Bashar: Meaning and Significance
Definition of Bashar:
Bashar (بشر) is an Arabic word that means “human” or “mankind”. It is often used in Islamic literature, poetry, and philosophy to refer to human beings as distinct from other creatures, particularly in a spiritual and moral context.
Linguistic and Religious Significance:
- Arabic Root and Meaning:
- Derived from the root ب-ش-ر (B-Sh-R), which relates to skin, appearance, and human nature.
- Implies humanity, emotions, and moral responsibilities.
- Bashar in the Quran:
- The Quran frequently uses Bashar to describe humans as beings created with free will and intellect.
- Example: “Qul innama ana basharun mithlukum.” (Say, ‘I am only a human like you.’ – Surah Al-Kahf 18:110)
- Philosophical and Poetic Usage:
- Used in classical Arabic and Urdu poetry to reflect on human nature, weaknesses, and spiritual aspirations.
- Poets highlight the contrast between bashar (humans) and malaa’ika (angels).
Bashar in Different Languages:
| Language | Translation |
|---|---|
| Arabic | بشر (Bashar) |
| Bengali | মানুষ (Manush) |
| Chinese | 人类 (Rénlèi) |
| Danish | Menneske |
| Dutch | Mens |
| English | Human |
| French | Humain |
| German | Mensch |
| Greek | Άνθρωπος (Anthropos) |
| Gujarati | માનવ (Manav) |
| Hebrew | אדם (Adam) |
| Hindi | बशर (Bashar) / मानव (Manav) |
| Indonesian | Manusia |
| Italian | Essere umano |
| Japanese | 人間 (Ningen) |
| Kannada | ಮಾನವ (Manava) |
| Korean | 인간 (Ingan) |
| Latin | Homo |
| Malay | Manusia |
| Marathi | मानव (Manav) |
| Persian | بشر (Bashar) |
| Portuguese | Humano |
| Russian | Человек (Chelovek) |
| Spanish | Humano |
| Turkish | İnsan |
Bashar in Poetry and Literature:
- Often used to highlight human imperfection, morality, and emotions.
- Poets compare bashar (humanity) with divine or spiritual elements.
- Example: “Bashar hone ka ehsas hai, par maa’roof bhi hoon.” (I feel the burden of being human, but I am also known.)
Famous References to Bashar:
- Prophetic Mention: Prophets (Anbiya) are also Bashar, but they receive divine revelation.
- Sufi Thought: Humans (Bashar) must strive for divine closeness and self-purification.
- Philosophy: Bashar represents the mortal, limited nature of humans compared to eternal divine attributes.
Conclusion:
Bashar is more than just a term for humanity—it embodies the essence of being human, with all its strengths and weaknesses. It is deeply rooted in Islamic theology, philosophy, and poetry, serving as a reminder of human responsibility, imperfection, and potential for spiritual elevation.