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  4. New article: What is the meaning of "al masjid al haram"?

New article: What is the meaning of "al masjid al haram"?

Scheduled Pinned Locked Moved Questions/Comments on the Quran
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  • G Offline
    G Offline
    good_logic
    wrote on last edited by
    #336

    Peace Wakas.

    Can I ask the following question about what you say here,quote
    " If I think the attempt is reasonable you will..."

    Question- How are you going to determine that the answers are"reasonable" unless you know for sure the "reasonable" answers?

    Because to me, the word "I think" implies that you may have an idea/s but you may not do the answers justice unless your idea/s are "reasonable"/unbiased and true.
    But I may be wrong. Please clarify.
    GOD bless you.
    Peace.

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    • WakasW Offline
      WakasW Offline
      Wakas
      wrote on last edited by
      #337

      peace GL,
      Good question but the answer is quite simple and it's been available for years. I have referred to my methodology multiple times
      http//www.quran434.com/study-method.html

      If you want it even simpler, the article would have to take into account the following
      Quranic grammar, Quranic cross-reference, non-contradictory, logical, practical application, self-contained explanation.

      All information is correct to the best of my knowledge only and thus should not be taken as a fact. One should always seek knowledge and verify for themselves when possible: 17:36, 20:114, 35:28, 49:6, 58:11.

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      • G Offline
        G Offline
        good_logic
        wrote on last edited by
        #338

        Thank you for clarifying Wakas.
        In my experience ,this sounds straightforward, quote
        "Quranic grammar, Quranic cross-reference, non-contradictory, logical, practical application, self-contained explanation."

        But with Qoran the majority aof the verses are notthat straightforwards.
        Let me give an example
        1242
        وَقالَ لِلَّذى ظَنَّ أَنَّهُ ناجٍ مِنهُمَا اذكُرنى عِندَ رَبِّكَ فَأَنسىٰهُ الشَّيطٰنُ ذِكرَ رَبِّهِ فَلَبِثَ فِى السِّجنِ بِضعَ سِنينَ
        He then said to the one to be saved "Remember me at your lord."* Thus, Satan caused him to forget Dhikra his Lord, and, consequently, he remained in prison a few more years.

        Does the word فَأَنسىٰهُ refers toJoseph or his friend the prisoner,? The Arabic grammar here is not straightforward
        i.e wich one of them forgot "Dhikra Rabbihi".?
        But I get your general point.
        GOD bless you.
        Peace.

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        • T Offline
          T Offline
          TellMeTheTruth
          wrote on last edited by
          #339

          Dear brother, Wakas!
          2240 is not present in your article. Please share what you think about مساجد, صوامع etc. in this ayah. How all nouns are related to TIME.

          Arabic
          لَّهُدِّمَتْ صَوَامِعُ وَبِيَعٌ وَصَلَوَاتٌ وَمَسَاجِدُ يُذْكَرُ فِيهَا اسْمُ اللَّهِ كَثِيرًا

          Thanks & Peace!

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          • WakasW Offline
            WakasW Offline
            Wakas
            wrote on last edited by
            #340

            peace,

            It is there. It is a 3 part series of articles

            http//mypercept.co.uk/articles/meaning-of-SuJuD-from-Quran.html
            http//mypercept.co.uk/articles/meaning-masjid-quran.html (2240 is covered here)
            http//mypercept.co.uk/articles/meaning-masjid-al-haram-Quran.html

            All information is correct to the best of my knowledge only and thus should not be taken as a fact. One should always seek knowledge and verify for themselves when possible: 17:36, 20:114, 35:28, 49:6, 58:11.

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            • WakasW Offline
              WakasW Offline
              Wakas
              wrote on last edited by
              #341

              The $100 USD challenge

              http//mypercept.co.uk/articles/meaning-masjid-al-haram-Quran.html

              If you can find an article (written in English) that can provide a Quran-based answer that explains the above highlighted verses please share it here. If I think the attempt is reasonable you will be rewarded with $100. Or you may opt for it to be donated to a charity of your choosing. Proof of donation will be provided in that case.

