The Multiple Meanings of the Term "Raht" in the Holy Quran Based on Historical and Cultural Semantics

Articles in Press

Document Type : مقالات علمی پژوهشی

Authors
ف. Alian nejadi 1
K. Roohi Barandagh 2
H. Khani 3
A. Shakori 4
1 Student
2 University associate professor
3 Associate Professor
4 University professor
Abstract
The Quranic word "raht" is associated with two semantic domains: kinship and community, and it encompasses various meanings. The present study seeks to address the issue of why the word "raht" has multiple meanings and what its primary meaning is. Commentators and linguists have not provided any answer to this issue. These meanings are believed to have originated from potential twin roots in the Afroasiatic language family and the reasons behind the polysemy of this word by examining the processes of semantic construction of the word, along with its usages in Arab culture. This will be achieved by utilizing historical sources and then analyzing the word in the context of relevant Quranic verses, using a descriptive-analytical method. In the end, it has been established that the origins of this word can be traced back to two possible root meanings in ancient languages, one related to "combining" and "hand" and the other associated with "digging." These meanings have evolved over time and have shaped the various interpretations of the word. The association of common concepts of "group" and "collective" in classical Arabic and genealogy texts is derived from the concurrent meanings of "combination" and "symbol of the hand" in one branch of the word's historical roots and Considering the historical and cultural context of this word and its usage in the context of Quranic verses, it becomes clear that "Raht" is the smallest group within a tribe, often associated with unity and cooperation in facing or dealing with turmoil and challenges.


Keywords

Subjects

• • Holy Quran
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Available Online from 13 July 2025