Sabbath

Sabbath - Sabt in Islamic Context

Definition

The term used in the Qur’ān for the Jewish Sabbath is Sabt (سبت‎), a reference to the day of rest observed by Jews. The word is a corruption of the Hebrew שַׁבָּת‎ (Shabbāth), marking a day when work is prohibited and rest is mandated.

Etymology

• Arabic: سبت (Sabt)
• Hebrew: שַׁבָּת‎ (Shabbāth)
• Turkish: Sebt

Quranic References

The concept of Sabbath (Sabt) is mentioned five times in the Qur’an:

1. Surah Al-Baqarah (2:65)

   <p>&ldquo;Ye know, too, those of you who transgressed on the Sabbath, and to whom We (God) said, &lsquo;Become scouted apes.&rsquo;&rdquo;</p>

2. Surah An-Nisa (4:47)

   <p>&ldquo;Or curse you as We (God) cursed the Sabbath breakers.&rdquo;</p>

3. Surah An-Nisa (4:154)

   <p>&ldquo;We (God) said to them (Israel), &lsquo;Break not the Sabbath.&rsquo;&rdquo;</p>

4. Surah Al-A’raf (7:163)

   <p>&ldquo;And ask them (the Jews) about the city that stood by the sea when its inhabitants broke the Sabbath; when their fish came to them appearing openly on their Sabbath-day, but not to them on the day when they kept no Sabbath.&rdquo;</p>

5. Surah An-Nahl (16:124)

   <p>&ldquo;The Sabbath was only ordained for those who differed about it.&rdquo;</p>

Commentary by Al-Baydawi

Renowned Islamic commentator Al-Baydawi provides traditional explanations for these Quranic verses:

• Observance of Sabbath: According to Al-Baydawi, Prophet Moses instructed the observance of Friday as the day of rest. However, the Jews insisted on Saturday, believing it was the day God rested after the creation.

• Transgression and Divine Punishment: During King David’s period, certain people began breaking the Sabbath by fishing in the Red Sea near Ailah (Elath). As punishment, God transformed them into apes.

Comparative Analysis

• Jewish Tradition: The Sabbath is traditionally observed from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset, marking it as a holy day of rest and worship.
• Islamic Tradition: Muslims observe Friday (Jumu’ah) as their significant day of communal prayers and rest. However, the principle of a mandated rest day akin to the Jewish Sabbath does not exist in Islamic Shariah.

Further Studies

1. “The Qur’an and its Biblical Subtext” by Gabriel Said Reynolds
2. “The Bible and the Qur’an” by John Kaltner
3. “An Introduction to Islam for Jews” by Reuven Firestone

Key Takeaways

• The term ‘Sabt’ in the Qur’an refers to the Jewish Sabbath and its associated laws.
• The Sabbath has historically been a point of contention and differentiation between Islamic and Jewish religious practices.
• Traditional Islamic exegesis provides detailed explanations and narratives regarding the transgression of the Sabbath.

Conclusion

The concept of Sabbath (Sabt) in Islam serves as an essential reference point in understanding the distinct yet intertwined histories of Islamic and Jewish traditions. The Quranic references to Sabbath emphasize both the respect for earlier Abrahamic faiths and the distinct guidelines that Islam provides for its followers.

For Muslims, the emphasis on Friday (Jumu’ah) highlights the unique aspects of Islamic worship and communal practices while acknowledging the scriptural heritage shared with Judaism.