The Identification of Sidr in Islamic Scripture Based on Elaboration of Turath and its Compatibility with Contemporary Data in Botany

Abstract

Topics related to plants in Islamic scripture have gained considerable attention in scholarly discussions. The sidr plant is among those that have received particular attention in studies in Southeast Asia. However, the explanations put forward in these studies do not fully correspond to sidr as described in the Arabic books of antiquity (ABA). To address this, this study aims to present an identification of sidr mentioned in the Holy Quran and authentic hadith. The sidr that constitutes the focus of this study is related to worldly life, instead of the Hereafter, which is among divine transcendental subjects. Methodologically, this study employs a qualitative approach using library research to collect data from ABA sources as well as from authoritative contemporary botanical data. The collected data is then interpreted through content analysis to identify sidr. The findings show that the sidr discussed in scriptures refers to two West Asian lote trees bearing the binomial nomenclatures Ziziphus spina-christi and Ziziphus nummularia. Whereas other plants that closely resemble them are classified as ‘unnāb based on the original usage of the Arabic language. This study recommends referring to ABA sources in order to accurately identify the plants mentioned in the Quranic text and hadith. Furthermore, the integration of botanical scientific data with information from ABA can reinforce knowledge about these plants. Accordingly, a correct identification of sidr within the texts can be obtained. Based on the accurate knowledge of the meaning of sidr, any intended research, discourse, product advertising, and ideas that incorporate this plant into a Quranic botanical garden will not be tainted by factual inaccuracies.