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jahannamu

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    unknownuser
    wrote on last edited by
    #1

    Peace be upon you,

    I have been making an error which i would like to fix. I have been thinking that there was no word for "hell", only the allegory of "fire" but in my searching I realized the word translated as "hell" is "jahannamu", what is the meaning of the root word for "jahannamu"?

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      unknownuser
      wrote on last edited by
      #2

      Peace Kyle,

      Good question. The root is Ja-He-Mim, (Jahama, Jahima)= To meet with a frowning face, have a stern look...H Wehr Jahuma To frown, glower; to become solemn, gloomy.

      It seems to describe a gloomy state, as a result of total loss.

      Regards

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        TAJ
        wrote on last edited by
        #3

        Salaam Ash Shuura,

        Peace Kyle,

        Good question. The root is Ja-He-Mim, (Jahama, Jahima)= To meet with a frowning face, have a stern look...H Wehr Jahuma To frown, glower; to become solemn, gloomy.

        It seems to describe a gloomy state, as a result of total loss.

        Regards

        I doubt that the root you have brought is the root for Jahannam. The reason why is because there is a Noon in the middle. So the root should be Jeem-Haa-Noon-Meem.
        Jahannam is a proper noun and standing on it is own. It is not a derivative. In Arabic, there is no other word with the same root.

        Taj

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          unknownuser
          wrote on last edited by
          #4

          I doubt that the root you have brought is the root for Jahannam

          Salaam Taj,

          I am using Abdul Mannan Omar- The dictionary of the holy Qur'an pp93 as the primary reason as to why I think its this root.

          This author allegedly uses 4 classical Arabic dictionaries. Otherwise, my grammar knowledge does not extend insofar to agree or disagree with you.

          Regards

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            TAJ
            wrote on last edited by
            #5

            Salaam Ash Shuura,

            Salaam Taj,

            I am using Abdul Mannan Omar- The dictionary of the holy Qur'an pp93 as the primary reason as to why I think its this root.

            This author allegedly uses 4 classical Arabic dictionaries. Otherwise, my grammar knowledge does not extend insofar to agree or disagree with you.

            Regards

            Now I would like you to check the root that you have provided earlier

            Peace Kyle,

            Good question. The root is Ja-He-Mim, (Jahama, Jahima)= To meet with a frowning face, have a stern look...H Wehr Jahuma To frown, glower; to become solemn, gloomy.

            It seems to describe a gloomy state, as a result of total loss.

            Regards

            Can you see in the book you have mentioned of Abdul Mannan Omar that the word 'Jahannam' is a derivative of the root Jeem-Ha-Meemm? I doubt that you would find that the word 'Jahannam' has anything to do with the three-lettered root Jeem-Ha-Meem.

            You see, some words in the Quran are not pure Arabic. The Arabs took them from different languages long before the Quran was revealed and those words blended in the Arabic language and became part of it. They are called . The word 'Jahannam' is one of those words. It is not original Arabic. It is believed that the word 'Jahannam' is originally Hebrew from the word 'Hinnaam', which means the lowest level of Hell, or the ground bottom of Hell. It's root is four-lettered. And it stands on it's own. Another example is 'Firdous' (=Paradise). This word also is believed to be originally Greek, and it's root is four-lettered (Fa-Ra-Dal-Seen), and it stands on it's own as well. Another example is the word 'Darahim' (currency). It is used in the Quran while it's origin is Greek from the word 'Drakhma', and it's root is four-lettered (Dal-Ra-Ha-Meem), and it stands on it's own as well, but this one can be plural 'Daraahim' and singular 'Dirham'.

            For further details, you can check the book "Al Nihaayah" written by Ibn Al Atheer, part #1, page #323.

            Taj

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              unknownuser
              wrote on last edited by
              #6

              Can you see in the book you have mentioned of Abdul Mannan Omar that the word 'Jahannam' is a derivative of the root Jeem-Ha-Meemm?

