Kalīsa, Kilīsa (كليسة) in Islam
Definition
Kalīsa or Kilīsa (كليسة) refers to a Christian church, and by extension, it is also applied to places of worship for Jews. The word signifies religious structures where adherents of Christianity and Judaism gather for worship.
Etymology
The term Kalīsa or Kilīsa is derived from the Greek word “ἐκκλησία” (ekklesia), which originally meant a gathering or assembly of people, and later came to specifically denote a church in the Christian context. This Greek term was absorbed into Arabic through Syriac and came to denote Christian places of worship in Islamic jurisprudence.
Arabic and Turkish Translations
- Arabic: كليسة (Kalīsa, Kilīsa)
- Turkish: Kilise
Usage in Islamic Law
In the context of Muhammadan law, which encompasses Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh), the term Kalīsa is used to refer to places of worship for both Christians and Jews. This reflects the recognition of Ahl al-Kitab (People of the Book) within Islamic tradition, which acknowledges the religious practices and places of worship of Jews and Christians.
Related Terms
- Kanīsah (كنيسة): Another Arabic term that also means a church and is used interchangeably with Kalīsa.
- Masjid (مسجد): A mosque, specifically an Islamic place of worship.
Books for Further Studies
- “The Church in the Shadow of the Mosque: Christians and Muslims in the World of Islam” by Sidney H. Griffith.
- “The Dhimmi: Jews and Christians Under Islam” by Bat Ye’or.
- “Islamic Law and Society” by David S. Powers.
Takeaways
- Kalīsa and Kilīsa are Arabic terms referring specifically to Christian churches but extend to encompass Jewish synagogues in the context of Islamic law.
- These terms highlight the cultural and legal recognition of Christian and Jewish places of worship within the Islamic tradition.
- Understanding these terms helps in comprehending the interaction between Islam and other Abrahamic religions under Islamic jurisprudence.
Conclusion
The terms Kalīsa and Kilīsa are essential for understanding how Islamic law and society navigate interfaith relations, recognizing the importance of religious diversity. As the study of such terms reveals, the Islamic tradition has long engaged with and acknowledged the religious practices of Christianity and Judaism through specific legal and cultural terminologies.
For anyone looking to further their understanding of interfaith relations in the context of Islam, diving deeper into the suggested readings will provide enriching perspectives and detailed historical accounts.
