Sinai
Definition and Significance
Sinai (Arabic: Saināʾ, سيناء), also known as Jabalu Mūsā (جبل موسى, “the Mount of Moses”), holds profound significance in Islamic tradition. It is closely associated with the story of Prophet Moses (Musa), where it is traditionally understood to be the mountain where God revealed the Torah to Moses and the site where God took a compact from the prophets.
Etymology
The term “Sinai” in Arabic is Saināʾ (سيناء), which corresponds to the Hebrew סִינַי (Sinai). In the Qurʾān, it is referred to as T̤ūru Saināʾ (طور سيناء, “Mount Sinai”) and T̤ūru Sīnīn (طور سينين). Additionally, it is simply referred to as at̤-T̤ūr (الطور, “the Mount”), an Aramaic term T̤ūr (טוּר).
Quranic References
Mount Sinai is mentioned in several significant instances in the Quran:
- Sūrah Al-A’raf (7:139): It is the mountain on which God gave the tables of the Law to Moses.
- Sūrah Al-Imran (3:75): Referred to as the place where God assembled the prophets and took a compact from them.
- Sūrah At-Tin (95:2): Muhammad makes the Almighty swear “by Mount Sinai”.
- Sūrah Al-Mu’minun (23:20): It is mentioned as a place where a tree grows that produces oil and a condiment for those who eat.
Islamic Commentary
Islamic scholars have elaborated on the significance of Mount Sinai. Al-Baiẓāwī, in his commentary (Fleischer’s ed., vol. i. p. 343), and the author of the Majmaʿu ’l-Biḥār (p. 57), both note that Moses received the Divine tables of the Law on Mount Jabalu Zubair (جبل زبير).
Books for Further Studies
- “The Quran” (Translation and Commentary by Abdullah Yusuf Ali)
- “In the Footsteps of the Prophets” by Tariq Ramadan
- “The Study Quran: A New Translation and Commentary” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr et al.
- “Islam: A New Historical Introduction” by Carole Hillenbrand
Takeaways and Conclusion
Mount Sinai, known as Saināʾ in Arabic, holds a place of great reverence in Islamic tradition. It is deeply interconnected with the story of Prophet Moses and the revelation of the Divine Law. The Quranic mentions and traditional Islamic commentaries highlight its spiritual and historical significance, solidifying its role in the collective memory and reverence of Muslims worldwide.
- Mount Sinai is integral to Islamic narratives, especially those involving Prophet Moses.
- It is a symbol of divine revelation, a place where God communicated directly with Moses.
- Quranic references and scholarly commentaries enrich its historical and spiritual context.
Understanding the significance of Sinai not only enhances our appreciation of Islamic tradition but also fosters a deeper connection to the shared narratives across Abrahamic religions.