              Salaam Taj,

              Sorry I meant pp107 Jim-Ha-mim. This was the entry I looked up for Kyle. Not Jim-Ha-mim

              Jahannam is under this entry if you have this book.

              Btw I thought Qur'an was pure Arabic, why do you say this word was borrowed from elsewhere? What do you understand when the Qur'an says its in pure Arabic?

              For further details, you can check the book "Al Nihaayah" written by Ibn Al Atheer, part #1, page #323.

              I don't have access to this book as far as I am aware...

              Regards,

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                TAJ
                wrote on last edited by
                #7

                Salaam Ash Shuura,

                Salaam Taj,

                Sorry I meant pp107 Jim-Ha-mim. This was the entry I looked up for Kyle. Not Jim-Ha-mim

                Jahannam is under this entry if you have this book.

                Can you please copy that page and show it to us here!
                I am sure that there is a mistake, either on your part or the author or the publisher. If it is in that book you mentioned then may be the author brought it up to count the names of Hell, along side with the name 'Al Jaheem'. That is the only explanation I can think of.

                Btw I thought Qur'an was pure Arabic, why do you say this word was borrowed from elsewhere? What do you understand when the Qur'an says its in pure Arabic?

                The Quran is certainly clear Arabic, the Arabic that the Arabs spoke for centuries before the Quran was revealed to Muhammad (P&PBUH). The Arabs were traders since time immemorial and that of course allowed them to interact with all the civilizations around them. The exchange of vocabulary is evident in all parties. Some foreign words became part of the Arabic language but because those words could not follow the rules of the Arabic language, they remained on their own and were considered Kalimat Mu3arabah.

                Taj

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                  Grourself
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #8

                  Excerpt

                  Allah's permanent and eternal Scripture, always possessed by mankind, is in Arabic Language of the classical standard. Arabic is the only language based on principles, formats and formulae and is the richest language available to man to express and understand each statement in detail. The word Arabiyyun actually exhibits this meaning. All other languages are weak languages, having no rich vocabulary, no principles, formats and formulae to govern their contents; and are often incapable to express and explain their statements satisfactorily. The word Aajamiyyun actually exhibits this very meaning. The Language of Revelation, or 'communication with Allah (God) in His Own Words' is classical Arabic throughout man's history

                  Verily, We have sent it down as an Arabic Quran in order that you may use your intellect. 12/2

                  And thus We sent it down (to be) Hukman ( An Order, A Verdict, A Judgment, An Ordainment ) Arabiyyan. ---- 13/37

                  And surely, without doubt We know that they say " Surely that who teaches him is a human being. The (mother Tongue of him they refer to is Aajamiyyun ( non-Arabic, not fully capable of harbouring and explaining the Divine Message ), while this ( i.e. the Original Text of Al-Kitab) is Arabiyyun Mobin Language. 16/103

                  And thus We have sent it down as a Quran in Arabic, and have scattered therein out of the warnings in order that they may pay obedience, or it may fully describe for them the Zikr ( Message ). 20/113

                  And truly , this (Permanent Scripture) is surely a Descent from the Nourisher-Sustainer of the worlds. Descended with it Ar-Ruh-al-Amin ( The Trustworthy Spirit ), to your heart so that you become of the warners, in the clearly evident Arabic tongue. 26/192-195

                  Quran ( its Original Text is kept in ) Arabic ( language ), not a possessor of Evaj ( crookedness, or deviation from rectitude ) perchance people may pay obedience ( to Allah ). 39/28

                  Kitab ---- its verses have been fully detailed ---- Quran in Arabic ---- ( meant ) for a nation who know. 41/3

                  And if We had it a Quraanan Aajamiyyan people would have said " Why not its verses are armed with details? What! (a Book ) (sent) not in Arabic, and ( the Messenger ) an Arab?" 41/44

                  And thus We have inspired unto you Quraanan Arabiyyan that you may warn mother of ( all ) habitations ( i.e. the parent-City of mankind ) and whoever is ( anywhere ) around it. 42/7

