The term sīqa, a passive past verb, appears twice in verses 71 and 73 of Surah Al-Zumar, describing the manner in which the inhabitants of Hell and Paradise enter their respective abodes. The use of the same verb for both the dwellers of Hell and Paradise, contrary to the typical style of the Qur’an, has led to diverse interpretations and translations among exegetes and translators. Sometimes, they have employed identical terms in the interpretation and translation of this verb for both verses, while at other times, they have sought to depict the different states and distinctions between these two groups by choosing different words, based on the context of each verse. In this study, after critically reviewing the prevailing opinions, and utilizing lexicographical sources as well as the Qur’an-by-Qur’an (tafsīr al-Qur’ān bi-l-Qur’ān) interpretative method, a single term, such as driving or leading, guiding, and showing, is proposed that encompasses a shared meaning to describe the common state of the inhabitants of Hell and Paradise upon their entry into their final abodes. Subsequently, the reasons and implications of this interpretation are also enumerated.
narimani,Z. (2025). A Critique of the Semantic Background of the Verb "Sīqa" in the Holy Quran
Focusing on Verses 71 and 73 of Surah Al-Zumar. Quranic and Hadith Researches of Modares, 11(20), 245-266.
MLA
narimani,Z. . "A Critique of the Semantic Background of the Verb "Sīqa" in the Holy Quran
Focusing on Verses 71 and 73 of Surah Al-Zumar", Quranic and Hadith Researches of Modares, 11, 20, 2025, 245-266.
HARVARD
narimani,Z. (2025). 'A Critique of the Semantic Background of the Verb "Sīqa" in the Holy Quran
Focusing on Verses 71 and 73 of Surah Al-Zumar', Quranic and Hadith Researches of Modares, 11(20), pp. 245-266.
CHICAGO
Z. narimani, "A Critique of the Semantic Background of the Verb "Sīqa" in the Holy Quran
Focusing on Verses 71 and 73 of Surah Al-Zumar," Quranic and Hadith Researches of Modares, 11 20 (2025): 245-266,
VANCOUVER
narimani,Z. A Critique of the Semantic Background of the Verb "Sīqa" in the Holy Quran
Focusing on Verses 71 and 73 of Surah Al-Zumar. Quranic and Hadith Researches of Modares, 2025; 11(20): 245-266.