metaphorical use of bayt?
-
Peace be upon you...
003.096
The first House (of worship) appointed for men was that at Bakka Full of blessing and of guidance for all kinds of beings003.097
In it are Signs Manifest; (for example), the Station of Abraham; whoever enters it attains security; Pilgrimage thereto is a duty men owe to Allah,- those who can afford the journey; but if any deny faith, Allah stands not in need of any of His creatures.is it possible that bayt here is used metaphorically? Bacause in the next ayat (397) Allah suggests that whoever enters it will get safety. Is this possible? How can a physical building keep you safe? Does the safety here allude to the SALVATION? Just pay attention, suddenly the subject of the verse changes to denying FAITH. Then entering this house has something to do with faith? Don't you think?
Bayt = Deen Of Allah ?
I didn't research the other uses of the Bayt in the Quran, but we can do it altogether, inshallah. It's ridiculous to think that Allah is/lives in a House.
-
The other uses of "the bayt"
002.125
Remember We made the House a place of assembly for men and a place of safety and Take ye the station of Abraham as a place of blessing and We covenanted with Abraham and sma'il that they should sanctify My House for those who compass it round, or use it as a retreat, or bow, or prostrate themselves.002.127
And remember Abraham and Isma'il raised the foundations of the House (with this prayer) "Our Lord! Accept (this service) from us for You are the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.002.158
"Behold! As-Safa and al-Marwah are among the Symbols of Allah. So if those who visit the House in the Season or at other times, should compass them round, it is no sin in them. And if any one obeys his own impulse to Good, be sure that Allah is He Who recognizes and knows."008.035
Their commitment at the House (of Allah) is nothing but whistling and clapping of hands (Its only answer can be), "Taste ye the penalty because ye blasphemed."022.026
Behold! We gave the site, to Abraham, of the (Sacred) House, (saying) "Associate not anything (in worship) with Me; and sanctify My House for those who compass it round, or stand up, or bow, or prostrate themselves (therein in prayer).022.029
"Then let them complete the rites prescribed for them, perform their vows, and (again) circumambulate the Ancient House."022.033
In them ye have benefits for a term appointed in the end their place of sacrifice is near the Ancient House.106.003
Let them adore the Lord of this House,106.004
Who provides them with food against hunger, and with security against fear (of danger).The only problem with this understanding is that the House can be circumambulated, can be entered by disbelievers (0835) and will be visited at specific times (0215? I need your help.
Peace...
-
Peace be upon you beatnik
But how can we visit this system at specific times? if it's the system of Allah (deen) then we gotta submit to it always not sometimes as 2158 implies?
Peace...
-
Peace,
Yep, thats tricksy, I agree.
Although the translation you used says 'seasons' which isnt something I've seen in most other translations (pickthall, etc). Infact, FM's own translation looks very different from the one you supplied
2.158 The camel and goat heavy with milk are amongst God's decrees. So whosoever makes Pilgrimage to the sanctuary, or is merely passing through, commits no error that he should partake of them. And whoever donates for goodness, then God is Appreciative, Knowledgeable.
In anycase, I think we agree there is no physical structure referred to, because keeping everything in context, it wouldnt make sense with all the messages God shows us, 'Him' being everywhere and all.
I'm sure someone more knowledgable with these verses will shed more light, but I tend to automatically think 'system' whenever I see 'house', unless its more obvious, i.e - messengers visiting Abraham's house, etc. I dont have the time yet to study the Arabic used in the book, so I'm just taking onboard Layth's, Aidid Safar's, and others thoughts on the topic.
God willing, we shall learn more in time.
-
Peace be upon you,
Bayt=house. It is used metaphorically. The "House" of the God is the CORRECT IMAGE of truth based on(built by) the right beliefs. Abraham raised the foundations with his son(the right thoughts/beliefs). The Metaphorical House is the PLACE of hearing and obeying the God's restrictions (al masjid- al haraam) that we should always "face".
Before we can follow the example of Abraham and raise the foundation from the house is to use the process of enlightenment(salaat). Salaat= process. It is the process of attaining balance(wusta) through weighing evidence (does it contradict or can it be proven?)
By this process of enlightenment, we get the building materials(beliefs) that we construct the house (correct image) with.