Arabic and Islamic themes in Frank Herbert's "Dune"

Submitted by Khalid on Thu, 2004/01/22 - 19:59

• Culture |
• Literature
Those who are familiar with Frank Herbert's famous novel Dune know that he took his analogy from
the oil of the Middle East, and that the novel is symbolic about the dependance of the West on the oil,
and the power struggles to control this valuable resource.
You will really enjoy this article whether you have read the novels, or summaries of them, or just
watched 1984 David Lynch Dune movie, and/or the Dune TV Mini-series, or even played the Dune
games.
In this article, I try to explain in detail where Frank Herbert got his name, concepts, and words from.
This article is not meant to be a literary nor an exhaustive topical critique of the novels, which I am
cannot fully do, because simply, I did not read the original novels. I have watched and enjoyed the
movie and the mini-series, and read summaries of the novels. Instead, this article is a linguistic and
etymological study of the major aspects of Dune as they pertain to Middle East, Arabic, and Islam.
I should note here that not everything in Dune is derived from Arabic or is of Islamic origin. There are
other influences for sure. For example, Atreides is directly taken from Homer's Iliad, and is hence of
Greek mythological origin. Vladimir is a Slavic name, and common in Russia, which was the Evil
Empire during the Cold War era. The terms Tleilaxu and Axolotl seem to be from Meso-American
origin (Aztec?). The Kwisatz Haderach is a Hebrew term. Also names such as Vladimir and Atreides
are from Slavic and Ancient Greek cultures. Although these and others have different origin, it can be
conceded that Islamic and Arabic themes are the ones that Frank Herbert used the most in his Dune
series.
Also, Dune is not the only example of Islam and Arab culture in Western Sci Fi. Other examples of
Islam in Sci Fi Literature are collected by Muhammad Aurangazeb Ahmed.

Translations of this article

A French translation by Frederic Specht is on the Dune France web site.
A Russian translation by Vitaly Chikharin is on the Russian Spice World web site.
An earlier version of this article has been translated to Korean by a visitor. You have to click on the link
at the end of the article to display the translation, paragraph by paragraph.

Plagiarism
This article has been plagiarised by some person in Utah's Indy Media web site. The URL is
http://utah.indymedia.org/news/2004/05/8709.php. It was published on Monday May 31, 2004 at
11:23 PM. S/he even did a shameless copy/paste and left the original headings in there, like so:
Islamic themes in Frank Herbert's "Dune"
Submitted by Khalid on Thu, 2004/01/22 - 23:59. Culture | Literature
Introduction
For those who are unfamiliar with the novels or the movie or the mini-series, here is a quick briefing of
the setting: On the planet Arrakis, there is a very precious commodity, called Melange, or the spice.
This commodity is only found on this desert inhospitable planet. The spice is necessary for intergalactic
space travel. The powerful merchant guild requires it. An emperor controls the mining of the spice
through two warring houses, the Atreides and the Harkonen. The native inhabitants of the planet are the
Fremen, tribal desert nomadic people who know how to survive there. The emperor sides with the
Harkonen against the Atreides, and Duke Leto Atreides, Paul's father is assassinated. Paul is exiled,
then works up an alliance with the Fremen, and becomes their leader. He then leads the resistance
movement against the Harkonen and the emperor, reclaiming his family's heritage as just rulers. There
are many other details that I skimmed over (e.g. the worm, Shai Hulud, ...etc.)

Resources
Those who want to read more on Frank Herbert and/or his Dune novels can peruse the following links:
• Frank Herbert's biography on Wikipedia
• Dune article on Wikipedia gives you an overview of the plot, characters, and more.
• Tim O'Reilly wrote a Sci-Fi book and has some comments on Dune there. More importantly, he
wrote a book about Frank Herbert and how he developed his ideas. Also, in Borders.com he has
more comments on Dune.
• Star Wars Origins in Dune. An extensive web page discussing the link, and elaborating on some
themes in Dune.
• Lexicon of the Imperium from the Dreamers of Dune web site lists most of the terms used in
Dune.
• The Dune Fictional Universe on Explore Reading.

