Rainbow - Qausu quzaḥ (قوس قزح)
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: قوس قزح (Qausu quzaḥ)
- Hebrew: קֶשֶׁת (Kesheth)
- Persian: Kamān-i-Rustum (کمان رستوم)
The Arabic term for rainbow is “Qausu quzaḥ” (قوس قزح), which means “The bow of many colors.” However, Islamic tradition prefers the term “Qausu ʾllāh” (قوس الله), translating to “God’s bow.”
Islamic Tradition and Cultural Significance
While the rainbow is not mentioned in the Qur’ān, it appears in Islamic traditions (Hadith). According to the book an-Nihāyah and Majmaʿu ʾl-Biḥār:
- The Prophet Muhammad forbade calling the rainbow “Qausu quzaḥ” (قوس قزح) because “quzaḥ” is one of the names of Satan. Satan, in Islamic beliefs, is known for assuming many forms to tempt humans.
- Instead, Muhammad instructed naming the rainbow “Qausu ʾllāh” (God’s bow) to signify the divine promise that God made to protect the world from a second deluge, reminiscent of the covenant made after the Great Flood in other Abrahamic traditions.
In Persian culture, the rainbow is referred to as “Kamān-i-Rustum” (کمان رَستوم), which means “the bow of Rustum,” a legendary hero in Persian mythology.
Books for Further Studies
To delve deeper into the cultural and theological significance of rainbows in Islamic traditions and other related topics, consider the following books:
- “Al-Nihāyah fī Gharīb al-Ḥadīth” by Ibn Athir
- “Majmaʿu ʾl-Biḥār” by Murtada al-Zabidi
- “Islamic Ethics and Chapter of the Qur’an” by Shaykh Muhammad Saalih Al-Munajjid
- “The Culture and Civilization of Islam” by Bernard Lewis
- “Islam: A Short History” by Karen Armstrong
Takeaways and Conclusion
- The rainbow, although not explicitly mentioned in the Qur’ān, finds its significance in Islamic traditions.
- The preference for calling it “Qausu ʾllāh” underscores a theological and ethical outlook, reflecting God’s promise and protection.
- Recognizing the rainbow’s divine association invites deeper respect and reverence.
Understanding these nuances enriches the comprehension of Islamic culture and its layered approach to natural phenomena. The rainbow, therefore, is not just a natural spectacle but also a symbol embedded with divine meaning and historical significance in Islam.
