What is Ummah?

[transferedposts]

What is Ummah?


We found 4 basic definitions to the word with references of its variations being used in the Qur'aan:

1 – The word ummah is used to mean a period of time:

"And if We delay the torment for them till a determined term [ila ummatin ma'doodah]"[Hood 11:8]

"Then the man who was released (one of the two who were in prison), now at length [ba'da ummatin] remembered"[Yoosuf 12:45]

2 – It is used to mean a group of people, which is the usual usage:

"he found there a group of men [ummatan min al-naas] watering (their flocks)"[al-Qasas 28:23]

"And for every Ummah (community or nation) there is a Messenger"[Yoonus 10:47]

"Mankind were one community [ummah]"[al-Baqarah 2:213]
and there are other similar aayahs.

3 – The word ummah is used to refer to a man who is taken as a leader, as in the aayah:

"Verily, Ibraaheem (Abraham) was an Ummah (a leader having all the good righteous qualities)"[al-Nahl 16:120]

4 – The word ummah is used to mean a way or religion:

"They say: "We found our fathers following a certain way and religion [ummah]"[al-Zukhruf 43:23]

"Truly, this, your Ummah [Sharee‘ah or religion (Islamic Monotheism)] is one religion"[al-Anbiyaa' 21:92]

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There are very likely many more definitions for the word as it appears the words meaning is heavily dependent on how it is used in a sentence.

However I think these 4 definitions cover the top levels and the way it is used the majority of the time.

We would really appreciate anyone with more accurate or better information posting the additional information.