Yaumu ʾl-Qarr (يوم القر): Definition, Etymology, and Significance in Islam
Definition
Yaumu ʾl-Qarr (يوم القر), translated as “The Day of Rest,” is observed during the Islamic pilgrimage of Ḥajj. It is the day following the sacrificial rituals (Yaumu al-Naḥr), during which the pilgrims take a well-deserved rest.
Etymology
The term Yaumu ʾl-Qarr is derived from Arabic:
- Yaum (يوم): Day
- Al-Qarr (القر): Rest, settlement
In essence, the term encapsulates the concept of a “day of rest” or “day of settling” after the intense series of rituals performed during the Ḥajj pilgrimage.
Arabic and Turkish Translations
- Arabic: يوم القر (Yaumu ʾl-Qarr)
- Turkish: Dinlenme Günü
Significance During Ḥajj
Yaumu ʾl-Qarr holds special significance as:
- It provides pilgrims the essential time to rest and rejuvenate after the physically and spiritually demanding rites performed so far, including the standing at Arafat and the sacrificial ceremonies.
- It allows pilgrims to reflect on their experiences and the spiritual journey they have undertaken.
Rituals and Practices
On Yaumu ʾl-Qarr, pilgrims:
- Rest: Spend the day in their accommodations, often in the tents in Mina, recuperating from the strenuous previous days.
- Personal Reflection: Engage in prayer, reading the Qur’an, and personal reflection on the pilgrimage.
- Social Interactions: Interact with fellow pilgrims, share stories and experiences, and create a sense of community.
Books for Further Studies
To deepen your understanding of Yaumu ʾl-Qarr and its context within the broader scope of Ḥajj, the following books are recommended:
- The Hajj: Pilgrimage in Islam by F. E. Peters
- Hajj: Journey to the Heart of Islam by Venetia Porter
- The Hajj: The Muslim Pilgrimage to Mecca and the Holy Places by Sir Richard F. Burton
- Understanding Islam by Thomas W. Lippman - Chapter dedicated to the Five Pillars of Islam including Ḥajj
Takeaways
- Meaning: Yaumu ʾl-Qarr is “The Day of Rest” observed during Ḥajj.
- Purpose: It allows pilgrims to rest and reflect after major rituals.
- Significance: Offers spiritual and physical rejuvenation.
- Rituals: Multiple days engagement, community interactions, personal spiritual activities.
Conclusion
Yaumu ʾl-Qarr is a significant observance within the Ḥajj pilgrimage, granting pilgrims much-needed rest and an opportunity for spiritual reflection. This period not only serves to recuperate physically but also fosters a deeper spiritual connection, reinforcing the pilgrimage’s overall impact on one’s faith and community ties.
