Majbūb (مجبوب)
Definition
Majbūb (مجبوب): A term used in Islamic law and literature to denote a complete eunuch, distinguishing it from khaṣī (خصي), who is an individual that has been simply castrated.
Etymology
The Arabic term Majbūb (مجبوب) derives from the root ج-ب-ب (j-b-b), which means to cut or amputate. It is used to refer to a person who has undergone complete genital removal.
Arabic Translation
- Majbūb: مجبوب (Arabic)
Turkish Translation
- Majbūb: Hadım (Turkish; note that ‘hadım’ can refer to both simply castrated and completely emasculated individuals but usually denotes a eunuch in general terms)
Usage and Distinction
In Islamic legal and cultural discourse, the term Majbūb appears frequently in classical texts to differentiate between degrees of emasculation, having specific implications in terms of societal roles, ritual purity, and legal statuses.
- Majbūb: Complete genital removal.
- Khaṣī: Only testicles removed.
References in Islamic Literature
A notable reference to the term is found in the classical Islamic legal text Hidāyah:
- Hidāyah, vol. i. p. 356 discusses the distinctions and implications of being a majbūb versus a khaṣī.
Legal and Cultural Implications
Majbūbs, due to their complete emasculation, were often assigned specific roles in historical Islamic societies, including service in royal courts and harems, where their physical state was seen as less threatening to social stability and familial honor.
Books for Further Studies
- “Islamic Law: Theory and Practice” by Wael B. Hallaq
- “Women and Gender in Islam: Historical Roots of a Modern Debate” by Leila Ahmed
- “Eunuchs and Sacred Boundaries in Islamic Society” by Shaun Marmon
Takeaways
- The term Majbūb denotes a person who has undergone complete genital removal, standing distinct from the merely castrated khaṣī.
- The differentiation holds substantial implications within Islamic law and cultural practices.
- Major historical and legal texts like Hidāyah provide insights into the nuanced understanding and applications of these terms.
Conclusion
The concept of Majbūb (مجبوب) plays a significant role in understanding the historical and legal contexts of eunuchs within Islamic culture. By distinguishing between different states of emasculation, Islamic jurisprudence and literature provide a complex picture of social structures and legal norms, reflecting broader themes of purity, service, and gender roles.
For more comprehensive studies, refer to the recommended books and classical Islamic legal texts. Understanding the nuanced distinctions between terms such as Majbūb and Khaṣī can offer deeper insights into Islamic cultural and legal history.
