MISKĪN (مسكين)
Definition
MISKĪN (Arabic: مسكين, Turkish: Miskin) refers to a “poor person” or someone who is destitute, having no property or wealth. In Islamic terminology, a miskīn is a category of individuals who are eligible for receiving zakat (almsgiving), one of the five pillars of Islam.
Etymology
The term “MISKĪN” is derived from the Arabic root “س ك ن” (s-k-n), which is connected to ideas of stillness, weakness, and being at rest. It is also cognate with the Hebrew term מִסְכֵּן (miskēn), found in Ecclesiastes 9:15, where it likewise refers to a poor or destitute individual.
Distinction from Faqīr
In Islamic jurisprudence, a clear distinction is made between a Miskīn and a Faqīr (Arabic: فقير):
- Miskīn describes an individual who has no property or financial resources whatsoever.
- Faqīr, on the other hand, refers to someone who is poor but possesses some property or resources, albeit insufficient to meet their needs.
Legal Context in Islam
According to Hidāyah (a classical Hanafi legal text), the requirements for being classified as a miskīn include the complete absence of property or resources. This distinction is critical for determining eligibility for certain types of charitable assistance and social welfare support in Islamic societies.
<p>“A person who has no property whatever, as distinguished from a faqīr, or a person who possesses a little property, but is poor.” - <em>Hidāyah, vol. i. p. 54.</em></p>
Cultural and Social Implications
In many Muslim communities, the terms miskīn and faqīr are not just legalistic but carry significant social and cultural implications. The care for miskīn individuals is highly emphasized in Islamic teachings, reflecting broader social values of compassion, altruism, and communal responsibility.
Additional Context
The conceptual distinctions between miskīn and faqīr were fundamental to the functioning of welfare systems in historical Islamic civilizations and continue to influence contemporary Islamic charitable practices.
Suggested Books for Further Study
- “Islamic Law and Society” by Joseph Schacht.
- “Al-Muqaddimah: An Introduction to History” by Ibn Khaldun.
- “The New Encyclopedia of Islam” by Cyril Glasse.
- “The Reliance of the Traveller” by Ahmad ibn Naqib al-Misri.
Takeaways
- MISKĪN refers to a destitute person with no property or resources.
- It is a distinct legal category in Islamic law, separate from Faqīr, who has some property but is still poor.
- The term and its usage underscore the importance of social welfare and charitable giving in Islamic ethics.
Conclusion
Understanding the term miskīn in its legal, cultural, and social contexts offers a comprehensive view of how Islamic traditions address poverty and social welfare. It also underscores the detailed nature of Islamic jurisprudence in catering to the needs of the community and promoting social justice.
By delving into terms like MISKĪN, one gains deeper insights into the rich tapestry of Islamic law and ethics, reflecting how foundational texts and traditions continue to influence contemporary Islamic thought and practice.