Islamic and Arabic Themes in Dune

What is not well known are the various Islamic undertones, and Arabic etymologies that Frank Herbert
put in Dune. The purpose of this article is to try to list these themes, and trace them back to whatever
Islamic concept there is (if any).
The following list is derived from the above linked Lexicon, with some of my own addition. I try to
explain what the term means in Herbert's novel, and what possible Arabic or Islamic terms it was
derived from, and their original meaning.
As per the request of a visitor, I added the possible Arabic origin, in Arabic text next to each title.
Arabic
Term Comments
Etymology
Loose robe worn by Fremen women: usually black. The term seems to
be a direct derivation from the modern day term: "Abaya" ‫عباية‬, which
ABA ‫عبا‬
has been the Muslim female dress for centuries. The original term ‫عبا‬
or ‫ عباء‬is how it is referred to in the classical Arabic sources.
ADAB ‫أدب‬ The demanding memory that comes upon you of itself. In Arabic, Adab
 means "manners" and also "literature".
Alia is the name of Paul's little sister. Alia was the name of one of the
many queens of Jordan under King Hussein. The name is the feminine
‫ عالية‬or form of "High above". Note that Tim O'Reilly states that Alia was a
ALIA
‫علية‬ member of the prophet's family. He seems to mean Ali (masculine).
Either he is mistaken, or Herbert was confused. Or perhaps Herbert
meant it as word play.
Mankind's original sun; by usage: any planet's primary. Al-Lat was a
AL-LAT ‫اللت‬
principle pre-Islamic goddess, equated with the Greek Venus.
The mystical world of similitudes where all physical limitations are
ALAM AL-
‫ عالم المثال‬removed. The term seems to be derived from mystic Sufi traditions. In
MITHAL
Arabic it means "World of Similitudes".
A common rule an primitive worlds under which something is tested to
AMTAL or determine its limits or defects. Commonly: testing to destruction. This
‫أمثال‬
AMTAL RULE could be derived from ‫( أمثال‬Amthal) which in Arabic means
"Proverbs", among other things.
The test of reason. Originally, the 'Seven Mystic Questions' beginning:
AQL ‫عقل‬ 'Who is it that thinks ?' The Arabic word means many things, such as
"mind", "logic", "reason".
The planet known as Dune; third planet of Canopus. I have seen some
say that this is derived from the Arabic word for dancing, Raqs ‫رقص‬
ARRAKIS - with "the" prepended, making it ar-rakis ‫الرقص‬. However, this is only
true in some dialects (e.g. not in Egypt for example). To me, this is only
a remote possibility.
In the Zensunni Wanderer's religion, the female at the left hand of God:
God's handmaiden. In Arabic, Auliya ‫ أولياء‬is the plural for Wali ‫ولي‬
AULIYA ‫أولياء‬
which means 'an ally', and in some Islamic traditions means 'an ally of
god', roughly translating to 'saint'.
Axolotl tanks are used by the Tleilaxu to breed Gholas. The name is for
a salamanger, and is from the Aztec Nahuatl language, from "atl"
meaning water, and "xolotl" meaning dog. It also derives its name from
AXOLOTL -
the Aztec God of Death Xolotl, who - according to myth - assumed the
amphibian's form in an effort to escape exile, and was killed while
such. See the Axolotl article in Wikipedia.
The signs of life. This is the same meaning in Arabic, and used in the
AYAT ‫آيات‬
Quran often.
In fremen legend, the weeper who mourns for all mankind. In Arabic,
BAKKA ‫بكاء‬ this means someone who weeps often, and in early Islam, it referred to
those who cried out of piety, and fear/respect of God.
BAKLAWA ‫بقلوة‬ Heavy pastry made with date syrup. In the modern Middle East, there is
a pastry that is made with syrup, but only with sugar (no dates
involved). It is made as far north as Turkey, the Levant, Egypt, and the
 Arabian peninsula.
A living holy man of magical powers. In Arabic, this word means
BARAKA ‫بركة‬ 'blessings'. It can be used as an adjective for people who are pious,
considered blessed, or can bestow blessings on others.
(Often Colonel Bashar): an officer of the Sardaukar a fractional point
above Colonel in the standardized military classification. Rank created
for military ruler of a planetary sub-district (Bashar of the Corps is a
BASHAR ‫بشار‬ title reserved strictly for military use.) Also, one character in
Chapterhouse Dune is Bashar Miles Teg. Bashar is an ancient Arab
name that was in use at least since the first Hegira century. It is still in
use today (e.g. Bashar is the first name of the current Syrian President).
The witch sisterhood, or class that Paul's mother belonged to are called
Bene Gesserit. The phrase in Arabic means "Sons of the
Island/Peninsula". The Arabian peninsula is often called "Al Jazirah"
(The Peninsula). Also, the term "Beni" can mean descent from, or a
village/town originally inhabited by a tribe/clan. However, an
alternative explanation is possible, that the origin is Latin, and means
BENE "he/she will do well", or "it will have been well borne". Perhaps
‫بني جزيرة‬
GESSERIT Herbert was playing with words, and intended dual meaning here,
although I doubt it, since the Bene Tleilaxu share the same prefix
"Bene", but seems to be inspired by Central and South American
history.

Amen. (Literally: 'Nothing further need be explained.'). In Islamic

theological discourse, it refers to an ancient dispute on the attributes of
God (e.g. face, hand, ...etc.), and how different groups interpreted them.
The traditionalists chose to accept them as is, 'without how'. The
BI-LA KAIFA ‫بل كيف‬
rationalists (e.g. Mu'tazili) chose to interpret them allegorically. The
phrase Bi-La Kaifa means "without a how". This term is not used often
in modern times, except in theological circles. It is amazing that Frank
Herbert would be exposed to this term, and make use of it.
flat, open desert. Could be derived from ‫( بلد‬Belad), meaning
BLED ‫بلد‬
"countries".
Insulated mantle worn by Fremen in the open desert. In classical
Arabic, Burqu' is any face cover, whether used for males or females, or
even on animals (e.g. in some battles, the Persians used elephants. The
Arabs used face covers on the camels so they would not be startled by
BOURKA ‫برقع‬ them). In modern times it refers to women's dress. In Egypt, the Burqu'
used to refer to a face mask wore by women when they are out in
public. In other countries, such as Afghanistan (spelled Burqa in
English), it refers to an all covering dress for women, with a net like
area for sight.
 The proofs of life. (Commonly: the ayat and burhan of life.) In Arabic,
BURHAN ‫برهان‬ Burhan is 'proof', and was used by logicians and philosophers in
dialectical debates to mean just that.
Sardaukar officer rank given to a military official whose duties call
mostly for dealings with civilians; a military governorship over a full
CAID ‫قائد‬
planetary district; above the rank of Bashar but not equal to a Burseg.
The Arabic word means "commander" or "chief".
The sacred knife of the Fremen on Arrakis. It is manufactured in two
forms from teeth taken from dead sandwolms. The two forms am 'fixed'
and 'unfixed.' An unfixed knife requires proximity to a human body's
CRYSKNIFE -
electrical field to prevent disintegration. Fixed knives are treated for
storage. All are about 20 centimetres long. In Malaysia, there is a
ceremonial dagger called Krys with a wavy blade.
School of religious translation or interpretation. In the 9th century, the
DAR AL-
‫دار الحكمة‬ Abbasid Caliph, al-Mamun established an academy for translation, and
HIKMAN
teaching and called it Dar al-Hikma, meaning House of Wisdom.
The 'rain of sand.' A fall of dust which has been carried to medium
altitude (around 2,000 metres) by a coriolis storm. El-sayals frequently
EL-SAYAL ‫السيال‬
bring moisture to ground level. The preposition "El" in Arabic means
"The". Sayal is derived from the root, "to flow"
An extensive dune area, a sea of sand. In the Arab peninsula dialects,
ERG ‫عرق‬ the ‫ ق‬letter is pronounced as a G (like in Game). The meaning is the
same, and the plural is ‫عروق‬.

