SHAÂ’ER - شعائر

The word ‘shaâ’er’ stems from the root شعر . The word ‘shu’ur’, which means ‘consciousness’, is also derived from the same root. The term ‘shaâ’er’ literally refers to signs and symbols particularly linked with faith, belief and religion, evoking a sense of meaning in the consciousness (Vijdân). For example, the cross and Christmas are the shaâ’er of Christianity, the statue of Buddha is the shaâ’er of Buddhism, the ying yang is the shaâ’er of Chinese philosophy, etc.

As an Islamic term: Shaâ’er are the laws, customs, marks, and symbols of Islam that awaken the consciousness of the community and individuals. They are matters and symbols related to Muslims and concern the community of Islam (2:158). For example, Jum’ah and the ‘Eid salâts, adhan and iqâmah, masjîds, tasattur, sariq, Quranic letters, sawm and Ramadhan, the places that are special for ‘ibâdah during Hajj like Safa and Marwa, and the holy nights like the night of Qadr, the night of Mi’raj and the night of Bara’at.

Bid’ah is the opposite of Shaâ’er. Reviving and protecting the Shaâ’er by practising them are the means of the continuation of Islamic life. If the Shaâ’er are not practised, Islamic life will be forgotten through the invasion of the bid’ahs that are disguised under the titles “the lifestyle of civilisation”, “modern lifestyle”, “Westernisation” or “moderate Islam”; thereby, Islam will not exist in the actions of Muslims while they carry Islamic names.

(Please also refer to the compilations on Bid’ah and Shaâ’er)