Nehemiah in Islamic Context
Even though Nehemiah is not directly mentioned in the Qur’ān or within traditional Muslim commentaries, there exists a narrative within Islamic texts that bears resemblance to an event associated with Nehemiah. This legend appears in Sūrah Al-Baqarah as a story about a man who witnessed a ravaged city and questioned how it could ever be restored to life.
Etymology
- Nehemiah (نحميا): The name Nehemiah comes from the Hebrew נְחֶמְיָה (Nehemya), meaning “Yahweh Comforts.”
- Arabic: النحميا (Al-Nahamya)
The Qur’anic Legend
Sūrah Al-Baqarah (2:261)
The story in question is found in the second chapter of the Qur’an, Sūrah Al-Baqarah, verse 261:
<p>“Hast thou considered him who passed by a city which had been laid in ruins. ‘How,’ said he, ‘shall God give life to this city, after she hath been dead?’ And God caused him to die for a hundred years, and then raised him to life. And God said, ‘How long hast thou waited?’ He said, ‘I have waited a day or part of a day.’ He said, ‘Nay, thou hast waited a hundred years. Look on thy food and thy drink; they are not corrupted; and look on thine ass; we would make thee a sign unto men: And look on the bones of thine ass, how we will raise them, then clothe them with flesh.’ And when this was shown to him, he said, ‘I acknowledge that God hath power to do all things.’”</p>
Interpretations by Islamic Scholars
Muslim commentators such as al-Kamāl, among others, have debated the identity of the individual mentioned in this story. Some suggest it could be:
- Jeremiah (إرميا - Irmiya)
- Khiḍr (خضر)
- Ezekiel (حزقيال - Hazqiyal)
These differing opinions highlight the varied interpretations and rich tapestry of Islamic exegetical tradition.
Suggested Books for Further Study
- Tafsir al-Jalalayn by Jalal al-Din al-Mahalli and Jalal al-Din al-Suyuti
- Stories of the Prophets (Qisas al-Anbiya) by Ibn Kathir
- The Bible and the Qur’an: Biblical Figures in the Islamic Tradition by John Kaltner
Takeaways
- Unidentified Figure: The man from the Qur’anic verse (Sūrah Al-Baqarah 2:261) is debated among Islamic scholars, attributing the story to figures such as Jeremiah, Khiḍr, or Ezekiel.
- Point of Convergence: Although Nehemiah is not mentioned explicitly, the theme of questioning and divine demonstration parallels themes from the Book of Nehemiah in the Bible.
- Rich Interpretative Tradition: Islamic scholarship shows a rich tradition of interpreting and contextualizing figures from both Islamic and Biblical narratives.
Conclusion
While Nehemiah does not hold a direct mention in the Qur’an or Islamic commentary, the narrative resembling his experiences highlights the shared heritage and interpretative richness within Islamic tradition. Understanding these references within the Islamic context allows a deeper appreciation of the confluence of Islamic and Judeo-Christian stories and beliefs.
By delving into further study, readers can explore the intricate ways in which Islamic scholars have woven scriptural and extra-biblical narrative threads, offering a broader perspective on shared prophetic histories.