The water tribute, a kind of tax. In Muslim law, ‫ فئ‬means land

FAI ‫فئ‬
revenue from agriculture.
Fremen death commandos: historically: a group formed and pledged to
give their lives to right a wrong. Theyare special strike forces of the
Fremen under the command of Paul Atrides. They are kind of kamikaze
like force who know they can sacrifice themselves in their mission. I
think this term is taken from the Arabic "Feda'yin", which in the 1960s
was used for the Palestinian guerillas. The same term was used for
Saddam Hussein's special guerilla type forces.
FEDAYKIN ‫فدائيين‬
Note that the "k" is not the correct sound here, but rather the Arabic
"hamza". Certain cultures do transform the hamza to a "k", at least
when written, for example, in Indonesia, Mu'min (believer, faithful) can
be written as Mukmin. Could this be another clue of where Frank
Herbert got his terms from?

Knowledge, religious law; one of the half-legendary origins of the

FIQH ‫فقه‬ Zensunni Wanderers' religion. The term is a purely Islamic one. It
originated from "understanding".
FREMEN - The Fremen were modeled by Herbert after desert nomad warriors.
 This is evident in their tribalism, knowledge of the desert, code of
honor, and more.
Giving oneself up to gadfly distractions. Thus: a changeable person,
GHAFLA ‫غفلة‬
one not to be trusted. In Arabic, it means lack of alertness.
something acquired in battle or single combat. Commonly, a memento
of combat kept only to stir the memory. Ghanima in Arabic comes from
the root GH-N-M, which means "to win", "to gain". Many Arabic
GHANIMA ‫غنيمة‬
proper names use this root, as in "Ghanem", "Ghannaam". If
pronounced with a long "i" vowel, Ghanima could mean war booty.
With a short "i" sound, it would mean "one who gained".
These are manufactured clones of other people using genetic
GHOLA ‫غول‬ engineering techniques by the Bene Tleilaxu. The word seems to be
derived from the Arabic mythical creature "ghoul" ‫غول‬.
The high-handed enemy; that specific poison needle tipped with meta-
cyanide used by Bene Gesserit Proctors in the death-alternative test of
human awareness. The Bene Gesserit witch threatens Paul with, when
GOM JABBAR ‫جبار‬ he is put to the test. Also, Alia uses a Gom Jabbar to kill her
grandfather, Baron Vladimir Harkonnen. "Jabar" could be a variation of
"Jabbar" ‫ار‬7‫جب‬, which in Arabic means "mighty" or "powerful", and in
the form "Al Jabbar" is a name of God.
In the Tleilaxu culture members must be "cleansed" of all
communicable sins and ideas after contact with non-believers
(powindah). Ghufran designates a rite of purification. Ghufran is
definitely Arabic. It means "forgivness" or "absolution". If a Muslim
commits a sin, he asks for forgiveness from God, which can be called
GHUFRAN ‫غفران‬ Ghufran (there are other terms, such as Tawbah ‫توبة‬, ...etc.) One of
God's name in Islam is "Al Ghafur ‫( "الغفور‬The Forgiver). It is
interesting that the term Sukuk Al Ghufran ‫ صكوك الغفران‬is the Arabic
name for the Papal Indulgences in the 1500s whereby the pope "sold"
absolution certificates for money to the rich.
Holy journey. In Islam, this exact term refers to a religious obligation
on every Muslim who is physically and financially able to visit Mecca
HAJJ ‫حج‬
once in his lifetime, and participate in the rituals with millions of other
Muslims.
Journey of seeking. In Arabic, Hijra it means immigration. In Islam, it
refers specifically to the incident when prophet Muhammad immigrated
HAJRA ‫هجرة‬
from Mecca north to Madina. It marks the beginning of the Islamic
calendar.
'Now! At last!' A Fremen exclamation. This term is used in many Arab
HAL YAWM ‫ها اليوم‬
countries today to mean "today".
Desert journey, migration. In Arabic, this term means "confusion",
HARJ ‫هرج‬
referring to people running around aimlessly when a disaster strikes.
 Characteristic effect of a diet high in melange wherein the whites and
pupils of the eyes turn a deep blue (indicative of deep melange
IBAD, EYES
‫عباد‬ addiction). Ibad could be derived from the Arabic word ‫ عباد‬which is
OF
plural for ‫ عبد‬meaning slave, or just person.
"Thus go the holy words..." Formal beginning to Fremen religious
incantation (derived from panoplia propheticus). Ibn means "son of", so
this could refer to a person who is the son of another person called
IBN QIRTAIBA ‫إبن قرتيبة‬ Qirtaiba, author of these texts. Qirtaiba could derive from ‫ قتيبة‬a
known author, or ‫ قرطبة‬referring to Cordova. Many authors in Arabic
and Islamic matters hailed from this city, and had the title ‫ قرطبي‬or
Qurtubi.
The brotherhood of all Fremen on Arrakis. Ikhwan means brotherhood,
and has been used in ancient times, such as Ikhwan al-Safa ‫إخوان الصفا‬
ICHWAN and in modern times as well, such as the Muslim Brotherhood political
‫إخوان بدو‬
BEDWINE
organization ‫الخوان المسلمون‬. Bedwine could be derived from
Bedouin or ‫ بدويين‬meaning just that.
Prophecy that by its very nature cannot be denied; immutable prophecy.
IJAZ ‫إعجاز‬ The Arabic term refers to a miraclous thing that cannot be immitated by
a non-prophet.
Theology; science of religious tradition, one of the halflegendary
ILM ‫علم‬ origins of the Zensunni Wanderers' faith. The Arabic word means
"science" and "knowledge".
A rule for the general welfare; usually a preface to brutal necessity. The
ISTISLAH ‫إستصلح‬ word is used in modern Arabic (specifically Egypt) to mean land
reclamation. It could also mean reform.
In Dune, Jihad is described as Holy War. The contemporary stereotype
of Jihad in Western media conjures images of planes crashing in
buildings, or young men in suicide bombing missions. However, in
Dune, Jihad is given more of a realistic meaning: struggle for justice
against oppression, a fight against evil by the masses, even by rebellion
or armed resistance. The Harkonen and the Emperor's Sardukar are
JIHAD ‫جهاد‬ seen as oppressors, and the Fremen (especially the Fedaykin), use
armed resistance against them. This is labelled by Frank Herbert as
Jihad, and is very close to the real meaning ofthe concept.