                  Verily We, We have made it ( i.e. the Scripture ) an Arabic Quran ( Recital or Reading ), perchance you may use your intellect. 43/3

                  And this Book ( i.e. the Scripture ) is Musaddiq in the Arabic tongue ---- so that those who have transgressed may be given warning; while it is as glad-tidings for Muhsinun ( those who do good even when they do not expect a reward from other fellow humans ). 46/12

                  This is Al-Kitab ( The Scripture, The Divine Book, The Legitimate Bible, The Codex ), no raib (doubtful matter or interpolation ) therein, guidance to those who are Al-Muttaqun ( the pious and the righteous ). 2/2

                  The above Divine Statement directly coming from the All-Knowing and All-Wise Creator, Nourisher and Sustainer pin-points to the Book which is Al-Kitab or The Bible in His Sight. It is again the Jewish propaganda which has made the ignorant believe that

                  Arabic is not the mother of all the languages.

                  The term 'The Bible' should be applied to the Old Testament and the New Testament together.

                  The words Iel, Taurat ( Torah ) and Wadd, Suwah, Yaghus, Ya'ooq and Nasr are non-Arabic.

                  The effect of this anti-Arabic Language conspiracy is so great that even the exhaustive work Al-Mo'jam-al-Mufharas-le-alfaz-il-Quran-il-Karim ( by Muhammad Fuwad Abdul baqi ( has omitted the word Iel from its contents! Most of the other dictionaries have done likewise.

                  The word Jibriel (Gabriel) is a compound word. The components are Jibr and Iel. Jibr means power or wing, while the 2nd component gives the same meaning as Ilah ( God ). To understand the Arabic construction and meaning of the word 'Taurat' we must ponder on the words muriyat ( 100/2) and Turun ( 56/71 ) and their root-letters wau, ra and ya and ta, wau and ra and on the other similarly pronounced letters like Auratun ( 33/13 ) and Auraatun ( 24/31, 58 ). The other words used by the nation of Prophet Nuh to refer to their 'five gods' or five pious figures in Verse 71/23 are purely Arabic words having definite meanings.

                  Classical Arabic words are present in each and every language of the world. There is no other language whose words have penetrated in all the languages spoken by man.

                  Since Allah's Book ( i.e. the Scripture ) is eternal and permanent its language or tongue ( i.e. the classical Arabic ) is Ummul alsinah ( mother of all the languages ). The earliest deviation or corruption from this parent language gave birth to Hebrew and Hebrew Aramaic and later on numerous languages appeared on the scene. All the proper names, titles and attributes pertaining to the pre-human era are purely Arabic in character and give a definite only in this language. The word Allah with all His over one hundred Attributes, and the words like Jibriel ( 2/97, 98 66/4 ), Mikal ( 2/98 ), Malik ( 43/77), Harut and Marut ( 2/102 ), Salsabil ( 76/18 ) and Iblis ( 2/34 7/11 15/31 and others ) are of classical Arabic tongue. Similarly the proper names of all the Prophets/Messengers ---- from the first to the Last are Arabic in construction and give definite meanings in Arabic language. Even the words like Dhul-Qarnain ( 18/83 ), and Talut ( 2/247, 249 ) are Arabic and possess a meaning which throws light on these two Muslim heads of state.

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                    TAJ
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #9

                    Salaam Grourself,

                    Thanks for the thorough post. I appreciate every word you wrote. Thank you! Personally, I do believe that Arabic is the mother of all languages and I constantly realize and become convinced that words from Latin, Greek, Persian are originally Arabic and not the other way around. That is my very personal intake which even goes against the Arabic Language giants. But I cannot insist on my personal belief and understanding because every time I do, for I am an Arab, I would be considerd racist, boastful, etc.. So I always keep that conviction to myself.
                    And sometimes I would think that maybe because those words don't conform to the Arabic structure and rules of words, that they might be truly from a non-Arabic origin, as the Arabic Masters ruled, and that Allah Subhanahu has intentionally and purposely used them because those critical words were already/supposedly known and understood to the people of such origins which would save the Arabs the difficulty of explaining those words to those ethnicities!

