Arabic Polysemous Words used in the Qur’ān; A Study of the Word nafaqa

Abstract

The Qur’ān is a marvellous book which contains various miraculous signs. Amongst its miracle is the use of polysemous words in the Book. An interpreter of the Qur’ān who does not acquaint himself with the proper use of Arabic words will mislead not only himself but others following such interpretation. The exegesis of the Book requires advanced knowledge of the Arabic Language and its branches to grasp the deep meanings of the Qur’ān. This article focuses on nafaqa mentioned in one hundred and seven (107) places in the Qur’ān as a case study of the polysemous nature of the Qur’ān and how it is being used in different ways as nouns, verbs or adjectives. As such, only expert exegetes can understand how these words are being used without misinterpreting the Qur’ān.