The all-purpose cloak (it can he set to reflect or admit radiant heat,
converts to a hammock or shelter) commonly worn over a stillsuit on
JUBBA CLOAK ‫جبة‬ Arrakis. In Arabic it refers to a flowing robe type of clothing, worn in
many countries, such as Egypt, specially by graduates of Al Azhar
university.
 A miracle; an action initiated by the spirit world. In Islam, it refers to a
KARAMA ‫كرامة‬ semi-miraclous act performed by a pious person who is not a prophet.
If a prophet is involved, then it is a miracle.
Traditional invocation to still the angry spirits of a place whose name
KHALA ‫خلء‬
you mention. In Arabic, this word refers to empty spaces, void, ...etc.
Double-bladed short sword (or long knife) with about 20 centimetres of
slightly curved blade. The term in Arabic means dagger, but spelled as
KINDJAL ‫خنجر‬
Khinjar. The Kindjal spelling is used in the Indian subcontinent to refer
to some types of short swords.
Quote : "The khasadars who policed all Tleilaxu frontiers and guarded
the selamliks of the women". Khasadar seems like derived from
Turkish. The suffix -dar means "in charge of ..." or "of the
occupation ...". For example Selahdar ‫ سلحدار‬means in charge of
arms, khazendar ‫ خازندار‬means in charge of treasury, ....etc. Khasa
‫ خاصة‬means "private" in Arabic, so Khasdar means "in charge of
privacy", alluding to "in charge of women in the family".

KHASADAR ‫خاصة دار‬ Selamlik is actually the men's quarters in Turkish/Ottoman cutlure and
those affected by it. Selam is Turkish for Salam (‫ سلم‬Peace, which is
the Islamic greeting and Arabic word), and -lik is a suffix in Turkish
meaning "of ...". The women's quarters would be called Haramlik, were
the word Harem in Western languages were derived.

There are palaces in Egypt that still have the name Salamlek and
Haramlek derived from the ex-Royal family (who were of Turkish
culture, but Albanian ancestry).