              Increased to $200. Please search all the Quran based islam writers (in English) and find me an article, thanks.

              All information is correct to the best of my knowledge only and thus should not be taken as a fact. One should always seek knowledge and verify for themselves when possible: 17:36, 20:114, 35:28, 49:6, 58:11.

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              • M Offline
                M Offline
                Mazhar
                wrote on last edited by
                #342

                //Conclusion of parts 1, 2, 3
                The Quranic evidence weighs the evidence in favour of SJD meaning "to submit/honour/pay respect", "masjid" meaning "time of SJD", "al masjid al haram" meaning "the inviolable time of SJD" (i.e. the term referring to the time-period/event of the inviolable months). This understanding provides a logical, coherent and practical answer throughout, and helps answer some of the most difficult questions in Quran exegesis (e.g. 171-8, 1760, 4827, 2142-150).//

                What does it mean or convey to the reader?

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                • A Offline
                  A Offline
                  Ajinomoto
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #343

                  //Conclusion of parts 1, 2, 3
                  The Quranic evidence weighs the evidence in favour of SJD meaning "to submit/honour/pay respect", "masjid" meaning "time of SJD", "al masjid al haram" meaning "the inviolable time of SJD" (i.e. the term referring to the time-period/event of the inviolable months). This understanding provides a logical, coherent and practical answer throughout, and helps answer some of the most difficult questions in Quran exegesis (e.g. 171-8, 1760, 4827, 2142-150).//

                  ==================================

                  Salamun Alaykum,

                  I know that this thread has been long ago, but I hope still valid to discuss about this interesting subject.

                  So let me express my understanding about "al masjidi al harami".

                  All words of "al masjid" in Al Quran means the land instead of "place of sujud".

                  All words of “al harami” in Al Quran means treaty or covenant.

                  To understand about the words of “al masjidi al harami”, we should know that all messengers was came from descendant of Noah, which is also descendant of Adam, and the people to whom the messengers were sent to is the descendant of the people of ark.

                  God saved Noah and the people of Ark to THE BLESSED LAND, and from them consecutively God sent messengers and annihilated the wicked people.

                  Among the messengers after Noah, God choose Moses (2039-41) and his people who night travel with him, and later was called as “israel” (247, 2122), for taking THE COVENANT from them for the purpose that had been decreed, after God had annihilated previous generations.

                  2843 We gave Moses the Book, after We had annihilated the earlier generations as "eye opener" for the people, as guidance and mercy that they may take heed.

                  That is why God made Moses for Himself (2041), and Moses is the most messenger mentioned in Al Quran. He is the only messenger who God speak directly (7144).

                  God delivered His commandment to “israel” that He wanted to send down a light thru “gentile prophet”. Those who follow the light that was sent down with him will be the successful ones (7156-157).

                  So, before “the gentile prophet” came with the light (Al Quran), God has prepared the best scenario for the world by involving multi generations.

                  “Israel” is the representation of the man kind for God took the covenant before sending down Al Quran, and God gave them Torah thru Moses. After them, “bani israel” who spiritual descendant of “israel”, inherit Torah and bound with the covenant that taken by “israel”, and God send to them messengers and scriptures in order for them familiar with God Revelations, just like they recognize their own children (2146).

                  God blessed “bani Israel” more than anyone in the world as they will be the witness for the coming of “the gentile prophet”.

                  Therefore, 171 is talking about Moses and not Muhammad.

                  People of Moses who night travel with him from “al masjidi al harami” to “al masjidi al aqsha”, means that they travel from “the blessed land” (ex the land of people of ark and Noah) to the far land, for taken the covenant.

