Manāt (منات)
Definition
Manāt (منات): An idol venerated in pre-Islamic Arabia, specifically mentioned in the Qur’an, Sūrah 53:19-20. The text reads, “Have you considered al-Lāt and al-ʿUzzā and Manāt, the third, the other?” This declaration critiques the idolatry practices of certain Arabian tribes.
Etymology
The term Manāt stems from the Arabic root م-ن-ت, which may relate to concepts of fate or destiny. In Turkish, it is also referred to as Menat.
Historical Context
In pre-Islamic times, Manāt was widely worshipped by the tribes of Huḏayl and K͟hazāʿah. She was associated with fate and was often invoked during various rituals and ceremonies.
Cultural Significance
Manāt, along with al-Lāt and al-ʿUzzā, represented the triad of major deities in the Arabian Peninsula before the advent of Islam. These goddesses were deemed significant in the spiritual lives of the locals, impacting their social and religious practices.
Manāt in the Qur’an
The Qur’an’s mention of Manāt alongside al-Lāt and al-ʿUzzā serves to denounce the act of idolatry and emphasize the monotheistic teachings of Islam. This narrative underlines the shift from polytheism to the strict monotheism central to Islamic theology.
Related Articles
For further insights into this topic, see the related entry on al-Lāt.
Books for Further Study
- “The Pre-Islamic Middle East” by Amelie Kuhrt: Provides a comprehensive history of the Near East before the rise of Islam.
- “The Golden Legend of Islam: The Story of the Pre-Islamic Imams” by Miraj Muhammad khan: Discusses the various forms of religiosity in pre-Islamic Arabia.
- “Idols in the Quran: A Comprehensive Study” by Ayman S. Ibrahim: Focuses specifically on the representations of idols in the Qur’an and early Islamic literature.
Takeaways and Conclusion
- Manāt played an essential role in the religious life of certain pre-Islamic Arab tribes such as Huḏayl and K͟hazāʿah.
- The Qur’anic critique of Manāt, al-Lāt, and al-ʿUzzā highlights the Islamic rejection of polytheism.
- Manāt’s etymological connection to concepts such as fate underscores her perceived power in determining aspects of life for her worshippers.
- Understanding such historical and theological contexts illuminates the transitional narratives from pre-Islamic Arabian polytheism to Islamic monotheism.
Understanding the significance of Manāt and her counterparts provides key insights into the religious transformations that accompanied the advent of Islam.
