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Understanding the Difference Between “Coming Near” (ج ن ب) and “Haram” (ح ر م)

In Islamic terminology, understanding the nuances of specific Arabic roots is crucial for comprehending various concepts in the faith. Two such terms that often require clarification are “coming near” (ج ن ب) and “haram” (ح ر م).

ج ن ب (Janaba/Junub)

The root ج ن ب (janaba) generally refers to the state of being impure due to certain physical conditions, necessitating a ritual purification called ghusl. In everyday usage, it implies keeping a distance from impurities or things that necessitate this state of ritual impurity. The term junub (جنب) is used to describe a person in this state, emphasizing the need for them to avoid certain religious activities until they purify themselves.

ح ر م (Haram)

On the other hand, ح ر م (haram) signifies something that is strictly prohibited or forbidden in Islam. This can encompass a wide range of actions, behaviors, or items deemed unlawful by Islamic law. The concept of haram is essential in guiding Muslims toward what is permissible (halal) and what is not, thus ensuring they adhere to the ethical and moral standards set by the religion.

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Is Coming near Alcohol Haram?

Rashad’s prohibition of drinking alcohol stems from a deep understanding of Islamic teachings and the Quranic guidance found in verse 5:90.

5:90 O you who believe, intoxicants, and gambling, and the altars of idols, and the games of chance are abominations of the devil; you shall avoid them, that you may succeed.

This verse explicitly identifies intoxicants, gambling, games of chance, and the veneration of idols as abominations inspired by the devil, and it commands believers to steer clear of these practices. The rationale behind this prohibition is that consuming alcohol and engaging in such activities can lead to moral and social corruption, detracting from a life of piety and devotion. Although the commandment is clear in its directive to avoid these behaviors, there are nuances to be acknowledge. For example, if someone is compelled by necessity and does not seek to indulge in sin, their actions are not considered sinful, and therefore the act of coming near it is not haram (forbidden).

Do not approach this tree! (Qarab)

2:35 We said, “O Adam, live with your wife in Paradise, and eat therefrom generously, as you please, but do not approach this tree, lest you sin.”

The Arabic triliteral root for “taqraba” is ق-ر-ب. This root generally conveys meanings related to being near, close, or approaching. God is making a clear admonishment of coming near the tree. Notice how God says “lest you sin”. Meaning, coming near it, is not, in and of itself, the actual sin, otherwise the wording would be to the effect of “this is sinful”.

God gives us the best guidance in life and invites us to righteousness and piety. Praying in a specific direction does not make you righteous, following God’s commandments does. If one is frequenting a place of idolatry or intoxication (the pub for example) then this is akin to wearing the identity of someone who is an idolater or someone who does consume alcohol. Your identity matters, God forbids us from praying in the Mosques that were not established solely to worship Him alone (9:108).

9:108 You shall never pray in such a masjid. A masjid that is established on the basis of righteousness from the first day is more worthy of your praying therein. In it, there are people who love to be purified. GOD loves those who purify themselves.

But if you’re passing through a church, have you commited a sin? Is this your identity? Someone who frequently visits a church, or a mosque that qualifies Muhammad as an equal to the Almighty God, is indeed approaching sin. If you were to pray in said masjid, you are contravening this commandment and would likely be comitting a sin (lest you were compelled).

Our position as a submitter is that we vehemently reject these activities and places. If one were invited to a pub, or a club etc, the position is absolutely that of rejection and denouncement. However, if one is compelled and this was a necessity of function, it cannot be said that a sin was commited. Who you are, what you say and how you behave matters, the identity of a submitter. We submit to the Almighty God and his will.

Difference between Janab and Qarab

• ق ر ب (Q R B): Focuses on nearness, closeness, and approaching. It deals with the idea of reducing distance, whether spatial, temporal, or relational.
• ج ن ب (J N B): Centers around the side, being beside, and avoiding. It involves positioning to the side, being next to something, or the act of turning aside or keeping away.

God is very precise in his prescription. It would be easy to say “coming near it” is a sin. But God exemplifies the grossness of what seemingly is an innocuous and harmless behaviour. What is so wrong about eating an apple?

The answer is nothing, but if God himself is telling you to not come near the tree. Then you are disobeying His Wisdom and decree. God would not punish you for your sinful thoughts, but such thoughts have a way of creeping into action. And God puts you to the test of your belief and position.

Do you believe, you would never be swayed by a colleague, a trusted beloved friend, to have one drink? As you encroach into the domain of sin, you’re exemplifying your intents and position. From a distant observer, you are no different to the people that religiously consume alcohol, no different to those who disobey God’s directive.

To put it simply, the sin isn’t in proximity of a sinful idea, the sin is the crossing of the line. You could edge yourself ever closer to the abyss of gross sin, and ultimately it shows your true intents. “If I am repeatedly putting myself in this position, surely this is what I want?” .The abyss that awaits is not worth it, total damnation over an apple? No, total damnation over defiance of the Almighty God.

Avoid obvious and hidden sins!

6:120 You shall avoid obvious sins, as well as the hidden ones. Those who have earned sins will surely pay for their transgressions.

Avoidance of obvious sins here is “wazaru” which means abandon, refrain from, or leave alone. If we try to say that coming near the forbidden activity is in itself sinful, then this statement is moot and circular. You cannot avoid sins if by coming near it, you’ve committed it. Could I be considered sinning if I were to go into a restaurant that sells alcohol, a corner shop that mainly earns from it, can I use perfume?

2:219 They ask you about intoxicants and gambling: say, “In them there is a gross sin, and some benefits for the people. But their sinfulness far outweighs their benefit.” They also ask you what to give to charity: say, “The excess.” GOD thus clarifies the revelations for you, that you may reflect,

“Khamar” ( خ م ر) here is is often related to wine or intoxicants in Arabic. This root is associated with covering or concealing, which metaphorically extends to the effect of intoxication as it covers or obscures the intellect. God is highlighting the value that exists in “intoxicants” yet the dangers associated with them are greater than their benefits.

Look at the sentence again, “in them” there is a gross sin. Again, exemplifying the point that its consumption, and subsequent obfuscation of the mind, is the actual sin. You are not a pious or righteous person, if you seek to forbid what God did not forbid.

The rigtheous ones

2:177 Righteousness is not turning your faces towards the east or the west. Righteous are those who believe in GOD, the Last Day, the angels, the scripture, and the prophets; and they give the money, cheerfully, to the relatives, the orphans, the needy, the traveling alien, the beggars, and to free the slaves; and they observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat); and they keep their word whenever they make a promise; and they steadfastly persevere in the face of persecution, hardship, and war. These are the truthful; these are the righteous.

Righteousness comes from your belief system, that God is One, believing in the angles and hereafter, freely giving to charity. You observe your duties to God, the contact prayer, zakat (obligatory charity). You keep your bond, and you perservere through all adversity to project and represent the truth of God’s words. Posturing towards piety and righteousness does not equal its attestation. Limit your engagement to sin, trust in God when he prescribes distance for you. The devil is better at twisting your soul into compliance than you think. But, be wary of forbidding what God did not forbid, lest you commit a sin by doing so.

7:32 Say, “Who prohibited the nice things GOD has created for His creatures, and the good provisions?” Say, “Such provisions are to be enjoyed in this life by those who believe. Moreover, the good provisions will be exclusively theirs on the Day of Resurrection.” We thus explain the revelations for people who know.