                  At the time of Muhammad, the blessed land had became many towns, and the inhabitant of the towns were ordered to be the part of “al masjidi al harami”, as they were bound with the covenant (2149-150).

                  Unfortunately, at the time of Muhammad, many of “bani Israel” broke their covenant and they denied Muhammad and Al Quran, even they were divided into Jewish and Christian, except a few of them (3113).

                  Therefore, the meaning of “al masjidi al harami” is the blessed land who the inhabitant was bound with the covenant at the time of Muhammad.

                  “bani Israel” is the descendant of the people of Ark (173), so for me, “al masjidi al harami” in Al Quran is just a code for the blessed land (ex people of the ark and Noah), in order for us to know that the land where Muhammad lived was the same land with other messengers.

                  Kind Regards,

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                  • A Offline
                    A Offline
                    Aladin_Azra
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #344

                    El-mesjid-ul-Haraam is what so-called democratic societies have today as the Parliament, the Body to decide what is forbidden, ie. to bring the Law. For Muslims (submitters to Him) the Law is according to His Guidance. Since the Qur'an, it should be for humanity, as kuffaar have UN.
                    El-mesjid-ul-aqSaa is the Partliament in exile. Pharaoh (Akhanaten) took all the power and forbid the outsiders (ie. Hittite) to have any power in decision making.

                    Hajj is an annual gathering of the Parliament, and 'umraa is any out of Hajj. Local commune (qawm) has its own gathering on yewm-ul-jumu'a.

                    Christians tried to have el-mesjid-ul-Haraam, but it was corrupted and usurped by the Romans, what we call today the Council (ie. of Nicaea). Similarly, when Muhammed Resulullah died, fitna started and there's no el-mesjid-ul-Haraam, as it should be since Ibrahim.

                    Individuals also have an obligation to study the Qur'an to learn what is not known to them of things they need for life.

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                    • WakasW Offline
                      WakasW Offline
                      Wakas
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #345

                      peace all,

                      I find this interesting. Can this comparison provide clues as what is meant? I will post without much analysis

                      1821
                      And as such, We revealed their case so that they would know that the promise of God is true and that there is no doubt regarding the Hour. They argued among themselves regarding them, so they said "Build over them a building/monument" Their Lord is fully aware of them, those who prevailed in their matter said "Surely we will take (to ourselves?)* over them a masjid."
                      *taking something for oneself?

                      2125 And when We made the house/shelter (bayt) a place of return/filling/reward for mankind and a security, and take (to yourselves) from the status of Abraham a place/time of salaa, and We made a convenant to Abraham and Ishmael that "You (both) purify My house/shelter (bayt) for those who go among/about, and stay/devote, and incline and honour/acknowledge."

                      https//corpus.quran.com/wordbyword.jsp?chapter=18&verse=21#(18211)

                      I think the grammar needs clarified so will post this here
                      http//allthearabicyouneverlearnedthefirsttimearound.com/p2/forms-vii-and-viii/
                      Quote
                      Often the meaning of Form VIII verbs is reflexive. The Form I كشف means “to disclose” something to someone else. The Form VIII refers to one’s discovering something for oneself.

                      Not all Form VIII verbs are reflexive in meaning. Their range of meanings is broad, so you will need to learn the meaning of each one as you come to it. Many Form VIII verbs are transitive.

                      A verb can be described as transitive or intransitive based on whether it requires an object to express a complete thought or not. A transitive verb is one that only makes sense if it exerts its action on an object. An intransitive verb will make sense without one.

                      Background
                      http//www.mypercept.co.uk/articles/meaning-of-SuJuD-from-Quran.html
                      http//www.mypercept.co.uk/articles/meaning-masjid-quran.html
                      http//www.mypercept.co.uk/articles/meaning-masjid-al-haram-Quran.html

                      All information is correct to the best of my knowledge only and thus should not be taken as a fact. One should always seek knowledge and verify for themselves when possible: 17:36, 20:114, 35:28, 49:6, 58:11.

