SHAÂ’ER - شعائر

 

The term ‘shaâ’er’ literally refers to signs and symbols that are specifically associated with faith, belief and religion, evoking a sense of meaning in the conscience (Vijdân). For example, the cross and Christmas are the shaâ’er of Christianity, the statue of Buddha is the shaâ’er of Buddhism, the yin-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. These are issues and symbols relevant to Muslims and affect the Islamic community. 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.

In the tafsir of Elmalılı Hamdi Yazır, the term "Shaâ’er" is defined as follows in the explanation of the âyah إِنَّ ٱلصَّفَا وَٱلْمَرْوَةَ مِن شَعَآئِرِ ٱللَّهِ ۖ:

Just as the words "علم "1, "علامت "2   and "علائم "3 are derived from the root word "علم "4, the word ‘Shaâ’er’ (شعائر ) is the plural form of "شاعر "5 or "شعار "6 or "مشعر "7, all of which are derived from the root word "شعور "8, and it means ‘a special mark or sign, the indicative sign and the state of being known’. Therefore, the term ‘Shi‘âr’ also refers to the codes, passwords and signs that the two parties use to identify one another during battle.

Sometimes, the term ‘Shaâ'er’ refers to the actual act of ‘ibâdah, and other times, to the place where it takes place. For instance, the adhan, salât with the jamâ’ah, Jum’ah and ‘Eid salât, and Hajj are among the Shaâ’er of Islam. Similarly, masjîds, minarets, the rituals of Hajj and their specific locations, including Safa and Marwa, are also among the Shaâ’er of Islam.

(Hak Dini Kur’an Dili Tefsiri:211)

The meaning of this word from the "Shaâ’er" article in the Encyclopedia of Islamic Principles:

There are various words derived from the root "ش ع ر " which is also the root of the word ‘Shaâ’er’. For example, "اشعار " (Ish‘âr) means making one feel and giving a sign. "شعر " (Shi‘ir) means a versified sound and words written in rhyme and metre that make one feel and understand. "شعائر " (Shaâ’er) means the customs and symbols that are the foundation of emotional habits and conscience (Vijdân) of a community that are constantly practised. "شعار " (Shi‘âr) means customs and traditions that have become social habits and continue due to the effect of Shaâ’er. "مشعر " (Mash‘ar) means a place where the consciousness is affected. "شعور " (Shu‘ûr) means perceiving, feeling and understanding all external effects, like those mentioned above.

The Encyclopaedia of Islamic Principles, Paragraph (3485)

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)