                    So anyway, those are my personal thoughts that I am a bit cautious spreading because most non-Arabs get very offensive every time the richness and exclusivity of Arabic is emphasized!

                    I thank you again brother! But tell me now, are you an Arab by any chance!?

                    Taj

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                      Grourself
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #10

                      Peace Taj,

                      People tend to use the term racist without fully understanding it's true meaning as they presume racism and prejudice are the same; they are not. I'm not an arab, just a humble student of the great reading and a seeker of the truth.

                      I am convinced that when the God declares that this reading is self-contained, self explanatory, fully detailed and consistent within itself, that the meanings of these untranslated words are in plain, clear arabic and within the reading. It becomes crooked when "old sayings" and cultural references of a particular group of Arabs are needed or become the basis for understanding. That idea belies universality. It seems that proper nouns can be derived where the verb a-sa-ma is used but I'm still not sure. The biggest question for me right now is "...his name shall be Ahmad". I note that the verse makes sense even when ahmad is treated as a common descriptive noun. Any thoughts?

                      I also think (my own understanding) that the grammatical formulas etc. in Arabic cannot be taken as infallible and are limited in their use. The applicable rules should be obtained from the reading and not vice versa.

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                        unknownuser
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #11

                        Peace be upon you all,

                        So "jahannamu" means what?

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                          Idris
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #12

                          Peace be upon you all,

                          So "jahannamu" means what? D

                          this is from the glossary in Allama Parwez's "Qur'an Exposition"

                          1. Jahannam.

                          Usually translated as hell, which again does not properly convey the Quranic sense of the term.

                          Jahannam is a Hebrew compound made up of Ji and Hinnum, meaning the valley of Hinnum. This was a famous valley situated in the south of Jerusalem where human beings were burnt alive and offered as sacrifices to the idol of Moloch. Jahannam, therefore, denotes a situation in which humanity is ruined. In Arabic, the word Jaheem is often used in this sense. It means to prevent - it denotes a condition in which human evolution is prevented and life begins to stagnate instead of progressing.

                          According to the Holy Quran, life has manifested itself in the human form after having gone through various stages of the process of evolution. This is the final link in the evolution of life in this world. But life is not limited to this world; it continues beyond death. The higher form of life that an individual with a developed personality is capable of leading after his life in this material world, is called a heavenly life, or the life of Jannah. On the other hand, the evolution of a not-so-developed personality is bound to be thwarted - this kind of life is called an infernal life or the life of Jahannam.

                          Jannah and Jahannam do not stand for places or localities; rather, they denote different conditions of human life which have been described metaphorically. It should also be clear that these conditions do not relate entirely to the life Hereafter; they have their beginnings here in this world of matter. A social order based upon Quranic foundations results in a happy situation the necessities of life are available in abundance and are secured in extremely decent ways befitting the human dignity. This brings in a real happiness and peace of mind. This is called a heavenly life (Jannah). On the other hand, a society based upon principles repugnant to the Laws of Allah brings in anxiety and discontentment, and this is an infernal life (Jahannam).

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                            unknownuser
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #13

                            Peace be upon you Idris,

                            Yes, I agree that they are "states of being", but I am trying to find the meaning of the actual word/root word.

                            For example, jannah means garden but symbolizes a certain state of being, what does "jahannamu" mean?

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                              Idris
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #14

                              peace be upon you idolfree,

                              Peace be upon you Idris,

                              Yes, I agree that they are "states of being", but I am trying to find the meaning of the actual word/root word.

                              For example, jannah means garden but symbolizes a certain state of being, what does "jahannamu" mean?