Any figure or design from Fremen mythology. The Arabic word could
refer to ‫( كسوة‬kiswa) meaning "cover", referring to clothing for
KISWA ‫كسوة‬
children, or covering for a religious building. It could also be derived
from ‫( قصة‬qissa) meaning story.
The combined survival handbook-religious manual developed by the
KITAB AL-
‫كتاب العبر‬ Fremen on Arrakis. Kitab means book. Ibar means stories with a moral
IBAR
meaning.
"I am profoundly stirred!" A sincere exclamation of surprise common
in the Imperium. Strict interpretation depends on context. (It is said of
KULL WAHAD! ‫كل واحد‬ Muad'Dib that once he watched a desert hawk chick emerge from its
shell and whispered: 'Kull wahad!'). The literal Arabic meaning means
"every one".
KWISATZ ‫' قفزة الطريق‬Shortening of the Way.' This is the label applied by the Bene Gesserit
HADERACH to the unknown for which they sought a genetic solution: a male Bene
Gesserit whose organic mental powers would bridge space and time.
Paul Atrides says that he is the Kwisatz Haderach, a super being.
 Several visitors to this site indicated that this term means "shortening of
the way" in Hebrew, with possibly Kabbalistic roots, from "Kfitsat or
Kfitzat Haderch". Kfitz means "jump", as in the Arabic root Q-F-Z ‫قفز‬.
So it would be ‫ قفزة الطريق‬in Arabic.
Fremen cry of grief. (La translates as ultimate denial, a 'no' from which
LA, LA, LA ‫للل‬
you cannot appeal.) The Arabic word ‫( ل‬La) means 'no'.
From Heretics of Dune : "Every time he left the inner worlds of the
Bene Tleilax, Waff felt himself to be on lashkar, a war party seeking
that ultimate revenge which his people named secretly as Bodal".
Lashkar is a corruption of an Arabic word "Al 'Askar ‫ "العسكر‬meaning
LASHKAR ‫عسكر‬
"the soldiers" or "a group of soldiers", and came to mean "army". It is
corrupted in Hindi/Urdu to Lashkar. Here is a dictionary entry on
etymology of Lashkar. Also compare to Laskhar-e-Toiba that came to
media attention in Kashmir in recent years.
Fremen liban is spice water infused with yucca flour. Originally a sour
LIBAN ‫لبان‬ milk drink. In Arabic, Liban is a gum from a certain tree that has
aromatic and medicinal qualities.
"The Voice from the Outer World." In Fremen messianic legends, an
off-world prophet. The term in Arabic is composed of two words. Lisan
means literally "Tongue", and means "speaker". Ghaib (a more
LISAN AL-
‫ لسان الغيب‬phonetic version of Gaib) means "Unknown" or "that which is not
GAIB
revealed", or "things that will come in the future, unknown to us
know". One of the basic tenets of the Muslim faith, is the belief that
God alone knows what is hidden in the future.
in the Fremen messianic legend, 'The One Who Will Lead Us to
Paradise.' Paul Atreides, the central figure in the Dune novel is the son
of the murdered Duke, he is exiled with his mother, manages to escape,
and after a confrontation with the Fremen, gains their respect, and
becomes their leader in their struggle against the evil Harkonen. He is
called the Mahdi. In Islam, the Mahdi ("The Rightly Guided One") is
MAHDI ‫مهدي‬
an all human Messianic figure, who comes to "fill the world with
justice" after much of the opposite. The views of Sunni Islam differ
quite a bit from Shia Islam on this, but they both at least agree on this
part. Mahdi si a much more central figure in Shia Islam than it is in
Sunni Islam, where the concept is often denied and attributed to
legends and myths.
MAULA ‫مولي‬ Slave.
The season for testing Fremen youths who wish admittance to
MIHNA ‫محنة‬
manhood. In Arabic it means "test" or "ordeal".
MISH-MISH ‫مشمش‬ Apricots.
The historical Zensunni (Fremen) term for themselves: 'The People.'
MISR ‫مصر‬
The Arabic word means "Egypt", as well as "country", "land".
 In this traditional opening for a Fremen curse against an enemy, Wallah
turns the emphasis back upon the words Mu zein, producing the
MU ZEIN meaning: 'Nothing good, never good, good for nothing.' In Arabic, Mu
‫مو زين و ال‬
WALLAH! zein literally means 'not good,' and wallah is a reflexive terminal
exclamation, meaning "I swear by Allah". This term is used in slang
modern day Arabic in some countries (Arabia and the Levant).
The nickname that Paul chooses in the story is Muad'dib, and is said to
be the name of the desert mouse who comes at night in the moon light.
Although the English pronounciation of this word calls for a long "i",
MUAD'DIB ‫مؤدب‬ there is an almost exact word in Arabic like it (Mu'adib), which means
"private tutor" or "teacher". It used to be that the Caliphs, the rulers of
the Muslim world, would hire a Mu'adib to teach their children. The
practice seemed to be common for other strata of society as well.
The Fremen name for Beast Rabban. The name is often translated as
MUDIR 'Demon Ruler.' The term Mudir in modern Arabic means "manager",
‫مدير ناحية‬
NAHYA and is possibly derived from Turkish, and Nahya means district or
place. The term is still in use verbatim in modern Iraq.
A small garden annex or garden courtyard. The Arabic terms means
MUSHTAMAL ‫مشتمل‬
complex or compound.
Paul meets with representatives of Fremen tribes. They are called
Naibs. They are ones who have sworn never to be taken alive by the
NAIB ‫نايب‬ enemy; making that the traditional oath of a Fremen leader. This is an
Arabic word ‫ نايب‬meaning deputy. The word is used today for
members of parliament in Arab countries.
Nayla is the name of one of the female Fish Speakers body guard of the
God Emperor Leto II. The name is an ancient Arab female name, and
also the name of a pre-Islamic Goddess in Arabia. In contemporary
NAYLA ‫نائلة‬ Arabic societies, both the masculine ‫ نائل‬and the feminine ‫ نائلة‬names
are used, with the ‫ ئ‬sound made into a ‫ ي‬sound, and hence identical
to the Nayla name.
This is the name of one of the Naibs. His name is derived from an
OTHEYM ‫عثيم‬ ancient Arabic name, ‫عثمان‬, a companion and third successor to
prophet Muhammad, in its diminutive form.
Emperor Shaddam IV has the title of Padishah. Both the Ottoman
PADISHAH ‫بادشاه‬ Sultan of Turkey, and the Shah of Iran used to have the Persian title
Padishah, which means : "Chief ruler; monarch; sovereign".
Oranges. In Arabic, oranges are known as "bortoqal". The name is
PORTYGULS ‫برتقال‬ derived from the ancient name of the country of Portugal which was
Roman for Porto Callis.
The Tleilax culture calls strangers Powindah. The name is derived from
POWINDAH -
what Afghan unsettled nomads are called
QANAT ‫قناة‬ In Children of Dune, Qanat is an open canal for carrying irrigation
 water under controlled conditions through the desert. The is the same as
the Arabic word meaning "Canal", e.g. as in Suez Canal ‫قناة السويس‬.
The origin of the word Qanat in Arabic is the straight shaft of a spear.
QUIZARA Fremen priests (after Muad'Dib). The Arabic term Tafwid means "to
‫؟ تفويض‬
TAFWID delegate".
RABBAN ‫ربان‬ The word Rabban ‫ ربان‬is contemporary Arabic for a ship's pilot.
Ancient religious period marked by fasting and prayer; traditionally, the
ninth month of the solar-lunar calendar. Fremen mark the observance
RAMADHAN ‫رمضان‬ according to the ninth meridian-crossing cycle of the first moon. In the
Muslim Lunar calendar, the ninth month is the month of fasting by the
