Semantic Structure of Love in Quran

Affection or fondness is among those significant concepts in the holy Quran used in the form of many different terms and phrases to describe the relationship between Allah and human beings as well as relationship between one human and another. One of the most important terms used in this regard is the word “hob” or “mohabbah” (affection) that is brought up in many derivatives. Regarding this case, drawing upon Izutso’s method, this article has tried to analyze the semantic structure of this term in Quranic propositions through exploring the syntagmatic and paradigmatic relations of these words. This analysis revealed that the semantic structure of “mohabbah” concerned with human, includes two aspects, one inner-centered and the other outer-centered elements. Inner-centered elements consist of the heartfelt inclination and inner attraction of affection which is the major semantic element of affection in human, and of changeability in strength, and perception of the beauty of the beloved. Outer-centered elements consist of assuming the beloved as a priority, attempting to get closer to them and benefiting them and being obedient to them.