abdal Usage and Pronunciation

Teacher Gu's English Class

Overview Meanings Pronunciation Usage Practice

abdal

/æbˈdɑːl/
Noun Religious term

Basic definition: A Sufi saint or holy man in Islamic mysticism

Etymology: From Arabic "بدل" (badal) meaning "substitute" or "saint"

📚 Core Meanings

Sufi Mysticism

A saintly person in Sufi tradition who has reached high spiritual rank

The abdal is believed to be among the forty hidden saints.
Abdal are considered to be God's chosen servants.
Sufism

Islamic Tradition

One of the forty invisible saints who sustain the world

According to tradition, when an abdal dies, another takes his place.
The abdal remain unknown to most people.
Islam

Spiritual Hierarchy

A rank in the Sufi spiritual hierarchy below the qutb

Abdal are said to have miraculous powers.
The abdal maintain spiritual balance in the world.
Mysticism

"abdal" is a specialized term in Islamic mysticism, primarily used in religious and Sufi studies. While uncommon in daily usage, it holds significant importance in Sufi traditions.

🔄 Usage Comparison

English Examples

The abdal are hidden saints in Sufi tradition.

Few people recognize an abdal in their lifetime.

This book discusses the role of abdal in Islamic mysticism.

Translations

Abdal are hidden saints in Sufi tradition.

Few people recognize an abdal in their lifetime.

This book discusses the role of abdal in Islamic mysticism.

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

British Pronunciation

/æbˈdɑːl/

ab-DAHL (stress on "dal")

American Pronunciation

/æbˈdɑːl/

ab-DAHL (stress on "dal")

Pronunciation Tips:

Common Mistakes

  • Pronouncing as "AB-dal" (should be /æbˈdɑːl/)
  • Silencing the "b" sound
  • Incorrect vowel in first syllable

🎯 Common Collocations

Forty + abdals

Referring to the group of saints

the forty abdal
the group of forty hidden saints
Traditional

Sufi + abdal

Relating to Sufi tradition

Sufi concept of abdal
the Sufi understanding of saints
Religious

abdal + hierarchy

Describing spiritual ranks

abdal in Sufi hierarchy
saints within the spiritual structure
Mystical

Grammar Notes

Singular: abdal
Plural: abdals

⚠️ Common Confusions

Don't confuse:

Abdal are prophets in Islam. (Incorrect)

Correct:Abdal are saints in Sufi tradition.

The abdal are always visible to people. (Incorrect)

Correct:The abdal remain hidden from most people.

✍️ Practice Exercises

Translation Practice

1. The concept of abdal is important in Sufism.
2. This book explains the role of abdal in Islamic mysticism.
3. Scholars have studied the traditions surrounding abdal.

1. The concept of abdal is important in Sufism.

2. This book explains the role of abdal in Islamic mysticism.

3. Scholars have studied the traditions surrounding abdal.

Pronunciation Practice

Repeat these sentences:

• Abdal are hidden saints. [æbˈdɑːl]
• The forty abdal sustain the world. [æbˈdɑːl]
• This is a Sufi text about abdal. [æbˈdɑːl]

Correction Exercise

Identify and correct errors:

1. Abdal are found in Christianity.
2. Pronounced [ˈæbdəl]
3. The abdal are always visible to everyone.

1. Abdal are found in Sufi Islam.

2. Pronounced [æbˈdɑːl] (stress on second syllable)

3. The abdal remain hidden from most people.