The term "espionage" is derived from the Arabic root word "الجَسِّ" (Al-Jass), which means to search, inquire, or probe for information. It refers to seeking out or investigating secrets. The verb "تَجَسَّسْتُ" (Tajasastu) means to search for information about someone or something. Espionage typically involves seeking hidden matters, often related to harmful or malicious intentions.
A "جَاسُوسُ" (Jasus) is someone who spies or seeks to uncover secrets, especially those that are illicit or harmful. The "جَاسُوسُ" (Jasus) can be considered as the "eye" that gathers information covertly. In contrast, a "ناموسُ" (Namous) refers to a guardian of a righteous or beneficial secret, often associated with keeping lawful and ethical matters private.
According to Al-Zuhayli, espionage is defined as the act of "searching for secrets and faults, revealing what people have kept hidden." It involves uncovering concealed information, particularly related to personal privacy or matters that others wish to keep confidential. This term is often associated with unethical or unlawful activities, as it involves violating privacy or trust.
According to Abu Hilal al-‘Askari, there is a subtle distinction between the two terms:
In Islamic tradition, both terms appear in the hadith, “Do not engage in tahssus, nor in tajasus.” It is often noted that the difference between them might appear minimal, akin to the poet’s expression: “When I approach, he distances himself”—signifying that while the terms may be closely related, they convey slightly different nuances in behavior.