Summa: Meaning and Significance
Definition of Summa:
Summa (ثم) is an Arabic word that means “then” or “thereafter”. It is often used in Arabic, Urdu, and Islamic literature to indicate sequence, emphasis, or transition in speech and writing.
Linguistic and Religious Significance:
- Arabic Root and Usage:
- Derived from the root ث-م (Th-M), meaning progression, continuation, or emphasis.
- Commonly used in the Quran and Hadith to indicate a logical sequence of events.
- Summa in the Quran:
- The Quran frequently uses Summa to describe the progression of divine actions, human fate, and historical events.
- Example: “Summa ilayhi turja‘oon” (Then to Him you will return. – Surah Al-Baqarah 2:28)
- Philosophical and Poetic Usage:
- Used in classical Arabic and Urdu poetry to create rhythm and emphasis.
- It adds depth to arguments and poetic expressions.
Summa in Different Languages:
| Language | Translation |
|---|---|
| Arabic | ثم (Summa) |
| Bengali | তারপর (Tarpor) |
| Chinese | 然后 (Ránhòu) |
| Danish | Derefter |
| Dutch | Vervolgens |
| English | Then / Thereafter |
| French | Ensuite |
| German | Dann / Danach |
| Greek | Έπειτα (Epeita) |
| Gujarati | પછી (Pachhi) |
| Hebrew | ואז (Ve’az) |
| Hindi | फिर (Phir) |
| Indonesian | Kemudian |
| Italian | Poi |
| Japanese | それから (Sorekara) |
| Kannada | ನಂತರ (Nantara) |
| Korean | 그 후에 (Geu hue) |
| Latin | Deinde |
| Malay | Kemudian |
| Marathi | नंतर (Nantar) |
| Persian | سپس (Sepas) |
| Portuguese | Depois |
| Russian | Затем (Zatem) |
| Spanish | Luego |
| Turkish | Sonra |
Summa in Religious and Literary Contexts:
- Quranic Context:
- Often used to emphasize divine actions and consequences.
- Example: “Summa amanu summa kafaru” (Then they believed, then they disbelieved – Surah An-Nisa 4:137)
- Sufi and Poetic Expressions:
- Used to show spiritual transitions in Sufi literature.
- Example: “Summa ishq, summa fanaa” (First love, then annihilation in God.)
- General Usage:
- Commonly found in Arabic and Urdu proverbs and religious discourses.
- Expresses gradual development, consequence, and deeper reflection.
Conclusion:
Summa is more than just a transition word; it is deeply embedded in religious, philosophical, and poetic traditions. It conveys progression, consequence, and emphasis, making it an essential term in both spiritual and literary contexts.