The semantics of "ḍarr" in the Holy Quran with an emphasis on syntagmatic and paradigmatic relations

"Ḍarr" is a key and frequent word in the verses of the Holy Quran, which plays an important role in illustating the semantic field of “suffering and hardship” in the Quranic worldview. The present study investigates the concept of “ḍarr” from Quranic perspective using semantic methods since semantics with an analytical and accurate perspective is a useful way to achieve the true meaning of words. By examining the word " ḍarr" with a concurrent approach, It is found that the word " ḍarr" in a verbal paradigmatic axis with verbs "reach and descover" is in the same semantic field and in a nominal paradigmatic axis is with the concept of "hardness " and “benefit, blessing, mercy, and Happiness” and in a syntagmatic axis is in the same semantic field with the words "evil and torment and shakiness”. Hence, the word " ḍarr" means “mundane loss” so it's an “individual harm”. It is also a divine tradition that controls the existence of humans. It falls on the human being like a veil and covers the face of health, comfort and, tranquility. This kind of " ḍarr" is so great that one despairs others and trusts only in God. It is also a tool for “punishment, trial, growth” and “attaining a high position”.  Therefore, " ḍarr" does not necessarily have a negative connotation and may have positive results and effects, despite its unpleasant appearance.

Keywords:

ḍarr , Holy Quran , Semantics , paradigmatic relations , syntagmatic relations