K͟HARQU ʾL-ʿĀDAH (خرق العادة‎)

K͟HARQU ʾL-ʿĀDAH (خرق العادة‎)

Definition and Significance

K͟HARQU ʾL-ʿĀDAH (خرق العادة‎) refers to phenomena that are contrary to the usual course of nature, often interpreted as supernatural acts. This term is crucial in Islamic theology for distinguishing between various types of miraculous occurrences and their origins.

Types of K͟HARQU ʾL-ʿĀDAH

1. Muʿjizah (معجزة):

   • Definition: Miracles performed by Prophets.
   • Significance: These events serve as a testament to the Prophets’ divine missions and authenticity. For instance, the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) splitting of the moon.
   • Example: The parting of the Red Sea by Prophet Musa (Moses).

2. Karāmah (كرامة):

   • Definition: Wonders performed by walīs (saints).
   • Significance: These are regarded as signs of divine favor towards exceptionally pious individuals who have closeness to Allah.
   • Example: The ability to be in multiple places at once, as some Sufi saints are purported to have had.

3. Istidrāj (استدراج):

   • Definition: Wonders worked by the power of Satan.
   • Significance: These supernatural events are seen as trials or deviations meant to lead people astray from the path of righteousness.
   • Example: Illusions or deceptive miracles performed by false prophets or magicians.

Etymology

• Arabic: خرق العادة‎ (Kharqu ʾl-ʿādah)
  • خرق (kharaqa): Means to tear or rip apart.
  • العادة (al-ʿādah): Means habit or customary practice.
  • Combined, the term literally means “the tearing of the customary practice” or “the splitting of nature.”

Turkish Translation

• Türkçe: Adetin Yırtılması

Suggested Books for Further Studies

1. “Islamic Theology and Philosophy” by W. Montgomery Watt - This book offers comprehensive insights into various aspects of Islamic thought, including the concept of miracles.
2. “The Sufi Path of Knowledge” by William Chittick - A great resource for understanding the mystical dimensions of Islam, including karāmah.
3. “Miracles and the Miraculous in Medieval Arabic Literature” by B. Franklin - This offers an examination of miraculous occurrences within the context of Arabic literary sources.
4. “The Emergence of Islam” by Muhammad Hamidullah - Provides an overview of essential Islamic concepts, including prophetic miracles.

Takeaways

• K͟HARQU ʾL-ʿĀDAH is an umbrella term encompassing various types of extraordinary phenomena that defy natural laws.
• It differentiates between miracles of Prophets (Muʿjizah), wonders of saints (Karāmah), and deceptive acts of Satan (Istidrāj).
• Recognizing these distinctions is crucial for understanding the role of supernatural events within the Islamic worldview.

Conclusion

Understanding K͟HARQU ʾL-ʿĀDAH enables a deeper appreciation of Islamic theology and its intricate beliefs regarding the supernatural. These miraculous events underscore the extraordinary measures employed by Allah to guide, test, and sometimes, even warn humanity.