A semantic study of the word فجر (fajara) in the Qur'an: Denotative, derivative, and contextual analysis

This study presents an in-depth semantic analysis of the word فجر (fajara) in the Qur’an using a comprehensive linguistic semantic approach. The main focus of this research is to trace the denotative, derivative, and contextual meanings of the word based on classical Arabic lexicons such as Lisan al-‘Arab, Tāj al-‘Arūs, and other authoritative Arabic dictionaries. The aim is to uncover the layered and nuanced meanings of fajara, as well as how its root evolves into various derivative forms such as فجر (fajr), فُجُور (fujūr), and فَجِر (fājir). This exploration is further supported by a literature study of classical and modern Qur’anic exegeses, including Tafsīr al-Ṭabarī, Tafsīr al-Qurṭubī, and Tafsīr al-Mishbāḥ, in order to understand the contextual use of the word in Qur’anic verses. The findings indicate that the word fajr does not only refer literally to the dawn or the beginning of the day but also carries deep symbolic and spiritual meanings. Dawn is viewed as a moment of transition between darkness and light, metaphorically representing hope, rebirth, purity, and the awakening of spiritual consciousness. In an eschatological dimension, fajr is also associated with the coming of the Day of Judgment as a divine warning. Meanwhile, derivative forms such as fujūr, meaning moral depravity, and fājir, referring to a sinner, illustrate the interconnectedness between worship time, human morality, and divine authority. Thus, this study contributes to the field of Qur’anic semantics and enriches the understanding of Arabic language meanings within the context of divine revelation.