Explanation of Words:

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Everyone is dependent on Him:Introduction

The word “Foqara’” is the plural of “Faqir”. Raghib Isphahani writes in his book Mafuradat that “faqir” actually means one with a broken spine because the needy people are like people with broken spines and so are called “Faqir”. “Miskeen” is derived from the word “Sukun” and is meant for a person who is unable to walk. This is also used for needy people. “Foqara” means a very great mishap which has broken the bones.

According to Majmaul Bayan some people hold the view that ‘Faqir” is one whose condition is better than the Miskeen .A desert Arab was asked “Are You a Faqir?’ He answered, “No by God! I am Miskeen” (1)

The word Faqir has been used in four places:

1. For that necessary dependence that is suffered by all the beings and the verse is the proof for it says, “O mankind! It is you who stand in need of God.”

2. The need for means to fill the least amount of need that says, “Charity is fixed for the needy.” As the proof.

3. Sensual need which is often called “Tama’” or covetous desire that has been ranked equal to disbelief. Opposite of this is the control over sensuality and greed.

4. The dependence on God.

The hadith says, “God! Make me oblivious of needs when I turn to you but do not make me dependent on others while I depend on you.”(2)

The Book Alaiyn says it means a hole that a person makes to plant a sapling. The word Faqir may have originated from it because due to poverty “Faqr” there is a void in one’s life. It is also possible that this word may have been used for the gaps between joints in the spinal chord.

The origin of Ghani is Ghena or needlessness and is the opposite of Faqr or poverty for it too is used in four places as mentioned:

1. To be above all needs (total needlessness) and this meaning is reserved for God.

2. That there is no dearth in the means for life.

3. The control over desires or contentment.

4. No dependence on God but this is impossible though this idea does form in the minds of some people and results in their waywardness and rebellion. In Surah Alaq verse 6, and 7, Qura’n describes such people as, “Nay! Verily man transgresses all bounds because he considers himself self-sufficient”

Ibn Manzoor has described “Ghana” with a Zabar to mean benefit and Ghena with a Zayr to mean needlessness in the book Al Lisan Al Arab.

It is possible that someone may regard all these meanings to have the same base and say that singing is called Ghena because a man raises his voice in it. It just like how rich persons are regarded as tall because they are needless due to their wealth.





1. Some have the opposite opinion
2. Mafuradat –Raghib Isphahani. The root of Faqr



 

Everyone is dependent on Him:Introduction
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