Sea (Baḥr)

Baḥr (بحر‎)

Definition and Etymology

Sea in Arabic, termed baḥr (بحر), appears frequently in Islamic texts, including the Qurʾān. The word baḥr refers broadly to seas, and sometimes even to large rivers, showcasing its versatile use in Arabic.

• Arabic: بحر (baḥr)
• Turkish: Deniz

Quranic References

The term al-baḥr (the sea) is notably mentioned in the Qurʾān across various verses, demonstrating its significance:

1. Red Sea: Particularly referred to as Baḥru ʾl-Qulzum in Islamic tradition.

   • Sūrah ii. 47 and Sūrah vii. 134: The splitting of the Red Sea.

2. Signs of God:

   • Sūrah xlii. 31: Ships that sail like mountains are among the ‘signs’ of God.

3. Swelling Sea:

   • Sūrah lii. 6: Muḥammad swears by “the swelling sea.”

4. Conveying Divine Power:

   • Sūrah xvii. 68: “It is the Lord who drives the ships for you in the sea, that you may seek after plenty from Him.”

5. Illustration of God’s Boundless Word:

   • Sūrah xviii. 109: “Were the sea ink for the words of my Lord, the sea would surely fail before the words of my Lord fail; aye, though we brought as much ink again.”

Islamic Literature and Tradition

In Islamic traditions, texts such as Majmaʿu ʾl-Biḥār provide extensive references to seas. Prophet Muḥammad is quoted saying that only certain classes of people should venture onto the sea due to its inherent dangers, highlighting:

1. Those who perform the Ḥajj (pilgrimage).
2. Those who undertake ʿUmrah (a lesser form of pilgrimage).
3. Warriors.

Names of the Seas in Islamic Literature

Islamic texts have specific terms for various significant bodies of water:

• Al-Baḥru ʾl-Ak͟hẓar: The Green or Indian Ocean.
• Al-Baḥru ʾl-Abyaẓ: The White or Mediterranean Sea.
• Al-Baḥru ʾl-Aswad: The Black or Euxine Sea.
• Al-Baḥru ʾl-Azraq: The Blue or Persian Sea.
• Al-Baḥru ʾl-Qulzum or al-Baḥru ʾl-Aḥmar: The Red Sea.
• Al-Baḥru ʾl-Lūt̤: The Sea of Lot (Dead Sea).
• Al-Baḥru ʾl-K͟hiẓr: The sea of Khizr (Caspian Sea).

Further Reading

For a deeper understanding of this subject, consider exploring these scholarly works:

1. “The Quran: Its Impact and Influence on the Life of Muslims” by Abul A‘la Maududi.
2. “The Quranic Studies: Sources and Methods of Scriptural Interpretation” by John Burton.
3. “Islamic Rivers: An Environmental History” by Dedeoğlu, Mehmet Saray.

Takeaways and Conclusion

The Arabic term baḥr (بحر) transcends its basic meaning of sea or ocean, symbolizing immense and boundless aspects within Islamic theology. Its presence across Qurʾānic verses spotlights its metaphoric use to allude to God’s omnipotence and the vastness of His words and creation. Both literal and figurative references to baḥr enrich the understanding of natural phenomena through a spiritual lens in Islam.

In conclusion, the conceptualization of seas in Islamic thought is multifaceted, encompassing natural, metaphysical, and ethical dimensions, illustrating the profound connection between the physical world and divine attributes.