October - Islamic History & Pride Month -- Definition

The word "pride" in Arabic has a narrow, negative meaning. But in the English langauge the meaning of the word "pride" is broad and it has several different meanings.

Pride, the way it is defined in English can be a good thing. It can cause you to do your best work, look your best, always put your best foot forward, build your identity, self-esteem and self-respect. It can cause you to make sure your community, places of worship, place of work, and home always looks it best and operates at its best.

Pride can also be destructive, and selfish. It can harm the self and the community and draw one away from Allah(swt).

Obviously when we speak of "pride" for the "Islamic History & Pride Month" we are talking about that which builds identity, self-esteem, self-respect and ultimately the community at-large. This is our intention.

Below is the entry (definition*) for the word "pride" in the Merriam-Webster Collegiate® Dictionary. We have embolden the definitions we are using in calling this "Islamic History and Pride Month".

Pride
Main Entry: 1pride
Pronunciation: 'prId
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English pryde, from prud proud -- more at PROUD
Date: before 12th century
1 : the quality or state of being proud: as
a : inordinate self-esteem : CONCEIT
b : a reasonable or justifiable self-respect
c : delight or elation arising from some act, possession, or relationship <parental pride>
2 : proud or disdainful behavior or treatment : DISDAIN
3 a : ostentatious display
b : highest pitch : PRIME
4 : a source of pride : the best in a group or class
5 : a company of lions
6 : a showy or impressive group <a pride of dancers>

Special thanks to Walid Ramadan, Principal, IQRA Islamic School, BC, Canada, for providing the Arabic and transliteration.