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                      • M Offline
                        M Offline
                        Mazhar
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #346

                        peace all,

                        I find this interesting. Can this comparison provide clues as what is meant? I will post without much analysis

                        1821
                        And as such, We revealed their case so that they would know that the promise of God is true and that there is no doubt regarding the Hour. They argued among themselves regarding them, so they said "Build over them a building/monument" Their Lord is fully aware of them, those who prevailed in their matter said "Surely we will take (to ourselves?)* over them a masjid."
                        *taking something for oneself?

                        2125 And when We made the house/shelter (bayt) a place of return/filling/reward for mankind and a security, and take (to yourselves) from the status of Abraham a place/time of salaa, and We made a convenant to Abraham and Ishmael that "You (both) purify My house/shelter (bayt) for those who go among/about, and stay/devote, and incline and honour/acknowledge."

                        https//corpus.quran.com/wordbyword.jsp?chapter=18&verse=21#(18211)

                        I think the grammar needs clarified so will post this here
                        http//allthearabicyouneverlearnedthefirsttimearound.com/p2/forms-vii-and-viii/
                        Quote
                        Often the meaning of Form VIII verbs is reflexive. The Form I كشف means “to disclose” something to someone else. The Form VIII refers to one’s discovering something for oneself.

                        Not all Form VIII verbs are reflexive in meaning. Their range of meanings is broad, so you will need to learn the meaning of each one as you come to it. Many Form VIII verbs are transitive.

                        A verb can be described as transitive or intransitive based on whether it requires an object to express a complete thought or not. A transitive verb is one that only makes sense if it exerts its action on an object. An intransitive verb will make sense without one.

                        Background
                        http//www.mypercept.co.uk/articles/meaning-of-SuJuD-from-Quran.html
                        http//www.mypercept.co.uk/articles/meaning-masjid-quran.html
                        http//www.mypercept.co.uk/articles/meaning-masjid-al-haram-Quran.html

                        The verbal sentence is لَنَتَّخِذَنَّ Emphatic Particle + Verb Imperfect; First person; plural; masculine; Energetic with Emphatic/Heavy Noon ; ; Subject pronoun hidden; مصدر-اِتِّخَاذٌ verbal noun.
                        اللام واقعة في جواب قسم محذوفـ
                        It shows emphatic statement; resolve.

                        The verb needs two objects; hold/adopt something as something. As what? It is mentioned مَّسْجِدٙا .

                        لَنَتَّخِذَنَّ عَلَيْـهِـم مَّسْجِدٙا .٢١

                        "Surely, we pledge that in future we will adopt the newly built memorial over them as a mosque."

                        https//haqeeqat.pk/Quran.Corpus-5Part9Sura15-18.htm

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                        • E Offline
                          E Offline
                          Euphoric
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #347

                          2125 And when We made the house/shelter (bayt) a place of return/filling/reward for mankind and a security, and take (to yourselves) from the status of Abraham a place/time of salaa, and We made a convenant to Abraham and Ishmael that "You (both) purify My house/shelter (bayt) for those who go among/about, and stay/devote, and incline and honour/acknowledge."

                          2125 is recited differently in Warsh as past tense "attakhadu" "they took" so it was speaking about people in the past.

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                          • WakasW Offline
                            WakasW Offline
                            Wakas
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #348

                            peace Mazhar, Euphoric,

                            Thanks for the information. Does that mean it could be translated as "and they took (to themselves) from..."
                            That would be interesting because the rest of the verse does seem to be read in past tense except this part. Implying if a person wanted to link Abraham to their own hajj or institute it in his name they would modify the vocalisation/tashkeel of that part (or read it with bias in favour of their view).

                            Also I think I found another word in the form of maf3al
                            https//corpus.quran.com/wordmorphology.jsp?location=(2885
                            ?

