Introduction
The Qur’an, the holy book of Islam, mentions three specific coins: Qintār (قنطار), Dīnār (دينار), and Dirham (درهم), offering insight into the economic practices and values of the early Islamic community. Each coin holds significant historical and cultural context which is crucial for understanding Islamic economic teachings and their implementation in the daily lives of Muslims.
Coins Mentioned in the Qur’an
Qintār (قنطار)
- Etymology: The word ‘Qintār’ originates from the Arabic قنطار, which refers to a substantial sum or weight of money.
- Qur’anic Reference: Sūrah Āl ‘Imrān (3:75): “Among the People of the Book are those to one of whom, if you entrust a qintar, he will restore it to you.”
- Significance: In Islamic tradition, a Qintār was a gold coin considered extremely valuable, equating to 200 Dīnārs according to some scholars. Muhammad Tāhir defined it as a large amount of gold that could fill a cow’s hide, and it is often translated as ’talent’ in many texts.
Dīnār (دينار)
- Etymology: The term ‘Dīnār’ derives from the Latin ‘denarius’, a small gold coin used during the Roman era.
- Qur’anic Reference: Sūrah Āl ‘Imrān (3:75): “And among them are those who, if entrusted a dīnār, will not return it to you unless you persistently demand it.”
- Significance: The Dīnār, equivalent to the Roman denarius, was a small but highly significant gold coin in Islamic and pre-Islamic economies. Its usage illustrates the blend of Roman and Islamic monetary systems during early Islam.
Dirham (درهم)
- Etymology: The term ‘Dirham’ is from the Greek ‘drachma’, a unit of currency in the Hellenistic world.
- Qur’anic Reference: Sūrah Yūsuf (12:20): “And they sold him for a reduced price - a few dirhams - and they were, concerning him, of those content with little.”
- Significance: Historically, the Dirham was a silver coin that represented a significant part of daily transactions. Its reference in the Qur’an highlights its role in trade and economy, specifically mentioning its usage for selling goods, including the narrative of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph).
Historical Context and Evolution of Currency
Mr. James Prinsep’s historical account explains the evolution of currency in Islamic domains, especially the transition from the traditional Dirham and Dinar to the introduction of the silver Rupee (Rupya). During the Mughal era, the silver Rupee, introduced by Sher Shah Suri, featured depictions of Islamic proclamations and the emperor’s name, further evolving under Akbar’s reign with detailed inscriptions, highlighting the constant evolution and adaptation of monetary systems.
Modern Relevance
Understanding these coins is crucial for interpreting various economic and ethical teachings within Islam. They offer historical context to Islamic financial principles and their application across different eras, reflecting the blend of local cultures and international influences over centuries.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Introduction to Islamic Economics: Theory and Application” by Hossein Askari, Zamir Iqbal, and Abbas Mirakhor.
- “Islamic Coins and Their Values” by Tim Wilkes.
- “Muhammad and the Empires of Faith: The Making of the Prophet of Islam” by Sean Anthony.
Takeaways
- The Qur’anic mention of Qintār, Dīnār, and Dirham highlights their significant roles in the early Islamic economy.
- These coins serve as historical markers indicating the economic and cultural environment during the Islamic revelation.
- Studying these coins provides deep insights into Islamic teachings on economic justice and ethical financial practices.
Conclusion
The three coins mentioned in the Qur’an—Qintār, Dīnār, and Dirham—not only signify their historical currency but also offer valuable lessons in Islamic economic principles. They underline the interplay between wealth, trust, and justice, crucial elements in building a fair and moral society as envisioned in Islamic teachings.
By understanding these terms and their historical background, one gains a deeper appreciation of Islamic economic systems and their application both in the past and the present.
