What is the definition of ummat
Question
I want to ask that what is the definition of ummat from the Shari'ah and general aspect? I have asked from general aspect because I want to know what should one reply to a person if he asks what is ummat? Also tell that is this word of ummat used in Qur'an and Hadith?
Answer
The word ummat means the followers of a specific Rasul or Nabi. However, the word ummat literally has other meanings which vary according to the context. Below are some of the various meanings that the word ummat comes for in the Qur'an.
In Surah Yusuf the word ummat comes in the meaning of a period of time:
In Surah Nahl, the word ummat comes in the meaning of leader:
In Surah Qasas, the word ummat comes in the meaning of a group of people:
In Surah Baqarah, the word ummat comes in the meaning of nation:
In Surah Zukruf, the word ummat comes in the meaning of religion:
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
References (Arabic / Urdu sources)
وَٱدَّكَرَ بَعْدَ أُمَّةٍ
إِنَّ إِبْرَاهِيمَ كَانَ أُمَّةً
وَجَدَ عَلَيْهِ أُمَّةً مِّنَ النَّاسِ يَسْقُونَ
وَكَذَٰلِكَ جَعَلْنَاكُمْ أُمَّةً وَسَطًا
إِنَّا وَجَدْنَآ ءَابَآءَنَا عَلَىٰ أُمَّةٍ
- Answered by
- Mufti Zakaria Makada
- Checked & approved by
- Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)
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