Chronologically, this comment is out of order – but warranting its own post.
While learning the body parts in Arabic class on Wednesday our professor showed us a little "trick" that reflects a beautiful Islamic tradition.
I will do my best to explain it.
If you look at your hands, the lines on your left palm form the number 81 in Persian numerals (system used in Arabic, whereas Arabic numerals are used for the English language) and the lines on your right palm form the number 18.
81 + 18 = 99
And there are 99 names for God in Islam. These names are recited during prayer (many Muslims carry prayer beads with 33 links, each one representing three names of God). These names describe the attributes of God, as Islamic theology makes a strict distinction between attributes and essence. It is irreverent to be named one of these divine qualities, but a great compliment (hopeful foreshadowing perhaps) to be called the “servant” of an attribute. For example, a son may be named Abd al-Malik (servant of the King), but not al-Malik (the King).
An interesting thought.
Cheers,
Jonathan
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This journal will chronicle a two-month adventure in Cairo, Egypt. Our team of Duke University students will be teaching English to Somalian refugees and studying Arabic at the Al-Diwan Center in the Garden City. If you are interested in learning more please feel free to contact me at any time! Cheers, Jonathan
1 comment:
note that your fingers should point towards one another for the number thing to work. i've never heard of that before though, that's really cool.
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