Nasa’ (نساء)
Nasa’ (نساء) refers to the practice of “intercalation of the year” among ancient Arabs. This term is significant in Islamic theology and jurisprudence primarily because it marks a fundamental change in the calendar system instituted by Islam.
Etymology
The Arabic word nasaʾ (نساء) literally translates to “to postpone” or “to omit.” It is related to the root verb nasiʿa (نَسِيَ – “to defer” or “to delay”). The term carries notions of deferring or delaying months within the lunar calendar to adjust for seasonal changes.
Arabic Translation
- Arabic: نساء (nasaʿ)
Turkish Translation
- Turkish: Nesi
Historical Context
In pre-Islamic Arabia, tribes used the practice of nasaʾ to align the lunar calendar with the solar year, allowing them to control the timings of festivals and agricultural activities. This practice made some lunar months longer or shorter, disrupting the natural lunar cycle.
Qur’anic Reference
The practice of nasaʾ is explicitly mentioned in the Qur’an in Sūrah Al-Tawbah (9:37):
<p>“Indeed, the postponing (of restrictions within sacred months) is an increase in disbelief, by which those who have disbelieved are led astray. They make it lawful one year and unlawful another year to correspond to the number made unlawful by Allah and (thus) make lawful what Allah has made unlawful. Made pleasing to them is the evil of their deeds; and Allah does not guide the disbelieving people.”</p>
This verse not only condemns the practice but also officially abolishes it, marking a significant move towards regularizing the lunar calendar without the need for additional days or months.
Theological Implications
The abolition of nasaʾ is significant in Islam as it restored the sanctity of the four sacred months in the Islamic calendar: Muharram, Rajab, Dhu al-Qa’dah, and Dhu al-Hijjah. By prohibiting intercalation, Islam emphasized followance of a purely lunar calendar free from human manipulation, thus highlighting the divine order and timekeeping.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Introduction to Islamic Law: Principles of Shari’ah” by Joseph Schacht
- “The Religion of Islam” by Maulana Muhammad Ali
- “Islamic Calendar: Historicity and Variations” by A. I. Sabra
- “The Qur’an: An Encyclopedia” edited by Oliver Leaman
Key Takeaways
- Nasa’ (نساء) refers to the postponed intercalation practice used by ancient Arabs.
- Qur’an explicitly abolishes this system, emphasizing a strict lunar calendar.
- Abolition restored the sanctity and stability of Islamic timekeeping.
- Major theological implicatons emphasize the divine order and adherence to natural lunar cycles.
Conclusion
The term nasaʾ (نساء) encapsulates an important theological shift in early Islamic history. By abolishing the intercalation of the year, the Qur’an reinforced the stability and sanctity of the Islamic lunar calendar. Understanding nasaʾ thus plays a vital role in comprehending Islamic time reckoning and its commitment to divine principles over pre-Islamic practices.
