These Are Syriac Words, Not Arabic

By Ablahad Saka Bartiloyo

---

Professor Asaad Sauma Asaad states in his article The Aramaic Language and Its Dialects:

“The Aramaic language is unique among its Semitic counterparts in that it is the only Semitic language that has been spoken and written for at least three thousand years without interruption. This makes it one of the oldest living languages in the world, a source of pride for its speakers. Moreover, it has survived by its own intrinsic strength rather than through the protection of any state or political system.”

Aramaic was widely spoken and dominant across Egypt, Syria, Turkey, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Persia, and the southern part of the Arabian Peninsula — what is now Saudi Arabia. The Babylonian Empire was an integral part of the Aramaic linguistic sphere. It is well known that the Babylonian Empire was centered in Babylon, and its last emperor, Nabonidus, invaded Jerusalem and the Arabian Peninsula in the sixth century BC, reaching as far as Yathrib.

When the Arabs conquered various lands in the seventh century AD, they sought to erase existing civilizations, such as the Persian and Syriac cultures. However, because they themselves lacked a fully developed civilization at the time, they could not completely obliterate these existing cultures. As a result, inscriptions, manuscripts and place names have been preserved as evidence of their historical roots. The Arabs were particularly wary of Syriac civilization, as most scholarly works in the fields of medicine, chemistry, geography, history, and even linguistics were written in the Syriac language.

The Aramaic language took on a sacred meaning when it was spoken by our Lord Jesus Christ. It is one of the North-Western Semitic languages, whereas Classical Arabic and its dialects belong to the South-Western branch of the Semitic family.

Many Aramaic-Syriac words are still used today but have no clearly identifiable origin meaning in other languages. Some Arab linguists have attempted to interpret these words outside their original linguistic context, resulting in speculative and unfounded explanations.

For instance, the Aramaic-Syriac word Yathrib (يثرب) has a meaning that differs from common Arabic interpretations. According to the eminent scholar, Patriarch Mar Jacob III of Baritle (Bartella), Yathrib derives from ‘Yotho Rbetho’ (يوثو ربثو meaning ‘the noble essence’), or from ‘Ith Rabo’ (ايث رابو meaning ‘Our Lord is present’). As recorded in the Syriac book Faith and Civilization (Volume I) by the late Mar Severios Ishak Saka of Baritle, Yathrib was historically associated with Tayma (تيماء another Syriac name meaning ‘the miraculous city’, as documented in the Aramaic Talmud. After the advent of Islam, the name was changed to Al-Madina Al-Munawwara (المدينة المنورة).

Arabic lexicons attempt to define the word-name Yathrib, but they disregard its Aramaic-Syriac origins. Notably, the first church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Mother of God Church, was built in this very city.

Did you know that Yathrib was home to Jewish and Christian communities before Islam and that most of its inhabitants spoke Aramaic? The word Yathrib is not Arabic, despite modern efforts to explain its meaning from an Arabic perspective. Some writers continue to publish articles offering interpretations without a true understanding of the word’s historical and linguistic background.

Aramaic, ancient Hebrew, Arabic, and Amharic are sister languages within the Semitic family. Other Semitic languages, such as Amorite, Akkadian, and Canaanite, have disappeared. Like the Germanic and Latin language families, the Semitic family has its own distinct branches, with some languages surviving while others have faded into history.

There is no shame in attributing a word to its original linguistic reference in order to clarify its meaning without unnecessary embellishments. This falls within the domain of the interrelationships between Semitic languages. Many words in Arabic originate from Aramaic, as it was the dominant language that preserved and disseminated the region’s culture in the 9th century BC, while Arabic, its sister language, remained in a state of dormancy — undeveloped, lacking diacritical marks, vowels, and even the glottal stop. At that time, Arabic had only 15 letters, meaning it was still incomplete in structure.

Conversely, Aramaic-Syriac was the direct heir to the evolution of cuneiform and Akkadian languages and was the linguistic foundation of all Eastern civilizations without exception. It can be compared to the status of English in the modern era, or perhaps even more influential. Aramaic continued to thrive for centuries after the beginning of the Christian era, serving as the primary medium for translating books, philosophies and knowledge from Greek and other languages into Arabic.

To be clear, this discussion is not intended to diminish the significance of Arabic but rather to discourage unjustified overstatement of one language at the expense of a historically rich language like Aramaic. Arabic and Aramaic are sister languages, and the acknowledgment of Aramaic’s contributions should neither be dismissed nor exaggerated in interpretation.

For instance, let us examine how Arabic dictionaries define the word Yathrib.

Definition and Meaning of Yathrib in the Comprehensive Arabic Lexicon:

Yathrib (noun): The name used for Medina before the Prophet Muhammad’s migration there in 622 CE.

Athraba (verb): To increase in fat (used for sheep and similar animals).

Athraba someone: To reduce their generosity.

