umma
(’umma)
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| (Language: Arabic) |
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| Short Description: |
"Community," or "people." A Qur’ānic term used to refer to the various peoples and nations of the earth. |
| Long Description: |
"Community," or "people." A Qur’ānic term used to refer to the various peoples and nations of the earth. The Qur’ān speaks of the fact that God has sent a prophet to every umma, and it is understood in Islam that each prophet has his own umma, who follows his message. (Thus, in an Islamic context, umma refers to the "community" of Muslims spread throughout many nations.) |
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| Source(s): |
Islam, Fundamentalism, and the Betrayal of Tradition, edited by Dr. Joseph Lumbard |
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