Translation
- Catholicos: Katolik
- Primate: Birincil
Significance in Islamic Literature
The term Jās̤ulīq has importance in the context of interfaith relations and Islamic historical texts. It represents the recognition and structured hierarchy of Christian religious offices by Islamic scholars. The term and its hierarchical indications help in understanding the inter-civilizational dialogue and the mutual recognition of religious structures.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Messenger and the Message: Interpreting the Bible and Qur’an in Communal Context” by David Emmanuel Singh
- “Islam and Christianity: Historical, Theological, and Contemporary Issues” by John Renard
- “Christianity and Islam: The Bible and the Qur’an” by John Kaltner
Takeaways
- Jās̤ulīq (جاثليق) is an Arabicized term for the Greek Καθολικὸς.
- It denotes a high-ranking Christian cleric, the Catholicos, and recognizes the hierarchical church structure.
- Significant in Islamic-Christian scholarly works, enhancing interfaith understanding and historical religious hierarchy.
Conclusion
Understanding the term Jās̤ulīq (جاثليق) opens a window into the intricate layers of religious and historical relationships between Islamic and Christian communities. The term underscores the sophistication with which Muslim scholars approached and understood the hierarchical nature of Christian ecclesiastical titles, thereby contributing to civilizational dialogue.
