Comparative Analysis of the Semantic Components of the Concepts of "Destruction and Annihilation" in the Holy Quran

Employing a descriptive–analytical methodology, this study examines the Qur’ānic concept of destruction and annihilation alongside a cluster of semantically related lexemes. The primary aim is to uncover the deeper semantic layers embedded within Qur’ānic discourse and to illuminate the diverse dimensions of annihilation expressed through cognate Arabic terms. Within this framework, the lexemes halāk, bakhaʿ, bawār, tatbīr, tadmīr, taʿs, thubūr, damdam, tabb, and kabb are systematically analyzed. The findings reveal that while halāk generally denotes annihilation without necessarily implying corporeal transformation, each of the other lexemes reflects a distinct nuance of destruction. For example, bakhaʿ refers to death caused by grief, bawār to ruin resulting from corruption, tatbīr to collapse, and tadmīr to both personal and material devastation. Likewise, taʿs signifies downfall accompanied by immobility, thubūr denotes irreversible ruin, damdam refers to severe and recurrent punishment, tabb conveys profound loss, and kabb indicates violent casting down. The study concludes that, despite their semantic proximity, the subtle distinctions among these lexemes carry considerable exegetical and linguistic significance. Such nuances inform the precise usage of these terms in diverse Qur’ānic contexts, thereby enhancing interpretive accuracy and contributing to a deeper understanding of Qur’ānic language and divine intentionality.

کلیدواژه ها:

Noble Qur’an ، destruction ، semantics ، comparative analysis ، Semantic Components ، Conceptual links