Nar as-samum
Nār as-samūm, meaning "fire of scorching winds," is a concept in Islam associated with a type of flameless fire and hot desert winds. It is notably the substance from which Jinns, including Iblis (Satan) and his angels, are believed to have been created, distinguishing them from angels made of light. This concept has also been linked to figures in other religious traditions and folklore.
Key Facts
- ›Nār as-samūM refers to a flameless fire of hot winds, particularly the desert simoom.
- ›In Islamic tradition, it is the material from which Jinns and Iblis (Satan) and his angels are created.
- ›Good angels are described as being created from light (Nūr), while Iblis and his angels are from 'poisonous fire' (samūM).
- ›The Quran mentions samūM three times, linking it to the creation of al-Jann and the punishment of the damned.
- ›Interpretations of samūM include 'hot wind which kills,' 'flame of the fire of the hot wind,' and even hell-fire.
- ›Linguistic connections exist between samūM and the Midrashic figure Samael and Manichaean concepts of the Devil.
Simoom, Semum, Fire of Scorching Winds
Scorching Winds, Desert Storms, Hell-Fire, Creation of Jinns
Penetrates the Skin of the Human Body, Causes Torment
Quran, TafsīR, Talmudic and Post-Talmudic Literature, Pirke De-Rabbi Eliezer, Manichaean Texts
Iblis, ShayāṭīN, Jinns, Al-Jann, Samael, Prophet Solomon
Punishment of the Damned, Adversary of God, Poisonous Fire
God
- Linguistic and Conceptual Links To Samael In Jewish Tradition.
- Association With the Devil In Manichaean Beliefs.
- Identification As A Div In Ottoman-Era Legends.
Scorching Wind, Hot Desert Storm, Fire
About Nar as-samum
Nār as-samūm
Nār as-samūm, an Arabic term signifying "fire of scorching winds," is a concept within Islamic tradition primarily associated with a type of flameless fire and the intense, hot winds characteristic of desert environments, such as the simoom storm.
Origins and Creation
The Quranic verses and subsequent exegesis (tafsīr) explain that Nār as-samūm is the fundamental material from which Jinns, including the chief adversary Iblis (Satan) and his host of devils (shayāṭīn), are created. This distinguishes their origin from that of good angels, who are traditionally understood to have been fashioned from light (Nūr).
Quranic References and Interpretations
The term "samūm" appears three times in the Quran. Surah 15:27 links it to the creation of al-Jann, while Surah 56:42 associates it with the suffering of "the people of the left hand" (the damned). Surah 52:27 affirms that God protects believers from these fires. Medieval Islamic scholars like Tabari explored various interpretations of samūm, variously defining it as a "hot wind which kills," the "flame of the fire of the hot wind," a "night-wind," or even "hell-fire" itself. Further interpretations suggest it is a fire that "penetrates the pores" due to its fineness or a smokeless fire located between the heavens and a veil.
Connections to Other Traditions
The concept of samūm has also found resonance and perceived links with figures in other religious and occult traditions. The name of the Midrashic figure Samael bears a linguistic resemblance to samūm, and his role as a defiant angelic being refusing divine command may echo the narrative of Iblis. Manichaean beliefs also connect their concept of the Devil to "pestilential winds" akin to samūm. In later Ottoman-era legends, the hot "red wind" Samum is identified as a div (demon) who aided Satan against King Solomon.
Cultural Prominence
Nār as-samūm has been referenced in popular culture, notably in the 2008 Turkish horror film titled "Semum," which draws upon interpretations of Iblis and his lineage originating from this fiery substance.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Nār as-samūm mean?
Nār as-samūm is an Arabic term that translates to "fire of scorching winds." It is derived from the root s-m-m, which relates to scorching winds and hot desert storms.
What is Nār as-samūm made of?
According to Islamic tradition and Quranic exegesis, Nār as-samūm is a type of fire from which Jinns, including Iblis (Satan) and his angels, are created. This contrasts with good angels, who are said to be made of light (Nūr).
How is Nār as-samūm described in the Quran?
The Quran mentions samūm three times. It states that al-Jann (Jinns) were created from the fires of samūm, that the "people of the left hand" (the damned) will suffer from samūm, and that God protects from its fires.
What are the different interpretations of samūm?
Interpretations vary, with some scholars describing it as a "hot wind which kills," others as "the flame of the fire of the hot wind," and some even relating it to hell-fire or a smokeless fire between the heavens and a veil.
Are there any connections between samūm and other religious figures?
Yes, the Midrashic figure Samael is linguistically related to samūm, and his depiction as a seraph who refused to prostrate before Adam may have been influenced by Islamic portrayals of Iblis. Manichaeans also link their concept of the Devil to pestilential winds (samūm).
Related Demons
Jinn
Jinn, also known as djinn or genies, are supernatural beings central to ancient Arabian religion and Islam. They are accountable for their actions and can be either believers or unbelievers, possessing the ability to shapeshift and interact with humans in various ways, from neutral to intimate. Jinn are notable for their dual nature, being neither inherently good nor evil, and their presence in Islamic scripture and folklore.
Shaitan
Shaitan, also known as Iblis, is the leader of devils (shayāṭīn) in Islam. He is primarily known for his refusal to prostrate before Adam, leading to his expulsion from heaven. In Islamic theology, he embodies disobedience and serves as a tempter, while in Sufism, he can represent the cosmic veil separating divine love from wrath, or paradoxically, a "truest monotheist" who bows only to God. Shaitan is notable for his prominent role in Islamic scripture and subsequent extensive depiction in art and literature.
Eblis/Iblis/Ibris
Iblis, also known as Shaitan, is the leader of devils in Islam, famously cast out of heaven for refusing to prostrate before Adam. He is a central figure in Islamic theology and Sufi cosmology, often compared to Satan in Christianity and Mara in Buddhism. Iblis is notable for embodying cosmic illusion and for the complex theological debates surrounding his nature, role as a tempter, and the concept of "Satan's Monotheism."