The Arabic language differs from English in
many ways. Arabic has 28 consonants English only has 24. Arabic has eight vowels/diphthongs, English
has 22. Short vowels don’t really matter
in Arabic; text is read from right to left and written in cursive script. There are no upper and lower case letters and
rules for pronunciation are less strict.
Those differences are just the beginning so it
stands to reason that that there may be terms, phrases and words that are
common in Arabic that don’t have an English equivalent. Here are a few courtesy of Dr. Mukhtar Curtis
who has a Ph.D in Islamic Studies.
Rahman-Several
times a day Muslims say the word Rahman during prayer. The common translation of Rahman is merciful
but that is a weak and understated translation.
Merciful according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary means treating
people with kindness and forgiveness; not cruel or harsh; having or showing
mercy; giving relief from suffering. Sounds good but doesn’t quite reach the
expansiveness of what Rahman means. The
English just doesn’t come close.
Rahman refers to the mercy that Allah (God) gives
to everyone whether they believe in Him, obey Him or even respect Him. People still have the ability to laugh, wake
up in the morning and enjoy the sunshine, they have health, some good, some bad
but they can take a breath every day.
Rahman refers to the full weight of Allah’s mercy to everyone regardless
of their station in life. The full
weight of this word doesn’t come through when you just say merciful. There is really no English word equivalent to
explain Rahman properly.
Rifq-This word translates as gentleness. According to the Free Dictionary the
definition of gentleness is considerate or kindly in disposition; amiable and tender; not harsh or
severe; mild and soft; easily managed or handled; docile; not steep or sudden; gradual. Rifq is so much more than gentleness or kindness.
“Prophet Muhammad, The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said that, “Rifq (gentleness)
is not placed in anything except that it beautifies it and that it is not
removed from anything except that it makes that thing ugly”.” Saheeh Muslim,
Vol. 4, Kitaab Al-Birr was-Silah wal-Aadaab (#2594).
In another statement by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) it was
said: “Whoever has been prevented from Rifq (gentleness) has been prevented
from all that is good.” Saheeh Muslim, Vol. 4, Kitaab Al-Birr was-Silah
wal-Aadaab (#2592).
Rifq must be a part of everything. It refers to the manner and way of dealing
with people. Muslims learn that Allah
loves for rifq to be a part of everything.
Even if someone insults you, rifq is to be used in your response. Rifq is something that earns Allah’s mercy
and pleasure. The closer you are to a
person, the more rifq, compassion and gentleness you should use in interacting
with them. The more distant the
relationship the less rifq is demonstrated.
Language
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the translation industry, by providing high quality translation services for
all industries. Like many companies
doing business with Muslims, we had a lot to learn. We are happy to share our experiences.
Interesting article. Clears up a lot.
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