Our theme for this Ramadhan is Family.

In our slot on Sabahul Muslim during the week, we will have interesting discussions on this very fascinating topic.
During the first week we will try to gain a better understanding of the various words used in the Holy Quran for family, for eg.

The words Aal, Ahl, Qarabah, Ashirah etc.

Thereafter we will in sha Allah take a look at the various relationships which Nabi ﷺ had with members of his family and try to draw lessons from it.

Understanding Quran terminology
The question may arise that what is the need to understand all these different terms which are commonly used?

In the Holy Quran and the Noble Ahaadith, there are various words which have the possibility of having multiple meanings.
Without doubt, understanding terminology contained in the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah of the Messenger ﷺ is the key to comprehending the very purpose and meaning of these texts. Likewise, establishing the meaning of ‘Islamic Terms’ by delving deep into their original implications remains the first and foremost step to setting up the base of any purposeful discussion. Indeed, most doctrinal debates these days are lacking in the academic fundamentals, which is the reason they usually start peacefully, but soon turn into a cacophony of accusations; and when the debate ends, it is noticed that no one has been able to explain their respective positions.

It is thus important that people limit long discussions and arguments, until they have clearly and unambiguously defined ‘key terms’ and their respective foundations.

Ibn Hazm (R) once said: “The root of every corruption and distortion is shuffling of words; namely, mixing-up of names and meanings of certain words that could carry a variety of interpretations. In such cases, one might mention a particular word intending one of the many meanings, but the listener would grasp it differently, resulting into adversity and ambiguity in the interpretation. In Islamic jurisprudence (Islamic Shari‘a) this kind of distortion could lead someone to irreparable loss.
When we look at the word `family`, there are various words that are used as we have mentioned earlier.

The question is do these words all have different meanings associated or do they all mean the same thing?

It is therefore necessary for us to first familiarize ourselves with the definitions of the terms involved with the subject to end conflict and misunderstanding.