Athraba someone: To reprimand or reproach them for their fault.

Tharaba (verb): To blame, rebuke, or scold someone for their mistake.

Tharraba (verb): To criticize or chastise someone.

Contextual Example:

“If a slave woman commits adultery and it is proven, let her be flogged, but do not rebuke her. If she commits it again, let her be flogged, but do not rebuke her. If she does so a third time, let her be sold, even for a strand of hair.” — A hadith narrated by Abu Hurairah, reported in various sources.

Now, consider the confusion in the following article — ‘Why Was Yathrib Named as Such?’ by Kafaya al-Abadi — attempting to interpret the meaning of Yathrib:

“Before Islam, Medina was known as Yathrib, a name mentioned in the Quran. However, after its inhabitants embraced Islam, the Prophet Muhammad changed the name to Medina, giving it additional names such as Taybah and Taba.”

One might ask: Why did the Prophet change the name Yathrib? What does the word Yathrib mean, and why was the city originally called that?

Some cities derive their names from their founders or their geographical locations. The meaning of Yathrib has been interpreted as ‘corruption’, though the city itself is and has always been sacred. Both Mecca and Medina are mentioned in Islamic texts as two cities that the Antichrist will be unable to enter.

According to some historical accounts, Yathrib was named after a descendant of the Prophet Noah named Yathrib ibn Qayna, who belonged to the Ayyal (or Aybal) branch of Noah’s lineage. After the Great Flood, Noah’s descendants spread across various regions, especially Babylon and the Arabian Desert, establishing cities. Yathrib, according to these traditions, was built by one of these descendants.

Ancient inscriptions found in the region contain Latin engravings of the name Yathrib, suggesting that the name predates the Islamic era and was passed down through generations. Arab tribes who settled in the Arabian Peninsula continued using the name, and its origin has been debated ever since.

The Importance of Aramaic in Understanding Arabic

There are numerous names whose meanings can only be fully understood through Aramaic-Syriac interpretation. Even when Arabic dictionaries were compiled, they did little more than add diacritical marks and vocalization signs to pre-existing words. Today, it is almost impossible to read or interpret many Quranic verses without referring to their linguistic origins in Syriac, Aramaic, the Aramaic Talmud, the Babylonian Talmud, the Jerusalem Talmud, Biblical Aramaic, and early translations.

If one were to ask an Arab today about the meanings of such ancient names, they would likely struggle to provide accurate explanations. In many cases, the meanings presented in Arabic lexicons may be later interpretations shaped by linguistic evolution rather than historical authenticity.

For instance, some examples:

• The name ‘Najran’, which is an Aramaic-origin word meaning ‘long and extended’. In Arabic, ‘Najran’ has been defined as ‘A rounded wooden beam that doors rotate on. Someone who is extremely thirsty.’
• Sinjar: An Aramaic name originally pronounced ‘Shikar’, referring to the ‘evergreen tree of love’ or the ‘Pistacia’ tree, which has grown abundantly on Mount Sinjar for millennia. The name was pronounced by the Arameans as ‘Shinkar’.
• Mecca: A Syriac-origin word meaning ‘low-lying lands’. In Arabic lexicons, it is defined as a place that ‘eradicates sins or eliminates those who commit injustice within it.’

 

This linguistic interplay between Aramaic and Arabic highlights the importance of recognizing historical linguistic influences rather than distorting interpretations.

Ajman: A Talmudic Aramaic name meaning ‘sorrow’.

Meaning of Ajman in the Dictionary of Names:

Ajman is an Arabic Bedouin male name derived from ‘ajma’, meaning ‘ambiguity’ or ‘speech impairment’. It can also refer to someone highly experienced or mute. The suffix ‘-an’ is an additional linguistic element.

Qatar: A Syriac name meaning ‘violent’.

Definition and meaning of Qatar in the Comprehensive Dictionary of Meanings:

Qatar is the name of an Arab country (the State of Qatar) in the Arabian Gulf.

In linguistic usage, ‘qatara’ refers to weighing a load of dates, goods, or grains without weighing the remainder but instead estimating it:

Qattar (verb form): To drip or pour liquid drop by drop.

Qattar al-zahr: To distill flowers.

Qattar al-sa’il: To boil a liquid until it evaporates and then condenses it back.

Najaf: Derived from ‘nashaf’, meaning ‘dry’ or ‘parched’.

Al-Khattab: A Syriac name meaning ‘wood gatherer’ or ‘lumberjack’.

Definition and meaning of ‘Khattab’ in the Comprehensive Dictionary of Meanings:

Khattab refers to someone who frequently delivers speeches.

Khuttab (plural of khatib): Those who propose or deliver addresses.

Fasl al-Khitab: Speech that clarifies a complex issue or delivers a decisive judgment (as mentioned in the Quran, Surah Sad, verse 20: ‘And We gave him wisdom and decisive speech’).

