Analysis of the Rule of Attention to the Meaning of Words in the Era of Hadith Publication

Authors
A. Ghasemfam
M. Majdfagihi
Qom University of Islamic Studies
Abstract
Lexicology is the cornerstone of textual research. If not conducted properly and methodically, the wall of research will inevitably lean, making it impossible to uncover its core message and valuable insights. Lexicology constitutes the first stage in the profound understanding and comprehension of the sayings of the Infallibles (peace be upon them), which is a fundamental objective for any diligent seeker in religious studies. One of the essential principles in the lexicological study of hadith is considering the meaning of a word within the historical context of its issuance. The key question here is: What aspects must be taken into account to properly adhere to this principle? This article, employing a descriptive-analytical method, seeks to answer this question. The findings indicate that the meanings of hadith vocabulary should not be derived merely by consulting any standard dictionary. Instead, one must refer to lexical sources that reflect linguistic usage during the era of the Infallibles (peace be upon them), while also examining how these terms were employed in hadith texts and other contextual clues. These contextual indicators are varied and include factors such as: the reason behind the hadith’s issuance (sabab al-sudūr), the cultural milieu of the time, temporal and spatial context, and the characteristics of the intended audience. By adhering to this principle, a hadith researcher can draw closer to the intended meaning of the narrations and avoid erroneous interpretations. Another outcome of this study is gaining a clearer understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of narrators and authors in the field of hadith.

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Quranic and Hadith Researches of Modares
Volume 11, Issue 20
August 2025
Pages 169-195