Dunyā (دُنْيا) is a world in Arabic, Persian, Dari, Pashto, Urdu, Hindi, and Punjabi that means, in Islamic terminology, the temporal world—and its earthly concerns and possessions—as opposed to the eternal spiritual realm, or the hereafter (ākhira). Dunyā literally means 'closer' or 'lower'. In the Qur'an, dunyā and ākhira represent oppositions in temporal, spatial and moral dimensions: now and later, below and above, evil and good, respectively.
Ordain for us the good in this world [al-dunyā] and in the hereafter [al-ākhira]. (Sura 7:156)
You are my Friend in this world [al-dunyā] and the next [al-ākhira]. (S 12:101)
Muslims are encouraged to ponder the verses of the Qur'an, and to do their best to not get too attached to this temporal existence and its trappings. In Islam, dunyā is a test; success and failure lead to paradise and hell respectively.
No comments:
Post a Comment