Ma'dhun
/məˈðuːn/noun
A Muslim official authorized to perform or register marriages, especially in Egypt and other Arabic-speaking regions.
Did you know?Maʾdhūn comes from the same Arabic root associated with the adhān, the call to prayer, linking authorization with the act of publicly announcing or summoning.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Semitic
Proto-Semitic
ʾ-dh-n
“A reconstructed root associated with hearing, listening, and permission.”
Classical Arabic
Arabic
ʾadhina
“To hear, listen, or give permission.”
Classical Arabic
Arabic
ʾadhdhana
“To announce publicly, especially to call people to prayer.”
Classical Arabic
Arabic
maʾdhūn
“One who has been authorized; an appointed official.”
19th Century
English
ma'dhun
“An Arabic-speaking Muslim marriage official or marriage registrar.”
Modern English
English
ma'dhun
“A Muslim official authorized to perform or register marriages.”