The Analysis of the Semantic & Moral Layers of Mahabbat (=Affection) in the Holy Quran with Regard to Register

The term “mahabbat” (=affection) is one of the most important moral terms in the Holy Quran. This article is going to identify the semantic layers of “mahabbat” through a descriptive-analytic method and based on the use of different types of register, trying to answer this question: what is the conceptual scope of “mahabbat” in the Holy Quran? How can the recognition of the semantic layers explain such a concept? This research, via analyzing the context of the signs of the Holy Quran as well as the verbal and accessible evidence in the sign (register and the syntagmatic relations), has discussed the analysis of different layers of “mahabbat”. On the basis of verbal and accessible evidence of the signs relevant to affection as well as paying attention to its semantic ranking, it can be determined that, from the viewpoint of the Quran, the basis of creation is affection and affection is the relationship between God and His servant, the initiator of which is God. Individuals are provided with the divine compassion according to their capacity. The prophets have been more provided with such compassion. The believers can increase the divine compassion within themselves when they realize the fact that there is no idol other than God. Then the sincerity of spirit will govern all their deeds and they adhere to His messengers as they are the representation of divine names on the earth. God forgives their probable wrongdoings and provide them with His own mercy and forgiveness. On the other hand, unbelievers, due to their fixation to the world and not allocating their own affection to God, have drawn themselves off the divine guidance and compassion, as a result of which they are losers in both world and hereafter.