DefinePK

Abstract

The Lexical and etymological basis of the word Qur’ān has long remained a central topic of scholarly and linguistic debate. Various eminent scholars like lexicographers and exegetes have presented in-depth discussions on this subject. This research thoroughly examines whether the word “Qur’an” is derived (mush­taqq) or non-derived (jamid), and it based on what linguistic meanings. There are two major opinions emerge in this discourse: The first group holds that the word Qur’ān is non-derived (jāmid) and non-hamzated (ghayr mahmūz), and that it is a proper noun (ism ʿalam) specifically designated for the Divine Book. This group includes renowned scholars such as Imām al-Shāfiʿī, Ibn Kathīr, al-Zamakhsharī, Imām al-Suyūṭī, and others.  On the other hand, a large group is convinced that the word Qur’ān is derived (mushtaq), and they have its presented various derivation roots and meanings. Based on which, there are two more prominent groups within this group, whose opinions we can be divided into four basic opinions. The findings of this research indicate that while the majority of scholars believe the word Qur’ān to be derived (mushtaq), the arguments supporting its non-derived (jāmid) status are also strong and grounded in linguistic and methodological principles. This debate is not only significant for students of linguistics and Arabic grammar (ṣarf and naḥw), but also has a profound impact on the understanding of the Qur’ān and its interpretive sciences (ʿulūm al-tafsīr). The objective of this study is not to favor one view over the other, but rather to present a critical analysis of all perspectives and to create awareness within the Ummah about the depth and divine wisdom embedded in the word Qur’ān.