Jeremiah in Islam
Etymology and Arabic Translation
The name “Jeremiah” in Arabic is translated as Armiyā (ارميا). This name, derived directly from the Hebrew יְרֶמְיָהוּ (Yirmᵊyāhū), signifies a prophetic and significant figure in the Abrahamic traditions, although his mention is more pronounced in Judaic and Christian narratives than in Islamic ones.
Jeremiah in Islamic Tradition
Prophet Jeremiah is not explicitly mentioned in the Qurʾān, but his presence is recognized among Muslim historians and traditional narrations. He is said to have been a contemporary of Maʿadd ibn ʿAdnān, an ancestor of the Prophet Muḥammad.
According to Islamic historiography, the Kātibu ʾl-Wāqidī records: “God watched over ʿAdnān’s son Maʿadd, who was by the command of the Lord taken by Armiyā and Baruch (Abrak͟hā) into the land of Harram and nurtured safely.” This suggests that Jeremiah, along with Baruch, played a protective and nurturing role for Maʿadd.
Jeremiah and Al-Khidr
There is an interesting association made between Jeremiah and al-K͟hiẓr (خضر), a mystical figure in Islamic tradition believed to possess eternal life and hidden knowledge. The G͟hiyās̤u ʾl-Lug͟hah, an important lexicon in Islamic scholarship, equates Jeremiah with al-K͟hiẓr, implying deep esoteric and spiritual nuances shared between these figures.
Historical Context
Jeremiah lived during turbulent times in the Near East, witnessing the decline of the Kingdom of Judah and the rise of the Babylonian Empire. Although the scriptural focus in Islam does not centralize Jeremiah the same way as in the Bible, Muslim scholars recognize his prophetic mission and contributions.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
For further exploration of Jeremiah in Islamic context, and understanding his significance, consider these scholarly works:
- “The Prophets of Islam” by W. Montgomery Watt - provides a comprehensive account of various prophets recognized in Islamic tradition.
- “The History of al-Tabari, Volume III: The Children of Israel” - contains classical Islamic historiography mentioning prophets and their roles.
- “An Anthology of Islamic History” by Karam J. Tabbara - offers insights into various historical figures, including prophetic ones.
Takeaways and Conclusion
- Jeremiah (Armiyā) holds a unique but subtle position in Islamic tradition, recognized primarily by historians rather than the Qur’anic text.
- His role as a protector of Maʿadd ibn ʿAdnān ties him indirectly to the lineage of the Prophet Muhammad, illustrating interwoven genealogical and prophetic themes in Islamic historiography.
- Associating Jeremiah with al-Khidr adds layers of mysticism and emphasizes Jeremiah’s wisdom and protective capabilities in Islamic thought.
In conclusion, while Prophet Jeremiah may not have the same prominence in Islam as in other Abrahamic faiths, his recognized role and attributed qualities reflect the interconnectivity and reverence of prophetic figures across religious borders.
