Jamiyyah

Jamiyyah

Definition

In modern Arabic, the term jamiyyah (جمعية) refers to an assembly, society, or association. This term is used to describe a broad range of groups including literary, charitable, religious, and political organizations. Jamiyyah can also encompass international bodies such as Jamiat al-Umam (the League of Nations) and Jamiat al-Ikhwan al-Muslimin (the Muslim Brotherhood).

Etymology

The word jamiyyah is derived from the root (جمع) j-m-‘, meaning “to gather” or “to assemble.” The noun form implies collective organization or an entity formed by gathering.

Linguistic Equivalents

In Persian and Urdu, the functional equivalent of jamiyyah is anjuman (انجمن), which likewise refers to religio-political, educational, and literary associations.

Usage

While in Arabic-speaking societies, the term hizb (حزب) more commonly designates a political party or organization, jamiyyah is a more fluid term involving a wider variety of voluntary associations and fora.

Example Organizations

1. Jamiat al-Umam (جمعية الأمم) - The League of Nations.
2. Jamiat al-Ikhwan al-Muslimin (جمعية الإخوان المسلمين) - The Muslim Brotherhood.
3. Jamiat al-Quran (جمعية القرآن) - Quranic Study Society.
4. Jamiat al-Khair (جمعية الخير) - Charity Organization.

Further Reading

1. “Civil Society and Democratic Development in the Arab World” by Carrie Wickham
2. “Islamic Activism: A Social Movement Theory Approach” edited by Quintan Wiktorowicz
3. “The Brotherhood: America’s Next Great Enemy” by Erick Stakelbeck
4. “Islam and Social Movements” by Carolyn M. Warner, Christopher W. Hale, and Adam Bajpai

Takeaways

• Jamiyyah is an Arabic term that broadly covers various types of organized groups and societies.
• The use of jamiyyah spans charitable, religious, literary, political organizations, and even international associations.
• In linguistic comparison, the Persian and Urdu term for a similar entity is anjuman.

Conclusion

Understanding the term jamiyyah and its application provides significant insight into the structure and nature of organized societies in Arabic-speaking and adjacent cultural contexts. Its broad usage denotes assembly or association, crucial in discussing socio-political and cultural organizations.