Manifestations of Contemplation in the Profound Meanings of Qur’anic Vocabularies: A Study of Imam Khamenei’s Perspective

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 Ph.D. Candidate, International Institute for Islamic Studies (IIIS), Qom, Iran

2 Associate Professor and Faculty Member, Al-Mustafa International University

10.22034/dqm.2025.20867.1150

Abstract

A precise and profound understanding of Qur’anic vocabulary serves as a gateway to comprehending divine knowledge and Qur’anic guidance. In the Qur’an, God associates the lack of contemplation on its meanings with the hardness of souls, underscoring the critical importance of studying the semantics of Qur’anic vocabularies. As a jurist, philosopher, and Qur’anic exegete, Imam Khamenei employs a deep and systematic approach to uncovering the semantic layers of Qur’anic terminology. He has introduced new, precise, and profound interpretations for several commonly used Qur’anic vocabularies—meanings that are rarely found in the works of other translators and Qur’anic exegetes. Extracting, clarifying, and analyzing these interpretations contribute to a more accurate, comprehensive, and profound understanding of Qur’anic concepts. By examining various instances of Imam Khamenei’s Qur’anic vocabulary interpretations—through his speeches and exegetical discussions—this study presents a practical model for deeper engagement with Qur’anic vocabulary. Adopting a descriptive-analytical methodology, the research reviews the works, speeches, and discussions of Imam Khamenei to extract the Qur’anic terms he has interpreted and to analyze his unique insights into their meanings. The findings of the study reveal that Imam Khamenei has provided new and profound meanings for several frequently occurring Qur’anic terms, including: Taqwa (piety), Ṣabr (patience), Muqāwamah (resistance), Intiẓār (awaiting), ‘Adl (justice), Bāṭil (falsehood), Tawḥīd (monotheism), Imān (faith), Ṭāghūt (tyrannical authority), Bara’a (disavowal), Wilāyah (guardianship), Mustaḍ’af (oppressed), Istikbār (arrogance), Tazkiyah (purification), Ashidda’ (firmness), Infāq (charitable spending), Ṣirāt al-Mustaqīm (the straight path), Kāfir (disbeliever), Mushrik (polytheist), and Ẓālim (oppressor). For instance, Taqwa is defined as "arming oneself against sin," Ṣabr as "steadfastness and perseverance," Tawḥīd as "exclusive servitude to God in all aspects of life," Ṭāghūt as "a tyrannical power that defies God," and Wilāyah as "the bond and connection among believers toward achieving a common goal."

Keywords

References

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Contemporary Quranic Studies
Volume 3, Issue 10
March 2025
Pages 86-116

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