ZABĪR (زبير)
Definition
ZABĪR (زبير) - A term used to refer to Mount Sinai, an important site in Islamic, Christian, and Jewish traditions. It is notably recognized as the mountain on which Allah (God) conversed with Prophet Moses (Musa).
Etymology
The word ZABĪR (زبير) originates from the Arabic root “زبر,” which may hold meanings associated with rock or mountain. This term signifies a place of great significance, especially in the context of Islamic narratives.
Arabic and Turkish Translations
- Arabic: زبير (Zabīr)
- Turkish: Sina Dağı
Significance in Islam
Mount Sinai, referred to as ZABĪR in Islamic texts, holds a special place in the history of Islam. According to Islamic tradition, it is the mountain where the divine conversation between Allah and Prophet Moses took place. Here, Prophet Moses received the commandments from Allah, an event paralleled in both Judaic and Christian beliefs.
- Qur’anic Reference: The Qur’an refers to Mount Sinai as “Ṭūr Sīnāʾ (طور سيناء)” in several passages (e.g., Qur’an 95:2), emphasizing its sanctity and importance.
Key Points
- Historical Context: Mount Sinai is traditionally identified with a mountain in the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt.
- Religious Significance: It is a revered site for receiving divine revelations.
- Interfaith Recognition: Recognized in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam for its spiritual importance.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Bible, the Qur’an, and Science: The Holy Scriptures Examined in the Light of Modern Knowledge” by Maurice Bucaille
- “The Stories of the Prophets” by Ibn Kathir
- “The History of God: The 4,000-Year Quest of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam” by Karen Armstrong
Takeaways
- ZABĪR serves as a synonym for Mount Sinai within Islamic texts.
- It underscores the convergence of monotheistic faiths in the narrative of divine commandments given to Prophet Moses.
- Understanding ZABĪR enriches one’s appreciation of shared religious heritage and historical interconnectivity between major world religions.
Conclusion
The term ZABĪR (زبير) is a testament to the interconnectedness of Islamic tradition with broader Abrahamic faith narratives. Its identification with Mount Sinai not only highlights a monumental event in Islamic theology but also establishes a significant link with Jewish and Christian traditions, celebrating a shared spiritual heritage.
