SIJILL (سجل)
SIJILL (سجل), pronounced as sijill, is an Arabic term that carries multiple meanings, all of which revolve around the concept of documentation or record-keeping. In the context of Islamic jurisprudence, it primarily refers to a register or a record of a court of justice, or a decree issued by a judge.
Etymology and Linguistic Roots
The term sijill (سجل) derives from the Arabic root سجل, which is concerned with the concept of writing, recording, or documenting. In classical Arabic usage, sijill refers to a scroll, book, or register where important information is inscribed.
In Turkish, the term sijill has been absorbed as sicil, retaining much of its original significance related to record-keeping and registries.
Qur’anic References
The term sijill is present in the Qur’an, where it is imbued with eschatological significance. One notable reference is found in Sūrah Al-Anbiyāʾ (21:104):
<p>“The day when We will roll up the heavens as As-Sijill rolls up his books; as We produced it at the first creation, will We bring it back again.”</p>
In this verse, the word sijill is interpreted by some scholars to symbolize the angel responsible for the register of mankind’s fate. Other interpretations suggest it refers to the heavenly “scrolls” or “books” themselves, underscoring the notion of divine records.
Historical and Contemporary Significance
Legal Context
In the historical Islamic legal system, a sijill referred to formal court records and decrees. Judges, known as qadis, documented their rulings in sijills, which served as authoritative legal records and contributed to the development of Islamic jurisprudence.
Mystical and Philosophical Contexts
In Sufism and Islamic mysticism, the concept of sijill can extend to metaphysical records, such as the “Preserved Tablet” (al-Lawh al-Mahfuz), which is believed to contain divine decrees and knowledge.
Further Reading
For an in-depth exploration of sijill and its diverse contexts, consider the following:
- “The Administration of Justice in Medieval Egypt: From the Seventh to the Twelfth Century” by Claude Cahen
- “The Spirit of Islamic Law” by Bernard G. Weiss
- “The Qur’an: An Encyclopedia” edited by Oliver Leaman
- “Islamic Jurisprudence in the Classical Era” by Norman Calder
Key Takeaways
- Sijill (سجل), an Arabic term meaning register, document, or decree, is central to Islamic administrative and legal practices.
- The term is used in the Qur’an, with eschatological significance suggesting divine records or the fate of mankind.
- Historically, sijills were vital legal documents maintained by judges and carried significant weight.
- The concept also permeates Sufi and philosophical discourses, referencing divine knowledge and decrees.
Conclusion
Sijill serves as a testament to the importance of documentation in the Islamic tradition, underscoring the theme of divine omniscience and human accountability. Its multiple layers of meaning, from legal records to metaphysical registers, reflect the rich tapestry of Islamic intellectual history.
