YAʿŪQ (يعوق)
Definition
YAʿŪQ (يعوق) refers to an idol mentioned in the Qurʾān, specifically in Sūrah Nooh (Sūrah 71), verse 23. This idol is cited as one of the false gods worshipped by people during the times preceding the Prophet Noah (Nūḥ).
Etymology
- Arabic: يعوق (YAʿŪQ)
- Turkish: Ya‘ûk
The term “YAʿŪQ” likely stems from early Semitic languages and is embedded in ancient Arabian idolatrous traditions.
Qur’anic Reference
In Sūrah Nooh (Sūrah 71), verse 23, it is stated:
وَقَالُوا لَا تَذَرُنَّ آلِهَتَكُمْ وَلَا تَذَرُنَّ وَدًّا وَلَا سُوَاعًۭا وَلَا يَغُوثَ وَيَعُوقَ وَنَسْرًۭا
Translation: “And they said, ‘Never leave your gods and never leave Wadd or Suwāʿ or Yaʿūth and Yaʿūq and Nasr.’”
Historical Context and Depictions
YAʿŪQ is traditionally described as an idol shaped in the figure of a horse. This aligns with Professor Edward Henry Palmer’s description. Al-Baiḍāwī, a renowned Qur’anic exegete, and other Islamic scholars provided narratives suggesting that YAʿŪQ was originally a heroic figure who lived during the time between Adam and Noah. Over time, this revered figure was deified, and an idol named YAʿŪQ was created to represent him.
Significance in Islamic Theology
The mention of YAʿŪQ in the Qur’an serves as a reminder of the various forms of idolatry that existed before Islam. It underscores the Islamic principle of monotheism (Tawḥīd) by highlighting past errors in worship. The deification of human figures and the creation of idols such as YAʿŪQ demonstrate the Qurˀān’s critique of polytheism and the admonishment against the worship of anything other than Allah.
Recommended Books for Further Studies
- “The Holy Qur’an: Text, Translation, and Commentary” by Abdullah Yusuf Ali
- “A Brief Introduction to the Qur’an: The Scripture of Islam” by Andrew Rippin
- “The Qur’an and Its Interpreters” by Mahmoud M. Ayoub
- “Historical Dictionary of Prophets in Islam and Judaism” by Scott B. Noegel and Brannon M. Wheeler
Takeaways
- YAʿŪQ (يعوق) is an idol mentioned in the Qurʾān in the context of pre-Islamic idolatry.
- It symbolizes the misguidance of ancient communities that turned to idol worship, ignoring monotheism.
- Understanding YAʿŪQ’s historical and theological connotations serves to deepen one’s grasp of Islamic attitudes towards idolatry and polytheism.
Conclusion
The study of YAʿŪQ (يعوق) provides insight into the intricacies of Islamic teachings on idolatry, emphasizes the importance of monotheism, and sheds light on the historical practices of ancient communities. Through references in the Qur’an and exegeses by scholars like Al-Baiẓāwī, one can appreciate the transformation of historical figures into idols and the subsequent Islamic rejection of these practices.