name Ramadan.
A semipiratical guerrilla raid. I have seen that term used to refer to the
early Muslim battles in modern discourse. The word is said to have
RAZZIA Arabic roots, from Ghazwa ‫ غزوة‬meaning a small scale military
campaign or battle. In modern Italian, the meaning is "warrior
expedition in strange territory for plunder" (thanks to Marco Calvani).
In Fremen belief, that part of the individual which is always rooted in
RUH-SPIRIT ‫روح‬ (and capable of sensing) the metaphysical world. The word Ruh means
soul or spirit in Arabic.
The act of turning away from God. The term is Arabic for "leaving" or
SARFA ‫صرفة‬
"abandoning".
Feminine acolyte in the Fremen religious hierarchy. The title given to
Paul's mother among the Fremen is "Sayyedina". It is said to mean "the
friend of God". This is clearly derived from "Sayyed ‫"سيد‬, meaning
SAYYADINA ‫سيدنا‬
"master" in Arabic, and a title bestowed on various classes of people,
from noble descent, to religious clerics, to the so-called saints and holy
men. The term as used in the novel is more masculine though!
Imperial audience chamber. The term was used for the part in a palace
SELAMLIK ‫سلمليك‬ that can be frequented by visitors. It was used in Turkey and Egypt. The
word seems to be Turkish in origin.
The half-legendary First Book of the Zensunni Wanderers. There are
SHAH-NAMA ‫شاه نامة‬ real chronicle books by that name about the lives and deeds of Persian
kings, most famously, that of al-Firdawsi.
Sandworm of Arrakis, the 'Old Man of the Desert','Old Father Eternity'
and 'Grandfather of the Desert.' Significantly, this name, when referred
to in a certain tone or written with capital letters, designates the earth
deity of Fremen hearth superstitions. Sandworms grow to enormous
SHAI-HULUD ‫شئ خلود‬ size (specimens longer than 400 metres have been seen in the deep
desert) and live to great age unless slain by one of their fellows or
drowned in water, which is poisonous to them. Most of the sand on
Arrakis is credited to sandworm action. In Arabic, the name can be split
into "Shai" ("thing") and "Hulud" ("eternal" or "eternity").
 In Heretics of Dune, Sheeana insists on calling the sandworms Shaitan.
SHAITAN ‫شيطان‬ This is the Arabic word for "Satan" or "The Devil". It is also borrowed
by Hindi for the same meaning.
That part of the panoplia propheticus which sets forth the superstitious
SHARIA ‫شريعة‬
ritual. In Islam, this refers to religious laws.
Fremen:'Place of assembly in time of danger.' Because the Fremen
lived so long in peril, the term came by general usage to designate any
cave warreninhabited by one of their tribal communities. It is worth
SIETCH ‫سيق‬
noting the similarity between Sietch and "Seeq", which is one of the
Arabic names of the ancient desert town of Petra, accessible only via a
narrow passage. Notice the similarities in the structure, and the name.
Fremen: the desert springtime with religious overtones implying the
- ‫سياحة‬ time of fruitfulness and 'the paradise to come.' The term seems to be
SIHAYA Arabic in origin, although it is had to say. It could be ‫ سياحة‬siyaha
‫صحة‬
(wandering, tourism), or ‫( صحة‬health)
The passage in the O.C. Bible that describes human life as a journey
across a narrow bridge (the Sirat) with 'Paradise on my right, Hell on
my left, and the Angel of Death behind.' The term Sirat in Islam refers
SIRAT ‫صراط‬
to a passage between Hell and Paradise that people would have to pass
on the day of Judgement. The concept is not exclusive to Islam, it is
found in Zoroaster's teaching as well.
Water-seller's cry on Arrakis. Although the Arabic word for
marketplace is "Suk" or "Sook", the origin of this phrase is most
SOO-SOO probably Turkish. Street vendors there will shout "Su, soğuk su",
‫سوق‬
SOOK! meaning "Water! Cold water". Others will shout 'Suyu', meaning drink
or juice. Thanks for Sven Holmstrom from Sweden for his blog entry,
and message on this.
'Are you well?' a Fremen greeting. In modern Egypt, this is the
SUBAKH UL
‫صباح الخير‬ morning greeting, meaning: "Morning of good things". Its correct
KUHAR
spelling should be "Sabah El Kheir".
'I am well. And you?' traditional reply. In modern Egypt, this is the
SUBAKH UN
‫صباح النور‬ reply to a greeting, meaning: "Morning of light". Its correct spelling
NAR
should be : "Sabah El Nour"
An ultimate test from which there can be no appeal (usually because it
TAHADDI AL- ‫تحدي‬
brings death or destruction). In Arabic this means: "Challenge of the
BURHAN ‫البرهان‬ Proof".
TAHADDI Fremen challenge to mortal combat, usually to test some primal issue.
‫تحدي‬
CHALLENGE The word Tahaddi is Arabic for challenge.
Literally: 'The price of freedom.'.Something of great value. That which
TAQWA ‫تقوى‬ a diety demands of a mortal (and the fear provoked by the demand). In
Arabic and Islam it means : piety.
THUFIR ‫ظفير حواط‬ The name could have Arabic roots. Thufar ‫ ظفار‬is a place in Yemen. It
HAWAT
 could be from ‫ ظافر‬Thafir which means "victorious". Hawat can be
‫ حواط‬or of similar etymology.
A Zensunni doctor of theology. The Arabic word is plural meaning
ULEMA ‫علماء‬ "scientists", as well as knowledgable people, in both matters of religion
and in worldly affairs. Singular is ALEM ‫عالم‬.
One of the brotherhood of prophets. (A term of scorn in the imperium,
UMMA ‫ة‬7‫أم‬ meaning any 'wild' person given to fanatical prediction.) In Arabic, this
term means "nation" or "peoples".
Fremen: 'The base of the pillar.' This is the name given to Paul by the
Fremem Chieftain Stilgar. The Arabic root A-S-L ‫ أصل‬means "base".
USUL ‫أصول‬ Usul is the plural, and is used for "basis", "principles", "methods" as
well, like in Usul Al Fiqh ‫ أصول الفقه‬which is the science of principles
of jurisprudence.
An untried Fremen youth. In Arabic this is the singular for Auliya (see
WALI ‫ولي‬
above).
'Long live the Fighters!' The Fedaykin battle cry. Ya (now) in this cry is
augmented by the hya form (the ever-extended now). Chouhada
YA HYA ‫يا حي‬ (fighters) carries this added meaning of fighters against injustice. There
CHOUHADA ‫الشهداء‬ is adistinction in this word that specifies the fighters are not
strugglingfor anything, but consecrated against a specific thing -- that
alone. In Arabic, Chouhada (or Shuhada) means martyrs.
Fremen chanting cadence used in time of deep ritual significance. Ya
carries the root meaning of 'Now pay attention!' The yawm form is a
YA! YA! modifiedterm calling for urgent immediacy. The chant is usually
‫يا يا يوم‬
YAWM! translated as'Now, hear this!' In Arabic, Ya is a preposition before
calling someone, like "Hey John" in English. Yawm is "day". Ya Yawm
can mean "Oh, what a day!"
Combination of two concepts, Zen, and Sunni ‫سني‬, which is the
larger sect in Islam (about 90%). In Dune, followers of a schismatic
sect that broke away from the teachings of Maometh (the so-called
ZENSUNNI ‫سني‬ 'Third Muhammed') about 1381 B.G. The Zensunni religion is noted
chiefly for its emphasis on The mystical and a reversion to'the ways of
the fathers.' Most scholars name Ah Ben Ohashi as leader of the
original schism but there is some evidence that Ohashi may have been
merely the male spokesman for his second wife, Nisai.

