RESIGNATION

The literal meaning of Islām is a state or condition in which a believer becomes “resigned” to the will of God, a “Muslim” being one who is “resigned.” But in the Qurʾān, the grace of resignation is more frequently expre ed by the word ṣabr , “patience,” e.g . Sūrah ii. 150 : “Give good tidings to the patient , who when there falls on them a calamity, say, ‘Verily we are God’s and verily to Him do we return.’ ” The word Taslīm , which the compiler of the Kitābu ʾt-Taʿrīfāt says means to place one’s neck under the commands of God, seems to expre the English word “resignation.” It occurs in the Qurʾān, Sūrah iv. 68 : “They submit with submi ion.” The author of the Ak͟hlāq-i-Jalālī says Taslīm is to “acquiesce in and receive with satisfaction (although, perhaps, repugnant to the inclination) the commands of God,” as exemplified in the verse above quoted. Riẓāʾ , is also a word which expre es resignation, and is defined as being pleased with the inevitable decrees of God, whatever they may be.