“By Time!” An Islamic Zeitbegriff

Abstract

We aim at introducing a new discourse in the Islamic view of time, employing the tools outlined in Martin Heidegger’s: "The Concept of Time". While in his treatise he starts with a brief remark concerning the role of theology in the study of time, proceeding to the philosophical essentials for a comprehension of time, the present article will start by delineating a philosophical Qur’anic framework, and then delve in some key theological aspects. Philosophically, the two occurrences of the word "time" (dahr) in the Quran will be analyzed, in light of the connection between time and knowledge, as well as the one between time and death. Theologically, the relationship between time and eternity as well as the value of time will be examined. Finally, the new framework will be put to test with a short analysis of the Quranic chapter 103 ("By Time!"), where theology and philosophy will be brought together.