Nākīḥ (ناكح)
Definition
Nākīḥ (ناكح) is an Islamic legal term that specifically refers to a married man. The term is significant in various contexts within Islamic fiqh (jurisprudence) and family law, often distinguished from those who are unmarried.
- Married man: Nākīḥ (ناكح)
- Married woman: Mankūḥah (منكوحة)
- Unmarried person: ʾAzab (عزب)
Etymology and Translation
- Arabic: ناكح (Nākīḥ) and منكوحة (Mankūḥah)
- Turkish: Evli erkek (Nākīḥ) and Evli kadın (Mankūḥah)
The root of Nākīḥ (ناكح) derives from the Arabic verb نكح (nakaha), meaning “to marry” or “to contract marriage.” The feminine form mankūḥah (منكوحة) signifies a woman who has been married.
Legal Context
In Islamic jurisprudence, marriage and marital status are governed by specific rules and norms known as family law (ḥuqūq al-usrah) which concern rights, responsibilities, and societal roles of individuals based on their marital status. The terms Nākīḥ and Mankūḥah are frequently used in:
- **Marriage contracts (nikāḥ): Legal documentation and stipulations under which marriage is formalized.
- Legal documents: Identification of individuals in legal matters related to inheritance, guardianship, and divorce.
- Religious duties: Applicability of certain duties and exemptions influenced by one’s marital status.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Women and the Koran: The Status of Women in Islam” by Anwar Hekmat
- “Marriage and Morals in Islam” by Sayyid Muhammad Rizvi
- “Family Law in Islam: Divorce, Marriage, and Women in the Muslim World” edited by Maaike Voorhoeve
- “Issues in Islamic Law” by Mashood A. Baderin
- “The Islam Guide: An Overview of Islamic Faith, Culture and Practices” by Rasul Baqar and Lukman Nagy
Takeaways and Conclusion
- The terms Nākīḥ and Mankūḥah identify married men and women, respectively, and are essential for understanding social and legal dynamics in Islamic cultures.
- Understanding these terms provides insight into broader Islamic concepts of family, societal structure, and legal obligations.
- Differentiations in marital status impact various aspects of legal rulings and ethical guidelines in Muslim communities.
Understanding the etymology and contextual usage of terms like Nākīḥ enriches comprehension of Islamic law and its practical applications in daily life, highlighting the significance embedded within linguistic and legal frameworks.
This structured and expanded entry for the term Nākīḥ (ناكح) is designed to offer comprehensive insights into its meanings, usage, and implications in Islamic culture and law, following Hugo-compatible front matter.
