Suwāʿ (سواع)
Definition
Suwāʿ (سواع) - Suwāʿ is an idol mentioned in the Qur’an, specifically in Sūrah Nūḥ (جد) 71:23. The idol is described as being in the form of a woman, and it holds significance in both the Qur’anic narrative and pre-Islamic history.
Etymology
The name Suwāʿ (سواع) originates from Arabic, with its root word being “س و ع” (S-W-ʿ). The etymology is related to notions of following or being followed.
- Arabic: سواع (Suwāʿ)
- Turkish: Suva
Qur’anic Mention
The idol Suwāʿ is mentioned in Surah Nūḥ (71:23) of the Qur’an, where the Prophet Nūḥ (Noah) admonishes his people for worshipping idols, listing Suwāʿ among them:
<p>“And they said, ‘Never leave your gods and never leave Wadd or Suwāʿ or Yaghūth and Yaʿūq and Nasr.’” (Surah Nūḥ 71:23)</p>
Historical Context
Suwāʿ is believed to have been a relic from antediluvian times, predating the Great Flood. The worship of Suwāʿ was part of the idolatrous practices among the people Prophet Nūḥ (Noah) aimed to guide towards monotheism. According to some Islamic traditions and scholarly interpretations, Suwāʿ and the other idols mentioned were originally pious individuals whose images became objects of worship after their demise.
Archaeological and Cultural Significance
Suwāʿ’s existence alludes to the deeply rooted practice of idolatry in pre-Islamic Arabia and highlights the Qur’anic emphasis on the challenge of eradicating such long-standing customs. This historical backdrop enhances our understanding of the transformative mission undertaken by Prophets in Islamic theology.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Introduction to the Qur’an” by Sir William Muir - Detailed analysis on the Quranic references to idols and pre-Islamic practices.
- “Pre-Islamic Arabia” by Wilfred Thesiger - A comprehensive study of the religious and social landscape of Arabia before Islam.
- “The History of the Qur’an” by Theodor Nöldeke - Insightful exploration of the historical context of the Qur’anic revelations.
Takeaways
- Suwāʿ symbolizes the deep-seated nature of idolatry in pre-Islamic societies.
- Its mention in the Qur’an underscores the perennial struggle against polytheism and idolatry depicted in Islamic teachings.
- Understanding Suwāʿ enriches one’s comprehension of Prophet Nūḥ’s narrative and the broader theological themes in the Qur’an.
Conclusion
Suwāʿ (سواع) represents more than just an idol; it reflects the entrenched idolatrous practices that Islamic monotheism aimed to transcend. Its mention in the Qur’an serves as a reminder of the persistent human proclivity towards idolatry and the enduring efforts of Prophets to guide humanity towards the worship of a singular, unseen God.
By integrating the Qur’anic text, historical context, and etymological insights, the entry on Suwāʿ (سواع) provides a comprehensive understanding of its significance within Islamic and pre-Islamic narratives.
