Semantic Analysis of the Word»Takhattuf«in the Qur'an with Emphasis on Commentators' Views

The root "Kh-t-f" in the single triliteral structure has a clear meaning. Notwithstanding, its augmented triliteral form has been variously explained in verse 57 of Surah al-Qasas and 67 of Surah Ankabut by commentators of the Qur'an. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze and examine commentators` views by looking at the application of this structure among ignorant Arabs and its meaning in contemporary Arab social culture. In this regard, this study, with a descriptive-analytical method, attempts to analyze the meaning of »Takhattuf« among Qur'an commentators by exploring the common views of interpretive-historical sources and in the light of that, discover the intended meaning of this word in the era of early Islam. The result shows that the meaning of the word »Takhattuf« in these verses, as mentioned by commentators of the Qur'an, is not only related to property or soul, rather it includes both concepts. Therefore, the Quraish living in Makkah regarded both the looting of other tribes and their assault on their lives as the main reason for their lack of faith. This impression is a more realistic image of the concept of the verse since the paper result is consistent with historical, lexical, and intertextual context of Qur'anic verses on the one hand, and on the other hand, it is consistent with the special position of Quraysh among Arabs.