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The Raised Index Finger in Islam: Symbol of Allah’s Unity
The gesture of raising the index finger, often seen in Islamic contexts, is a profound symbol of the unity of Allah. This article delves into the meaning of the Arabic term for index finger, “Musabbiha” (مُسَبِّحة), and explores related words like “Subhana Allah” (Praise Allah!) and “Misbaha” (rosary), clarifying its significance in Islam.
You may have seen Muslims, particularly Salafists, raising their index finger in pictures or during events, and this gesture holds a significant meaning.
This article explains the intended symbolism of the raised index finger in Islam, revealing it as a powerful code for the unity of Allah, and explores the Arabic term for the index finger, “Musabbiha” (مُسَبِّحة), and its linguistic connections.
In the sad events of terrorist attacks, people who claim to be Muslims also used the index finger as a gesture. So, what is the intended meaning of this gesture?
Let’s see what it is all about.
What does index finger mean in Arabic?
In Arabic, the index or fore finger is called Musabbiha (مُسَبِّحة), mostly used with the definite article: al-Musabbiha (الْمُسَبِّحة). You may encounter the following word too: al-Sabbāha (السَّبّاحة).
When a Muslim raises the index finger, it is nothing but a code – a symbol: the unity of Allah.
Let’s dig deeper.
Derived words from the Arabic root of index finger
Subhana
You might know the Arabic word Subhāna (سُبْحانَ).
The expression “Subhana Allah” (سُبْحانَ الله) expresses a Muslim’s admiration as an exclamation of surprise. It is used a lot in the daily life of Muslims. We could translate it as: Praise Allah! Or: Allah be praised!
Let’s take a look at another Arabic word derived from the same root.
Misbaha or Subha
A rosary is called Misbaha (مِسْبَحة) or Subha (سُبْحة). It consists of beads on a string, 99 in number, and having a mark after each 33 – with which a Muslim performs the act called al-Tasbih (التَّسْبِيح) meaning the repetition of the praises of Allah.
Usually, Muslims repeat the expressions Subhana Allah and Allāhu ’akbar.
Other gestures by the index finger
The index finger usually has a negative connotation in other cultures.
The dog call
When you curl your index finger, you want to call a person towards you – it is also called the “dog call”. It may denote that a woman wants to tempt a man.
In the Philippines, this is one of the most insulting hand gestures, which is only used for dogs. The same is true for Japan, where it is also seen as rude. In some Asian countries, it may be a sign of death.
Pointing – selecting
In Europe (and in the US as well, I guess), it is not nice to point with your index finger at others. People may use it to choose people and single out a person from a group.
Islam and its connection to Arabic – recent articles:
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- The ‘Hunted Infinitive’: The المَصْدَرُ الْمُتَصَيَّدُ and the Hidden Logic in Arabic Sentences
- The Qur’an Revisited: The Passive Voice in the Qur’an
- The Qur’an Revisited: Salsabil (سَلْسَبِيل) in Sura 76:17-18
Wanna cite this article?
Drißner, G. (2016, December 31). The Raised Index Finger in Islam: Symbol of Allah’s Unity. Arabic for Nerds. https://arabic-for-nerds.com/translation/index-finger-islam/
Published: December 31, 2016
Please check the citation before use, especially if your style guide has local requirements.
Publication ISSN: 3055-1730
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Isn’t there also a significant to pointing to Mecca (not sure if thats correct) if a Muslim believes they are about to die?
Oh, I know what you mean. When someone is in hospital or in danger and he thinks he’s about to die, he raises his index finger upward (to heaven not Mecca) and says the shahadah (the testimony: there’s no god, but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah)
Though, a Muslim isn’t required to do it.
assalamwalekum brother,jazakallahu khairan for doing such a wonderful job mashallah.
A request to please teach the words of Adhan esp Hayya in Arabic grammar point of view,is it imperative?
also Iqamah too.
thanks
I just wrote some stuff on حي. Let me know if you have questions.