Khitab: A formal address or speech, often conveying complaints or grievances aimed at drawing the attention of authorities.

Abu Bakr: A Syriac name meaning ‘firstborn’.

Meaning of Bakr in the Dictionary of Names:

Bakr refers to a young camel.

It is an ancient name used by some Arab tribes. The name Abu Bakr became popular as a term of endearment, particularly in reference to Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him).

Yemen: An Aramaic name meaning ‘strong’ or ‘right hand’.

Definition and meaning of Yemen in the Comprehensive Dictionary of Meanings:

Aman (verb root): To weaken or exhaust.

Amanahu al-juhd: To render someone weak or exhausted.

Ali: A Syriac name meaning ‘high’ or ‘elevated’.

Ali in Arabic Usage: Aliya (verb): To rise or ascend.

Aliya al-nahar: The day advanced.

Aliya fi al-majd wa al-makarem: To rise in glory and virtues.

Hussain: An Aramaic name meaning ‘strong’ or ‘mighty’.

Meaning of Hussain in the Dictionary of Names:

Hussain is a diminutive form of Hasan and is also associated with a high mountain.

The name is highly revered among Muslims due to its connection to the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Damascus: A Syriac word meaning ‘The irrigated house’.

Definition and meaning of Damascus in Al-Ma’ani Al-Jami’ Dictionary – Arabic-Arabic Dictionary

Damshaq (الدَّمْشَقُ) refers to Dumaashiq.

Damshaqa (دَمْشَقَ) in something: to hasten.

Damshaqa a task (دَمْشَقَ العملَ): To complete it quickly.

Damshaqa the roast (دَمْشَقَ الشِّواءَ): To undercook it.

Damshaqa something (دَمْشَقَ الشيءَ): To adorn or embellish it.

Marwan: An Aramaic name meaning ‘One who persecutes others”.

Marwan is an Arabic masculine given name, derived from ‘marw’, which refers to solid stones, particularly flint, used for striking fire. ‘Marw’ is also a type of basil plant, and the feminine form of the name is ‘Marwana’.

Othman: A Syriac name meaning ‘The oppressed’ or ‘The persecuted’.

The name ‘Othman’ in Arabic dictionaries means ‘serpent’ or ‘young bustard’ (a type of bird). It is a beloved name among Muslims, inspired by the third Rashidun Caliph, Othman ibn Affan, who was the husband of two daughters of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Affan: A Syriac name meaning ‘shrouding’ (preparing the dead for burial)

According to Arabic name dictionaries, ‘affan’ conveys a sense of extreme chastity and purity. The name is notably associated with Othman ibn Affan, indicating its pre-Islamic familiarity.

Dubai: An Aramaic name meaning ‘The desired place’.

Dubbi (دُبِّيّ): Related to ‘bear’.

Jild Dubbi (جِلْدٌ دُبِّيّ): ‘bear-like skin’.

Juththa Dubbiya (جُثَّة دُبِّيَّة): ‘a bear-like corpse’.

Sharjah: An Aramaic name meaning ‘The illuminated’.

Sharq (الشَّارِقُ): Refers to ‘the sun’ or ‘the eastern side’.

Ahmar Sharq (أحمر شارق): Refers to ‘a deep red color’.

Sharq (شارِق): The active participle of ‘sharaqa’ (شرق), meaning ‘to rise’.

Bahrain: A Syriac name meaning ‘conflict zones’.

Bahr (البَحَر): A condition causing extreme thirst and excessive water consumption.

Bahr (البَحْر): Refers to a vast body of water, whether salty or fresh, covering a significant portion of Earth’s surface.

Bahr (البَحْر) in reference to people: Signifies vast knowledge or excellence.

Hadramout: An Aramaic name meaning ‘The land of the dead’.

Hadhramiyya (الحَضْرَمِيَّةُ): Refers to a specific dialect or accent.

Hadhrama in speech (حَضْرَمَ في كلامه): to make grammatical mistakes.

Hadhrama (الحَضْرَمَةُ): ‘mixing’ or ‘blending’.

Hadhramout (حَضْرَمَوْت): A geographical location.

Omar: A Syriac name meaning ‘One who lives in comfort’.

The Arabic meaning of ‘Omar’ is derived from ‘umr’ (عُمْر), which means life. The name was made popular by Caliph Omar ibn al-Khattab. It conveys the wish for a long and prosperous life for the bearer.

Quraysh: A Syriac name meaning ‘cattle herders’.

Qarish (القَرِيشُ): ‘hard’ or ‘firm’.

Qarish (القَرِيشُ) in food: Refers to a type of dry, low-fat cheese.

There are dozens, if not hundreds, of Syriac words that have no meaning in Arabic. These words are often interpreted based on assumptions or given meanings that are not related to their true origins.

---

Ablahad Saka Bartiloyo is a member of the Bethnahrin National Council in Iraq.