Millah (ملة)
Definition and Context
Millah (ملة) refers to a term occurring fifteen times in the Qur’an. It denotes the religion, faith, or system of beliefs attributed to various prophets, primarily focusing on the religion of Abraham. Each occurrence has specific references:
- Religion of Abraham: Mentioned eight times (Sūrahs ii. 124, 129; iii. 89; iv. 124; vi. 162; xii. 38; xvi. 124; xxii. 77)
- Religion of former prophets: Found twice (Sūrahs xiv. 16; xxxviii. 6)
- Religion of the Seven Sleepers: Once (Sūrah xviii. 19)
- Idolatrous religions: Three times (Sūrahs xii. 37; vii. 86, 87)
- Religion of Jews and Christians: Once (Sūrah ii. 114)
In Islamic teachings, the term Millah is also used in the traditions (Hadith) and is expressive of religion as it relates to the prophets.
Etymology and Linguistic Analysis
The origin of the word Millah has been discussed extensively by scholars. While modern Arabic usage traces Millah (ملة) to the root m-l-l (م-ل-ل in Arabic), meaning “to dictate” or “to impress,” its exact origin is debatable.
Sprenger and Deutsch highlighted the foreign roots of Millah, suggesting influences from Hebrew and Aramaic languages:
- Dr. Sprenger stated that Arabic philologists often associate Millah with fire or hot ashes, implying the strong impression left by true religion.
- Emanuel Deutsch identified Millah with the concept of Memra (the “Word” in Aramaic and Hebrew), akin to Logos in Greek theology.
Usage in Traditions and Comparative Analysis
In the Ahadith, Millah frequently signifies the faith of Abraham, highlighting the concept of a primordial and pure monotheism. The term is distinguished from other related words:
- Dīn (دين): Religion as it stands in relation to God.
- Maẕhab (مذهب): Religion with reference to scholarly interpretations and schools of thought.
Significance in the Qur’an
- Abrahamic Faith: The dominant use of Millah in the Qur’an underscores the importance of Abraham’s monotheism and its continuity through subsequent prophets. This continuity aligns with Islam’s view of itself as the restoration of original, untainted monotheism.
- Inclusivity of Previous Prophets: Using Millah to describe the faith of former prophets fosters a broader understanding of divine unity across different revelations.
- Rejection of Idolatry: Through distinctions with idolatrous practices, the term illustrates the sharp contrast between monotheistic faith and polytheistic traditions.
- Ecumenical Perspective: By referencing the faith of both Jews and Christians as part of the broader Millah, the Qur’an acknowledges shared theological heritage while asserting its unique position.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Message of the Qur’an” by Muhammad Asad
- “Islamic Theology and Philosophy: Studies in Honor of George F. Hourani” edited by Michael E. Marmura
- “The Spirit of Islam” by Syed Ameer Ali
- “Major Themes of the Qur’an” by Fazlur Rahman
Takeaways and Conclusion
The concept of Millah serves as a profound link to understanding Islam’s theological grounding in the continuous narrative of divine revelation, beginning with Abraham and extending through other prophets. Its etymological journey from possible foreign roots into the lexicon of Arabic and Islamic theology illustrates the intricate tapestry of influences that shape religious terminology. Focusing on the Millah of Abraham provides a paradigm of pure monotheism that underscores the broader unity among divinely revealed religions.
In conclusion, Millah is not merely a term but a significant theological concept that underscores Islam’s view of religious continuity, unity, and adherence to the pure monotheism of Abraham.