Concubines and Polygamy

The ancient Semitic practice of concubines is used in the novel. Duke Leito Atrides has Jessica as a
concubine, and Paul also has Shani as a concubine. Moreover, Paul marries Princess Irulan in addition
to Shani as well.
Costumes
Alia, Paul's younger sister is dressed in a head cover that is almost identical to the modern Hijab/Head
scarf worn by Muslim women. In one scene, Shani wears an all covering veil reminiscent of what some
Islamic societies usage to this day (e.g. Arabia).

Caladan
Heath Sias, a visitor to this page, pointed out that Caladan, the original planet where the Atreides are
from, may be taken from Kaledan, the legendary island where the Grimm brothers put Omar and
Sheherazade in.
Heath further says:
It is interesting to note the similarities between the planet Caladan and the island Kaledan.
Both are the names of their respective water-bound 'worlds', yet both stories take place in
an unnamed castle within that 'world', located near a shoreline. There are also striking
similarities between the characters of Paul Atreides and Prince Omar. Both are princes in
their own right, coming of age, intelligent, and questioning. Both grow up in very similar
environments and both then leave their homeland for a far-off world where they find true
love (and a bit more in Paul's case).

I find myself intrigued. Was Frank Herbert's liberal use of historical, religious, and
mythological reference purely intentional or the natural result of a well-cultured
subconscious and a Shakespearean sense of plot device? I suppose, as you put it, "The final
say is with Frank Herbert himself."

The inspiration of the Grimm brothers is clearly from the Arabian Nights, but this particular tale and
this place is not mentioned in the Arabian Nights, and therefore, I cannot tell what the Arabic origin is.
Perhaps Frank Herbert was exposed to this tale as a youngster, and this is where he got the Caladan
metaphor from.

Discussions on the web of this article

This page got on Google shortly after it was published here. Soon after, people started reading it and
discussing it. Some have translated it too, as above. Here are some pages around the web that discussed
this article:
• Dreamers of Dune Forums - View Topic.
• Les noms arabes dans Dune (French).
• Dune, critical analyses - www.ezboard.com.
• penny-arcade.com - Ameristan (Iraq and Afghanistan).
• clubs.dir.bg (Bulgarian).
• The Middle East Forum - Dune discussion.
• LokaNova & Freelang - traduction de l'arabe ghanima (French) ?.
• ORT Israel (in Hebrew).
• amygdala_inc: maud-dib.
 • A Usenet alt.fan.dune discussion on this article.
• Sven from Sweden blogged on this in Cries of water in ficition and reality, and More on
linguistics of water salesmanship.
• Waiting for Dorothy.
• Upyernoz.

Conclusion
Dune is the most prominent example of how Islam and Arab cultures are used in Western Sci-Fi books.
As a closing note, it seems that Frank Herbert was familiar with the Middle Eastern cultures, and the
religion of Islam. Most of the terminology he used is not in its proper place. This may be due to him
not being thoroughly familiar with it, or due to poetic license and adaptation to suit his novel. I would
also guess that he was exposed to Shia Islam, where the term Mahdi has much more weight than in
Sunni Islam. One cannot rule out Sufi influence as well. Arabic terms are used in many places as well.
Please note that some of the above is not conclusive. It is mostly based on etymological analysis, and
word/root similarities. The final say is with Frank Herbert himself, and since he is dead, we cannot
know for sure what every word meant in his mind.
»

Is this based off of just

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 2006/12/03 - 21:37.
Is this based off of just the first book, or the entire series?
Much thanks to you, for doing this.
»
• reply