                              at the moment i am lost, I don't agree with Parwez that it is the "valley of hinnum" as in the biblical story of people burning and sacrificing others to their idol Moloch, but it is interesting that the same or similar term used in the reading (quran) is used in the "gospels" of the christians for a same or similar place, check it out if you have time

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                                Grourself
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #15

                                Peace,

                                I don't agree with Parwez that it is the "valley of hinnum" as in the biblical story of people burning and sacrificing others to their idol Moloch, but it is interesting that the same or similar term used in the reading (quran) is used in the "gospels" of the christians for a same or similar place, check it out if you have time

                                Yes, he lost me with the Hebrew reference. I have to check the analysis he wrote based on usage. That is worth some thought but I have no idea yet as to what the actual word means.

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                                  Idris
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #16

                                  peace be upon you,

                                  Peace,

                                  I don't agree with Parwez that it is the "valley of hinnum" as in the biblical story of people burning and sacrificing others to their idol Moloch, but it is interesting that the same or similar term used in the reading (quran) is used in the "gospels" of the christians for a same or similar place, check it out if you have time

                                  Yes, he lost me with the Hebrew reference. I have to check the analysis he wrote based on usage. That is worth some thought but I have no idea yet as to what the actual word means.

                                  I'm not sure if the reading (quran) defines this word itself, do you know of any other word under the root J-H-N-M in the arabic language or in the reading (quran)? i personally think that the root J-H-M fits well with the description given to Jahannam and can be valuable in finding out what it means, i'm interested in this study because finding out what jahannam means might be helpful in avoiding it

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                                    Grourself
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #17

                                    Peace,

                                    I'm not sure if the reading (quran) defines this word itself, do you know of any other word under the root J-H-N-M in the arabic language or in the reading (quran)? i personally think that the root J-H-M fits well with the description given to Jahannam and can be valuable in finding out what it means

                                    But then there's that noon? I gotta keep looking but your're right, it's a good fit. Maybe it's a bilateral root?

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                                      unknownuser
                                      wrote on last edited by
                                      #18

                                      Salaam Taj,

                                      Jahama/Jahima

                                      To meet with a frowning face, have a stern look, look with a severe, morose and contracted face. Jahmatun The darkest part of the night. Juham waterless cloud. Jahannam Gehenna, Hell; place of punishment which is dark and waterless and which makes the faces of its inmates ugly and contracted.

                                      Under this main heading it continues ...Jahannam n Gehenna. The word has been used in the Holy Qur'an 77 times.

                                      Wa'salaam

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                                        TAJ
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #19

                                        Salaam Ash Shuura,

                                        Salaam Taj,

                                        Jahama/Jahima

                                        To meet with a frowning face, have a stern look, look with a severe, morose and contracted face. Jahmatun The darkest part of the night. Juham waterless cloud. Jahannam Gehenna, Hell; place of punishment which is dark and waterless and which makes the faces of its inmates ugly and contracted.

                                        Under this main heading it continues ...Jahannam n Gehenna. The word has been used in the Holy Qur'an 77 times.

                                        Wa'salaam

                                        I am using Abdul Mannan Omar

                                        Is that the copy of the pp107 (Jim-Ha-mim) that you mentioned? If so, then Abdul Mannan Omar has made a mistake when he slipped the word' Jahannam' under Jahama/Jahima . This is too bad. The two words has nothing to do with each other.
                                        And what is 'Gehenna', btw!? Does the writer mean the root (Jeem-Haa-Noon)? But that root is for another word altogether!

                                        Taj

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                                          TAJ
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #20

                                          Salaam Kyle,

                                          So "jahannamu" means what? D

                                          It is the name of one place in Hell. Sometimes the sound of the letters that come together to make a certain word would give us a clue whether the word has a sad meaning or a happy meaning or whatever else.. and that would be all we can get... Sometimes the Quran would give us the meaning. What does the word 'Jahannam' refers to in the Quran? A place in Hell? Then that is the meaning! Isn't that enough?

                                          Taj

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