The Semantics of Pain in the Holy Quran: A Thematic Analysis with an Ethical Approach

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant professor , Yadgar Imam Branch, Shahr-e- ray, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

2 . Ph.D. in Islamic Mysticism and Sufism, Assistant Professor, Department of Islamic Studies, Jadgar e Imam Khomeini (RA) Shahre Ray Campus, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

3 . Ph.D. in Quran and Hadith Sciences, Assistant Professor, Department of Islamic Studies, Jadgar e Imam Khomeini (RA) Shahre Ray Campus, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran:.

4 . Ph.D. in Comparative Studies of Islamic Denominations, Assistant Professor, Department of Islamic Studies, Jadgar e Imam Khomeini (RA) Shahre Ray Campus, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

The concept of pain, referred to as "alam," has generated extensive discourse among scholars from diverse disciplines, leading to a multitude of interpretations. The specific understanding of "alam" is crucial for ethical deliberations; therefore, this research seeks to analyze the semantics of pain as presented in the Holy Quran through thematic analysis. Given the ethical implications associated with the term, the Quranic semantics will be examined from an ethical standpoint. In exploring "alam," various derivatives such as "aleem," along with related terms like "marad" (illness), "anat" (distress / fornication), "kabad" (anguish / travail), "dhnak" (hardship/ wretched), "huzn" (sorrow), "sad’'" (headache / furrow), and "shaqq" (splitting/ straining) were compiled. Antonyms such as "surur" (joy), "lazat" (pleasure), "bahjat" (delight), "rawh" (ease/ rest), and "rayhan" (fragrance / abundance) were also included. Furthermore, terms that co-occur with "alam," including "azab" (punishment), "iqab" (retribution), "zajr" (scourge), and "shadid" (intense), were identified within the Quranic text. The second phase involved conducting thematic analysis centered on "alam," which facilitated the extraction of codes pertaining to its nature, types, degrees, implications, causes, and ultimate purpose. The final phase yielded several insights regarding the semantics of pain in the Quran: Pain is characterized as an existential phenomenon, a bodily condition that is distinct from suffering; it manifests in both worldly and otherworldly forms, where worldly pain acts as a means of trial and personal development, while otherworldly pain is associated with evil and torment.

Keywords

References

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The Quran and Science
Volume 18, Issue 34 - Serial Number 34
September 2024
Pages 341-364

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History

  • Receive Date: 27 April 2024
  • Revise Date: 29 June 2024
  • Accept Date: 16 August 2024

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