Rightly so, but,,,,

Submitted by StoneCutter (not verified) on Wed, 2007/01/03 - 14:42.
Frank Herbert has definitely used a desert theme as a basis for his books. He saw the desert as a major
evolutionary medium for a race to evolve. It is one of the principles of evolution, barren, desolate and
isolated regions are a possible nexus of evolution.
At the time the only known cultures that were living in the desert were the Arabs therefore he most
likely considered them as a normal starting point, but it is my opinion that he actually researched the
Bedouin culture. Also considering the mystery that has surrounded the Arab culture in the 60s and 70s
helped to the original commercial success.
I believe that he started with Bedouins and built upon that. Some things bear striking resemblance with
Bedouins culture and language. But considering that he wanted to create a complete universe he took
from almost every culture that he knew about.
For example:
Leto is a Greek name with the mythic role of delivering Apollo and Artemis, the twin children of Zeus.
This theme is developed in Children of Dune.
Yueh is an ancient tribe in South China who are considered to be ancestors of Vietnam people. They
were worshiping water spirits and considered to have healing powers,…
Gurney Halleck could be a play on words on Henry Halleck and gurney. Henry Halleck was an
American civil war general who was considered “good for nothing”.
Corrin is a place on the Isle of Man (between England and Ireland). Seemed to have had a role in the
Ireland secession from United Kingdom in the 1920s.
Harkonen is Finnish.
Lansrad is Danish.
“WALLACH” is an old name for an inhabitant of a part of Romania. Also the empire language seems
to be evolved from this. Another word “PROCES VERBAL” seems to be from Romanian.
There are a lot of themes that he tried to build upon the Bedouin/desert is one of them.
»
• reply

In Children of Dune, when

Submitted by Rozniy (not verified) on Wed, 2007/01/24 - 03:17.
In Children of Dune, when Jessica first confronted Alia as Abomination, and tries to escape, Jessica
calls out "Ansar akhaka zaliman aw maslumen!" to appeal to the loyal Fedaykin in the crowd.
This is taken from a hadith, and taken out of context.
I forget the exact wording of the hadith, but roughly it goes:
The Prophet said, "Ansar akhaka zaliman aw mazlumen." (help your brother when he is oppressed, or
being an oppressor).
The Companions with him were surprised, and said, "We will certainly help if he is being oppressed!
But how/why shall we help if he is being an oppressor?"
"Restrain his hand from oppressing, help him this way."
»
• reply

Arrakis
Submitted by James Berry (not verified) on Mon, 2007/01/29 - 13:39.
HI there!
I have another explanation for the etymology of 'Arrakis'. It seems to me to be derived from the Arabic
‫' الرخس‬al-rakhis', meaning 'the cheap' or 'that of little worth', which would have been a fitting
description of the planet before the value of the spice melange was understood.
Just my pet theory, anyway!
Salaam,
James
»
• reply
Jessica and Mapes
Submitted by Reverend Mother Atrophina (not verified) on Thu, 2007/02/01 - 14:24.
I have a question. What is the meaning of Jessica´s shakobsa speech to Mapes. I mean:
Miceses Prejia. Andral T´re peral Trada cik buscakri, miceses perakri
I am not sure whether that is the correct trancription, because I did not read the english version of
Dune.
I have but one clue- "Trada" reminds me of "Traditore" or "Tredimenta" Italian words, meaning
"Traitor" and "Treason". Could that be a reaction to Mapes´s talk of a Traitor in the house? Or is it
possible, that Jessica knew of Yueh´s betrayal before it even occured?
Please reply to my mail. Thank you,
Reverend Mother Atrophina
»
• reply

Found another hadith reference, I think

Submitted by rozniy (not verified) on Wed, 2007/02/07 - 06:15.
From "Dune" (it's hard to quote properly since it doesn't number or name its chapters), when Paul is
about to ride a sandworm for the first time:
He began tightening his stillsuit. "You told me once the words of the Kitab al-Ibar," he said.
"You told me: 'Woman is thy field; go then to thy field and till it.'

I seem to recall a hadith like that, but my memory isn't very good... I think it was Umar, asking the
Prophet about sex, and the Prophet replied something like that.
»
• reply

Absolutely ...
Submitted by Khalid on Fri, 2006/07/28 - 22:23.
You are absolutely right, but that is not the only obscure concept that he got right.
Look at "Bi La Kayfa" ( ‫" بل كيف‬Without a how"). This is an obscure term from theological debates
from the early centuries of Islam between the Ash'ari ‫ أشعري‬school of thought and the Mu'tazili
‫ معتزلي‬one.

There is also the Bakka ‫ بكاء‬which means "those who cry regularly", which was first used in the Quran
9:92, but not mentioned as a term in it, but rather later in Sirah books.
There is also Burhan ‫"( برهان‬proof") which is a philosophical term for the Kalam school in early
centuries, having to do with logical proof for or against something.
Fiqh ‫ فقه‬which is best translated as jurisprudence. A term that would be uncommon to a novel writer
in San Francisco.
There is also the concept of Mahdi, and Jihad (in the sense of armed resistance against
occupation/oppression, not suicide bombing of civilians).
There are many others, but the point is: how did he got exposed to all this?
--
Khalid Baheyeldin
»
• reply

No
Submitted by Khalid on Sun, 2006/08/06 - 20:58.
No.
Your are confusing 'Alia with 'Aisha ‫عائشة‬.

Ali ‫ علي‬is the cousin, and son in law of the prophet, and Alia can be the feminine form of Ali ‫علية‬, a
female name used today in some Arab countries. However Alia can also be ‫علياء‬, another common
name today as well, which is different although etymologically related (they all derive from the semitic
root of "high").
--
Khalid Baheyeldin
»
• reply

Thanks to you ...

Submitted by Khalid on Sat, 2006/09/02 - 23:39.
Thanks to you ...
The spelling mistakes are quite understandable. Arabic has certain sounds that are present only in
Semitic languages (Hebrew, Amharic, ...etc.), with no English equivalents.
So, transliteration of those sounds is always problematic and merely an approximation.
--
Khalid Baheyeldin
»
• reply

Unlikely
Submitted by Khalid on Sun, 2006/09/24 - 16:26.
Although it is phonetically possible, I doubt that Iraq featured prominently in world news when Herbert
was writing his books (1960s) like it is today.
We have to interpret things in their historical settings, not in light of today.
--
Khalid Baheyeldin
»
• reply
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