Introduction to Sharāb (شراب)
Sharāb (شراب) is a term in the Arabic language that fundamentally means “that which is drunk.” This term is versatile, encompassing not only the everyday beverage but also carrying a special significance in the context of alcoholic drinks, particularly wine. In the realm of Islamic mysticism, Sharāb is imbued with deeper meanings symbolizing spiritual experiences and the overpowering influence of Divine love on the human heart.
Etymology and Translation
- Etymology: Derived from the Arabic root ش-ر-ب (sh-r-b), which means “to drink.”
- Arabic: شراب (Sharāb)
- Turkish: Şarap
General Meaning
In general use, Sharāb refers to any drink. It could be water, juice, or tea—basically, any liquid consumed by humans. However, the term has a particular association with wine and other intoxicating beverages.
Significance in Islamic Legal and Ethical Context
In Islamic legal terms, Sharāb often refers specifically to wine and alcoholic beverages, which are considered haram (prohibited). The Qur’an and Hadith provide clear guidelines about the consumption of intoxicants:
- Qur’an 5:90: “O you who believe! Intoxicants, gambling, (dedication of) stones, and (divination by) arrows, are an abomination of Satan’s handiwork: eschew such (abomination), that you may prosper.”
These texts underscore the importance of abstaining from such drinks due to their harmful effects on both the mind and the soul.
Mystical Interpretations
In Sufi literature and Islamic mysticism, Sharāb transcends its literal meaning to embody more profound spiritual themes. Poets and mystics, such as Rumi and Hafiz, write about Sharāb symbolically to express spiritual intoxication—a state of ecstatic love and union with the Divine:
- Divine Love: In this context, Sharāb symbolizes the overwhelming dominion of Divine love over a believer’s heart. It is an enrapturing force that brings one closer to Allah, creating a sense of unity and transcendental joy.
Sharāb in Literature and Culture
Sharāb has found an indelible place in the rich tapestry of Islamic literature and culture. Through centuries, poets across the Islamic world have utilized the nuances of this term to convey various dimensions of human emotions and spiritual states:
- Persian Poetry: In the works of Persian poets like Hafez and Omar Khayyam, Sharāb (often rendered as wine or a chalice of wine) serves as a metaphor for divine love, enlightenment, and existential beauty.
- Sufi Poetry: Rumi and other Sufi poets have repeatedly drawn upon the imagery of Sharāb to convey the intoxication of divine presence and the soul’s ecstatic journey towards God.
Recommended Books for Further Study
For those interested in diving deeper into the concept of Sharāb and its multifaceted implications in Islamic thought and culture, the following books are recommended:
- “The Mystics of Islam” by Reynold A. Nicholson.
- “The Wine of Wisdom: The Life, Poetry and Philosophy of Omar Khayyam” by Mehdi Aminrazavi.
- “The Cambridge Companion to Sufism” edited by Lloyd Ridgeon.
- “The Conference of the Birds” by Farid ud-Din Attar, translated by Sholeh Wolpe.
- “Rumi: The Book of Love” by Coleman Barks.
Takeaways
- Sharāb is a comprehensive term in Arabic referring to “that which is drunk.”
- In everyday context, it can mean any liquid consumed as a drink.
- In an Islamic legal and ethical framework, Sharāb often denotes wine and intoxicating beverages, which are prohibited.
- In mysticism, particularly Sufism, Sharāb metaphorically represents divine love and the soul’s passionate quest for God.
Conclusion
Sharāb is a nuanced term with varied applications in Islamic jurisprudence, culture, and mysticism. While it signifies any drink in its general sense, its association with intoxicants marks its importance in Islamic legal discussions. Meanwhile, in the realm of mysticism, it opens up a poetic and symbolic world where divine love reigns supreme. Understanding this term enhances one’s appreciation of both the daily and spiritual dimensions of Islamic life.
By exploring the depths and breadth of Sharāb in its various contexts, we gain richer insights into the cultural and spiritual fabric of Islam.
