Morphological and Syntactic Semantics of Lexical Polysemy in the Qur’an using 'Fitna' as a Case Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21834/e-bpj.v10iSI33.7033Abstract
This study examines the lexical polysemy of the Arabic term fitna in the Qur'an, emphasizing morphological and syntactic analysis. Using fitna as a case study, we demonstrate how specific grammatical forms and syntactic positions signal distinct meanings such as trial, persecution, temptation, discord, and punishment. Through classical lexicons and Qur’anic verses, this research concludes that diverse meanings of fitna share the common concept of testing or affliction. The findings underscore linguistic context as crucial for accurate Qur’anic interpretation, providing guidance for translators and exegetes.
References
Al-Azhari, A. (n.d.). Tahdhīb al-Lughah (Vol. 14, p. 196). [Classical Arabic lexicon defining fitna as testing, with examples].
Al-Tabari, M. J. (2001). Jāmi‘ al-Bayān ‘an Ta’wīl Āy al-Qur’ān [Compendium of Exegesis]. Beirut: Mu’assasat al-Risalah. (See commentary on Qur’an 2:191 for interpretation of al-fitnah as shirk).
Alturki, M. (2025). Issues of Rendering some Polysemous Quranic Words into English: A Qualitative Study. Journal of Research in Language & Translation, 5(1), 98-116. (Discusses challenges translators face with Qur’anic polysemy and context-driven strategies).
Ibn Faris, A. (1993). Maqāyīs al-Lughah (Vol. 4, p. 472). Beirut: Dar al-Fikr. (Classical dictionary stating the root F-T-N indicates testing/trial).
Ibn Manẓūr, M. (1990). Lisān al-‘Arab (entry “fitna”). Beirut: Dar Sadir. (Comprehensive Arabic lexicon listing multiple meanings of fitna: trial, wealth, children, unbelief, burning, etc.).
Ibn Kathir, I. (2000). Tafsīr al-Qur’ān al-‘Aẓīm. Riyadh: Darussalam. (See tafsir of 2:191 and 2:217 for fitna as persecution and idolatry).
Islam Question & Answer. (2001, Nov 18). Meaning of Fitnah in the Quran (Fatwa No. 22899). Retrieved from https://islamqa.info/en/answers/22899 (Provides a summary of the various meanings of fitnah in Quranic usage, with references to classical scholars).
Rostami, M., & HajiAbadi, A. (2010). The impact of polysemy and homonymy (wujūh & nazāʾir) on the contemporary translations of Quran to Persian (based on the term fitna). Taḥqīqāt ‘Ulūm al-Qur’ān wa al-Ḥadīth, 7(1), 139-182. (Study highlighting the importance of understanding fitna’s multiple meanings for correct translation, noting translator errors).
Suyuti, J. (2015). Al-Itqān fī ‘Ulūm al-Qur’ān (Edited edition). Cairo: Al-Azhar. (Discusses categories of Qur’anic sciences, including polysemy; provides examples and states the necessity of context and linguistic analysis in interpretation).
Yücesoy, H. (2003). Dissimulation and Discontent: Alevis’ Ambiguous Fitna. Journal of Arabic Literature, 34(1/2), 75-91. (Note: The quote referenced in Ask-a-Muslim from Yücesoy on fitna in eschatology and Qur’an is drawn from academic commentary on the concept).
Zarkashi, B. (2006). Al-Burhān fī ‘Ulūm al-Qur’ān (Edited by M. Abu Fasha). Cairo: Dar al-Turath. (Classical reference asserting that the Qur’an’s miracle lies in word choice and arrangement, relevant to understanding why studying words like fitna in depth is important).
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Copyright (c) 2025 Noor Hafizzah Zakaria, Solehah Yaacob
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