MAUT (موت)
MAUT (موت) - Death. Heb. מָוֶת. The word is always used in the Qurʾān in its literal sense, meaning the departure of the spirit from the body. For example, Sūrah Al-Baqarah (2:182) states: “Every soul must taste of death.” However, within the mystical traditions of Ṣūfīsm, the term is employed in a figurative sense to denote various forms of spiritual and ethical transformation.
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: موت (Maut)
- Hebrew: מָוֶת (Mavet)
- Turkish: Ölüm
Significance in the Qur’an
In the Qur’an, “Maut” signifies the inevitable end of earthly life. It serves as a constant reminder of the transient nature of worldly existence and the reality of the hereafter. The literal interpretation emphasizes the importance of preparing for the afterlife through righteous actions and faith.
Sufi Interpretations
Among the Ṣūfīs, “Maut” takes on symbolic meanings, each representing different paths to spiritual awakening and ethical purification.
Al-mautu ʾl-abyaẓ (الموت الأبيض) - “The White Death”
- Meaning: Abstinence from food or the feeling of hunger.
- Significance: This form of “death” represents the purification of the soul through self-denial and asceticism. A person who frequently abstains from food is seen to have reached this state of spiritual purity.
Al-mautu ʾl-ak͟hẓar (الموت الأخضر) - “The Green Death”
- Meaning: Wearing old clothes as a sign of voluntary poverty.
- Significance: Here, “death” symbolizes the renunciation of worldly wealth and luxury. Adopting simpler garments is a sign of humility and detachment from materialism, marking a deeper spiritual commitment.
Al-mautu ʾl-aswad (الموت الأسود) - “The Black Death”
- Meaning: The voluntary acceptance of hardship and persecution for the sake of truth.
- Significance: This form of “death” reflects the internal strength to endure difficulties and societal disapproval for maintaining one’s faith and principles. It represents the Sufi ideal of enduring suffering as a pathway to divine love and truth.
References
The nuanced understanding of “Maut” in Sufi thought is extensively documented in Ṣūfi literature. One notable source is:
- ʿAbdu ʾr-Razzāq’s Dictionary of Ṣūfī Terms
Further Reading
For a deeper understanding of the concepts related to Maut and its spiritual interpretations in Islamic mysticism, the following books are recommended:
- “The Pursuit of the Millennium: Revolutionary Millenarians and Mystical Anarchists of the Middle Ages” by Norman Cohn
- “The Tao of Islam: A Sourcebook on Gender Relationships in Islamic Thought” by Sachiko Murata
- “Al-Ghazali: The Revival of the Religious Sciences (Iḥyāʾ ʿUlūm ad-Dīn)” - Translated by various scholars
Takeaways and Conclusion
“Maut” in Islam is not merely an end but a critical transition into the afterlife, urging Muslims to live a righteous life. In Sufi interpretations, death takes on a spiritual dimension where different forms of self-denial and enduring hardships are seen as necessary steps towards spiritual enlightenment and divine closeness. Both perspectives remind the believer of the transient nature of worldly life and the eternal nature of spiritual truths.
Through these manifold dimensions, the concept of Maut continues to hold profound significance both in the doctrines of mainstream Islam and in the mystical traditions of Sufism.
