Raṭl, Riṭl (رطل‎)

Raṭl, Riṭl (رطل‎)

Definition

Raṭl, Riṭl (رطل‎) refers to a unit of weight or measure used historically and in various Islamic regions. It carries different significances:

1. Weight/Measure:

   • A unit of weight commonly equivalent to 12 ounces in the Baghdad standard.
   • Used as a measure of capacity, akin to a pint.
   • Muhammad is known to have given a raṭl of silver as a marriage present.

2. Chastity:

   • The term can signify something that is chaste.

3. References in Different Contexts:

   • It describes a boy not yet at puberty.
   • It may also refer to an aged man.

Etymology

Raṭl (رطل‎) stems from classical Arabic, where it denotes a unit of weight. Its etymological roots trace back to measurements used across historical Islamic regions.

Translation

• Arabic: رطل
• Turkish: Ratıl

Variations in Weights and Measures

• Baghdad Standard: 12 ounces for weight; a pint for capacity.
• Bombay (as per Professor Wilson): Equivalent to 36 Surat rupees.
• Red Sea Region: Known as rottolo, varies from 10 to 20 ounces avoirdupois.

Cultural and Religious Significance

In Islamic practice, particularly according to Sunnah (tradition of the Prophet), a raṭl of silver was given as a marriage present. This has led to the saying, “As-sunnatu fī ʾn-nikāḥi riṭlun” (السنة فى النكاح رطل‎), emphasizing the tradition in marriage.

Suggested Books for Further Studies

1. “An Arabic-English Lexicon” by Edward William Lane

   • Dive deeper into the definitions and historical uses of Raṭl, Riṭl (رطل‎) and other Arabic terms.

2. “The Encyclopaedia of Islam” edited by P.J. Bearman, Th. Bianquis, C.E. Bosworth, E. van Donzel, and W.P. Heinrichs

   • Comprehensive entries on Islamic terms, history, and cultural practices.

3. “The Muĥgrib of al-Mut̤arrizī”

   • Explore the connotations and detailed lexical explanations provided by al-Mut̤arrizī.

Takeaways

• Raṭl (رطل‎) is a multi-faceted term with significant implications in historical Islam, including legal, economic, and social contexts.
• Varying weights and measures highlight the term’s adaptability over regions and eras.
• Its application in the context of marriage reflects cultural continuities and religious traditions.

Conclusion

Understanding Raṭl, Riṭl (رطل‎) provides insightful perspectives on Islamic history, culture, and law. It underscores the richness of Islamic terminologies and their pervasive influence on daily life and religious practices. Further exploration of classical texts can offer an enriched understanding of its applicative depth.

This structured and expanded entry now provides comprehensive insights into the term Raṭl, Riṭl (رطل‎), reflecting its historical and cultural significance, etymology, variations, and usage in Islamic practices. The inclusion of suggested readings and takeaways serves to guide further exploration.