Classical and Contemporary Islamic Studies

Classical and Contemporary Islamic Studies

Semantic Analysis of the Word “Ra’fah” (Compassion) in the Holy Quran

Document Type : Scholary

Authors
Rahman Asharieh 1
Amir Hossein Oshriyeh 2
1 Department of interpretation, Faculty of Qurʼanic Sciences, University of Qurʼanic Studies and Sciences, Qom, Iran
2 Department of jurisprudence, Khatam al-Anbia school, Qom Seminary, Qom, Iran
10.22059/jcis.2025.396086.1426
Abstract
One way to achieve subtle semantic nuances and deepen understanding of texts is to pay attention to the conceptual relationships between words. This is especially true for words in the Holy Quran. The present study, using a descriptive-analytical method and focusing on “ra’fah” (compassion and kindness), presents words that have the most semantic components with this concept – words such as “rifq” (ease and lenience in behavior); “lutf” (gentleness, tolerance, and forgiveness based on delicacy); “lin” (easy and good behavior accompanied by patience, tenderness of heart, and praiseworthy character); “hūn” (kindness or contempt); “birr” (purposeful and conscious goodness towards others). Although all of these words share the key components of softness, gentleness, and avoidance of violence, their subtle semantic differences cause them to be used interchangeably in some cases. These distinctions show that the Holy Quran uses words in their specific contexts with semantic precision to reflect different layers of moral and behavioral concepts.
Keywords
The Noble Quran
Compassion
Conceptual links
Comparative analysis
Semantics
Subjects
The Holy Quran
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Classical and Contemporary Islamic Studies
Volume 9, Issue 1
Winter & Spring
January 2027
Pages 63-75