                            All information is correct to the best of my knowledge only and thus should not be taken as a fact. One should always seek knowledge and verify for themselves when possible: 17:36, 20:114, 35:28, 49:6, 58:11.

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                            • WakasW Offline
                              WakasW Offline
                              Wakas
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #349

                              In addition, these verses could be read with these, from
                              http//mypercept.co.uk/articles/meaning-masjid-quran.html

                              9107 And those who take* (to themselves) a maSJD (for) harming and concealment/rejection and division between the believers and preparing/observing** for whoever battled/warred God and His messenger from before. And they will swear "not we wish except the good", and God bears witness that indeed they are liars.
                              9108 Do not observe/maintain/stand in it ever. A maSJD founded on God-consciousness from the first day/period is more worthy/truer that you maintain/stand/observe in it; in it (are) men who love to purify themselves. And God loves those who purify.
                              9109 Is one who founded his building/structure (bunyan) on protection/forethought/conciousness from/of God and His approval better, or one who founded his building on the edge of a cliff about to crumble, so it crumbled with him into the fire of Hell? And God does not guide the wrongdoing people.
                              9110 Their building/structure (bunyan) which they built will not cease to be a doubt in their hearts except/until that cut to pieces their hearts. God is Knowledgeable, Wise.
                              *verb form 8, reflexive.
                              ** is a verbal noun, indicating the act of doing as well as the noun itself, thus the meaning can also include "as a preparation/observation"

                              The verse discusses those concealing themselves under the guise of being good-doers so they can harm/divide believers, spy and help enemies etc. Some related evidence of this understanding, see 5816, 632, 1692, 1694.
                              The word "bunyan" does not necessarily mean a physical building here, see 1626 in which it is commonly taken as a metaphor. It seems to be about the works of an individual, as not everyone can build a mosque. No physical structure will crumble with the disbeliever in the fire of Hell but it is the structure of polytheism/rejection/wrongdoing/etc that will ultimately crumble with him in the fire of Hell. In other words, this usage could be a metaphor, similar to 1626.
                              M. Asad notes "In verses 109-110, the reference to "the building which they have built" is, obviously, widened beyond the preceding allusion to houses of worship, and allegorically circumscribes here all the "works" and the behaviour of men."
                              There is possibly an issue if we take 9108 to mean "do not stand in it (i.e. Mosque) ever", because how are believers meant to differentiate Mosques and actually do this, if in 9107 it implies believers could be duped by such people? Traditionalists explain the context as referring to a rival Mosque being built. Does this mean such a Mosque could NEVER be stood in by a believer? The point being that by using "ever" seems very absolute. If it is not delimited in some way, it could seem impractical/unusual. We could reason that once such a Mosque was not used for this, e.g. run by believers, then believers could stand/observe in it. For example, if "maSJD" meant "time of SJD" then by definition, it would be delimited.
                              It may be interesting to note that in 1821 a maSJD seems sufficiently distinct from a bunyan, yet in 9107-110 IF they (maSJD and bunyan) are taken as the same thing/reference, as is traditionally understood, they seem interchangeable here. Thus, one might expect one side in 1821 to clarify what kind of building is being proposed by the other side, as they may well have meant a mosque, but this is not addressed.

                              Since chapter 9 seems to be one of the last revealed chapters, a part of me feels these verses could be showing the first signs of a transition in meaning of "masjid" i.e. into a building or with building connotations. Possibly.

                              I think I found another word with the form "maf3al"
                              https//corpus.quran.com/wordmorphology.jsp?location=(9514) (marsad)

                              https//mypercept.co.uk/articles/meaning-masjid-al-haram-Quran.html
                              Thus the usage so far does seem to show a clearer meaning of physical place with the form "maf3al".

                              All information is correct to the best of my knowledge only and thus should not be taken as a fact. One should always seek knowledge and verify for themselves when possible: 17:36, 20:114, 35:28, 49:6, 58:11.

