In Islam, the Dead Sea is primarily known by its Arabic name, Bahr Lut (بحر لوط), which translates to the Sea of Lot. This name directly connects the body of water to the story of Prophet Lot (Lut), a significant figure in Islamic tradition.
The Sea of Lot: A Name Rooted in Islamic History
The Arabic designation, Sea of Lot, is the most common way the Dead Sea is referred to in Islamic contexts. As noted in historical and geographical texts, the name links the sea to the biblical and Quranic narrative of Prophet Lot (Lut).
- Arabic Names:
- بحر لوط (Bahr Lut) - Sea of Lot
- Buhayrat Lut
- Bahret Lut
- Birket Lut
This naming convention highlights the strong association between the geographical location and the religious history preserved in the Quran and Hadith.
Prophet Lot (Lut) in Islam
Prophet Lot is revered in Islam as a messenger of God. The Quran recounts his mission to the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (often referred to collectively as the "cities of Lot"), which were situated near the Dead Sea. The inhabitants of these cities were known for their grievous sins, particularly their sexual immorality.
When the people rejected Prophet Lot's message and refused to cease their wicked ways, God decreed their destruction. The narrative describes angels visiting Prophet Abraham and informing him of the impending doom before proceeding to Lot. Lot and his faithful followers were instructed to leave the cities before dawn and not look back.
According to the story, as divine punishment rained down upon Sodom and Gomorrah, Prophet Lot's wife, who harbored sympathy for her people, disobeyed the command and looked back, subsequently turning into a pillar of salt. This detail is specifically mentioned in connection with the naming of the sea in the provided reference.
The area where these cities are believed to have been located is in the vicinity of the modern-day Dead Sea, leading to its enduring name, the Sea of Lot, in the Islamic world.
Significance in Islamic Perspective
The Dead Sea area, as the location of Prophet Lot's story, serves as a reminder of God's justice and the consequences of rejecting His messengers and divine laws. Travelers passing through the region are often reminded of the fate of the people of Lot.
In summary, the Dead Sea's identity in Islam is intrinsically tied to its designation as the Sea of Lot, commemorating a pivotal event involving a respected prophet and serving as a cautionary tale from Islamic history.
