MUNF, MANF (منف)
Definition and Historical Significance
MUNF, MANF (منف) refers to the ancient city known as Memphis in Egypt. This historical term appears in the Commentary of the Jalālān (Tafsīr al-Jalālayn) on the Qurʾān, specifically in Sūrah 28:14. According to this commentary, Memphis is the city where the Prophet Moses (Mūsā in Arabic) is said to have killed an Egyptian.
Etymology
The term Memphis, originally ‘Min Nefer’, transformed through the ages to ‘Memphis’ in Greek. In Arabic, it is referred to as Munf or Manf (منف), maintaining the consonant structure of the original name.
Qur’anic Context
In the Qur’ān, Sūrah Al-Qasas (28:14) details the story of Moses:
<p>“And when he reached his full strength and was mentally mature, We bestowed upon him judgement and knowledge. And thus do We reward the doers of good.”</p>
In the subsequent verses, Moses kills an Egyptian in a moment of intervention, as part of the events that lead to his eventual prophethood.
Commentary of the Jalālān
The Tafsīr al-Jalālayn is an exegesis (commentary) on the Qurʾān composed by the famous Islamic scholars Jalāl al-Dīn al-Maḥallī and his student Jalāl al-Dīn al-Suyūṭī. This commentary notes the specific location of the incident with Moses, identifying it with the renowned and historically significant ancient Egyptian city, Memphis.
Arabic and Turkish Translations
- Arabic: منف (Manf)
- Turkish: Menfis
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The History of al-Tabari, Volume I: General Introduction and From the Creation to the Flood” by Franz Rosenthal
- “Tafsir al-Jalalayn” Translated by Feras Hamza
- “The Qur’an and its Interpreters: The House of ‘Imran” by Mahmoud Ayoub
- “From Eden to Exile: Unraveling Mysteries of the Bible” by Eric H. Cline (for comparative studies)
Takeaways and Conclusion
Understanding the term MUNF, MANF (منف) in Islamic exegesis provides a richer contextual background to the story of Moses and his significant actions in Memphis. This city, known for its grandeur in ancient Egyptian history, directly connects Islamic stories to broader historical narratives. Including this term in Islamic studies offers valuable insights into the interaction between faith, scripture, and historical geography.
Finally, the study of Memphis (Manf) within an Islamic context underscores the importance of geographical locations in the understanding and interpretation of Qur’anic verses and Prophetic traditions.