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                              • WakasW Offline
                                WakasW Offline
                                Wakas
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #350

                                sunnah . com/bukhari3453

                                Narrated Aisha and Ibn Abbas

                                On his death-bed Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) put a sheet over his-face and when he felt hot, he would remove it from his face. When in that state (of putting and removing the sheet) he said, "May Allah's Curse be on the Jews and the Christians for they build places of worship (masajid) at the graves of their prophets." (By that) he intended to warn (the Muslim) from what they (i.e. Jews and Christians) had done.

                                Reference Sahih al-Bukhari 3453, 3454
                                In-book reference Book 60, Hadith 121
                                USC-MSA web (English) reference Vol. 4, Book 55, Hadith 660

                                All information is correct to the best of my knowledge only and thus should not be taken as a fact. One should always seek knowledge and verify for themselves when possible: 17:36, 20:114, 35:28, 49:6, 58:11.

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                                • A Offline
                                  A Offline
                                  amin
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #351

                                  Haram refers to the sacredness, every religion finds the sacredness and signs of God in certain things, like the Sun, the human reproductive organs, the cow, the stars, hills , the angels etc.. In Islam the masjid itself is Haram(sacredness) as there is nothing to be associated with, so the belief/thought, there is nothing that can be associated with HIM is the masjid Al Haram and it becomes the focus, ie Purity of mind and body is the focus. It starts from the story of Abraham and the state of his mind that all encompassing is his creations and signs. but Quran also asks us to respects the signs an also respects the prophets, the angels etc.

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                                  • C Offline
                                    C Offline
                                    centi50
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #352

                                    Salam.

                                    Physical journey does not also sit with me properly

                                    God bless

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                                    • WakasW Offline
                                      WakasW Offline
                                      Wakas
                                      wrote on last edited by
                                      #353

                                      I thought I'd add this to this thread. A common misconception

                                      What was the difficulty/test mentioned in the "change of qiblah" verses?

                                      https//mypercept.co.uk/articles/qiblah.html

                                      All information is correct to the best of my knowledge only and thus should not be taken as a fact. One should always seek knowledge and verify for themselves when possible: 17:36, 20:114, 35:28, 49:6, 58:11.

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                                      • WakasW Offline
                                        WakasW Offline
                                        Wakas
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #354

                                        https//mypercept.co.uk/articles/meaning-masjid-al-haram-Quran.html

                                        Another possible option could be al masjid al haram meaning the inviolable place of acknowledgement, which refers to the area in which the various regulations are in place, no fighting etc and hajj/commemoration takes place there. So not a Mosque but an area. Interestingly this has some support in tafsirs, as mentioned in the article.

                                        The possible weaknesses for this understanding could be a few verses. I'm currently reviewing it.

                                        Background
                                        https//mypercept.co.uk/articles/meaning-of-SuJuD-from-Quran.html
                                        https//mypercept.co.uk/articles/meaning-masjid-quran.html
                                        https//mypercept.co.uk/articles/Quran-2196-critical-thinking.html

                                        All information is correct to the best of my knowledge only and thus should not be taken as a fact. One should always seek knowledge and verify for themselves when possible: 17:36, 20:114, 35:28, 49:6, 58:11.

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                                        • A Offline
                                          A Offline
                                          amin
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #355

                                          The Masjid Al Haram, can refers to a sanctuary,and initially used by some sects and later taken over by the muslims,where fighting was forbidden and used for religious sacrifices at the time of Hajj, and also looks to be a center for the community, where its people unite.

                                          Sanctuaries were built for such purposes, since very ancient times, by the Jews, Romans, Nabateans, Greek and even the Pyramids can be a type of sanctuary.

                                          Mount Hermon has a lot of old temples, the word Hermon comes from the word Haram,
                                          Jerusalem Temple mount is called Haram al shariff,

                                          Nabatean Arab Sanctuaries were there dedicated their Gods, in places like Petra and many other places.

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