Understanding the Meaning of "Makmum" in Arabic, English, and Sharia

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Hello, dear readers! Are you seeking an explanation of the meaning of "makmum" in Arabic, English, and Sharia? If your answer is "Yes," congratulations! You are reading the right article. In this article, I will thoroughly explain the meaning of "makmum." As Muslims, it is important to understand this concept, which is why I wrote this article. Be sure to read it all the way through!

Makmum Meaning in Arabic

The first key point I will cover is the meaning of "makmum" in Arabic. This is fundamental and should be understood before delving into further explanations.

"Makmum" is an Arabic word written as المَأْمُوْمُ. It has been adopted into several languages spoken by Muslims, such as English, Indonesian, French, German, Russian, Turkish, Japanese, and others.

In Arabic dictionaries, the meaning of "makmum" is generally described as:

الَّذِيْ يَقِفُ خَلْفَ الْإِمَامِ

This means "the one who stands behind the imam." It is crucial for Muslims to understand this definition as it forms the basis for further discussion.

Makmum Meaning in English

Next, let's look at the meaning of "makmum" in English. By now, you should be familiar with the Arabic explanation.

Similarities and Differences Between the Imam and the Makmum During Prayer

The meaning of "makmum" in English is:

"The person standing behind the imam."

This definition is essential for understanding the concept of "makmum" in the context of congregational prayer and beyond.

Makmum Meaning in Sharia

The third crucial point I will explain is the meaning of "makmum" in Sharia (Islamic Law). This understanding may differ depending on the context.

Specifically, there are two important contexts for "makmum" in Sharia:

• Makmum in prayer (Islamic law)
• Makmum in the context of the state

Let's dive into both of these explanations:

Makmum Meaning in Prayer (Islamic Law)

In the context of prayer (particularly congregational prayer), "makmum" refers to the person following the imam.

The meaning of "makmum" in prayer (Islamic law) is:

الَّذِيْ يَقِفُ خَلْفَ الْإِمَامِ فِيْ الصَّلَاةِ

This translates as: "the person standing behind the imam in prayer."

For instance, during Jamaah (congregational) prayer, if I am the imam, you, as the makmum, will stand behind me. This structure is vital for the proper conduct of the prayer.

Several hadiths explain the relationship between the imam and the makmum in Jamaah prayer:

Hadith from Abu Hurairah (radliyallahu anhu)

عَنْ أَبِيْ هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ ؛ قَالَ رَسُوْلُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ ؛ إِنَّمَا جَعَلَ الْإِمَامُ لِيُؤَتِمَّ بِهِ . فَإِذَا كَبَّرَ فَكَبِّرُوْا وَلَا تُكَبِّرُوْا حَتَّى يُكَبِّرَ . وَإِذَا رَكَعَ فَارْكَعُوْا وَلَا تَرْكَعُوْا حَتَّى يَرْكَعَ . وَإِذَا قَالَ سَمِعَ اللهُ لِمَنْ حَمِدَهُ ، فَقُوْلُوْا ؛ اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّنَا وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ . وِإِذَا سَجَدَ فَاسْجُدُوْا وَلَا تَسْجُدُوْا حَتَّى يَسْجُدَ . وَإِذَا صَلَّى قَائِمًا فَصَلُّوْا قِيَامًا ، وَإِذَا صَلَّى قَاعِدًا فَصَلُّوْا قُعُوْدًا أَجْمَعِيْنَ . رَوَاهُ أَبُوْ دَاوُدَ

From Abu Hurairah (radliyallahu anhu), the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said, "The imam is made to lead so that others follow him. When he says 'takbir', say 'takbir' after him. Do not say it before him. When he bows, you bow. Do not bow before him. When he says, 'Sami' Allahu liman hamidah', say 'Allahumma Rabbanaa wa laka al-hamdu'. When he prostrates, you prostrate. Do not prostrate before him. When he prays standing, you pray standing; when he prays sitting, you pray sitting." (Narrated by Abu Daud)

Hadith from Ibn Abbas (radliyallahu anhuma)

عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُمَا قَالَ ؛ صَلَّيْتُ مَعَ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ ذَاتَ لَيْلَةٍ فَقُمْتُ عَنْ يَسَارِهِ ، فَأَخَذَ رَسُوْلُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ بِرَأْسِيْ مِنْ وَرَائِيْ فَجَعَلَنِيْ عَنْ يَمِيْنِهِ . مُتَّفَقٌ عَلَيْهِ

From Ibn Abbas (radliyallahu anhuma), he said, "I once prayed with the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam). I stood on his left side, but he took my head from behind and placed me on his right side." (Narrated by al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Makmum Meaning in the Context of the State

Now, I will explain the meaning of "makmum" in the context of the state. This meaning is quite different from its usage in Arabic, English, and prayer.

In this context, "makmum" refers to the people who are led, while the "imam" is the leader, typically represented by the president in state matters.

So, in the context of the state, "makmum" refers to the citizens, and the "imam" is the president or leader who guides them.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the term "makmum" carries distinct meanings in Arabic, English, and Sharia (Islamic law). In prayer, it refers to the person standing behind the imam. In the state, it refers to those who are led by the leader.

I hope this article has helped clarify the concept of "makmum." If you have any questions, feel free to ask!

Thank you for reading. May this article be beneficial for you. Amen.

See you in the next article!