Applying "Linguistic Signification" in Understanding and Interpreting Holy Qur'an: Case Study: The Issue of Brevity of Qur'an

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 PhD in Qur'an and Hadith Sciences, Tehran University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Associate Professor, Department of Qur'an and Hadith Sciences, Tehran University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

"'Ijmᾱl" (brevity/unclear) is a questionable issue in understanding and interpreting the Holy Qur'an, that its incorrect description may lead to problems, such as inherent ambiguity or defects in the Qur'an. Therefore, the study of this issue specifically is of importance. Using the "Linguistic Signification" approach to understanding and interpreting the Qur'an, this research introduces and analyzes the issue of "brevity & explanation" of the Qur'an. Findings have then been compared with the popular topics of Qur'anic sciences. This research shows that 'Ijmᾱl in the Holy Qur'an is accepted only in the sense of being concise and compact, not ambiguity or defects in meaning; Although the specific audiences of each group of verses have been able to interpret and discover its brief meaning in the "application" or the "address space" of the Qur'anic verses. Therefore, the "meaning" of such a compact word may appear unclear and doubtful for the late listeners or non-addressees. The article shows that the brevity of the speech is more related to its context (the speech situation and the background knowledge of the audience). Finally, only the "real scholars of the Qur'an" (the Infallibles) (AS) are those who can explain and describe all the brief verses of the Qur'an based on their divine knowledge to the listeners.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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History

  • Receive Date: 16 April 2023
  • Revise Date: 30 June 2023
  • Accept Date: 25 June 2023

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