The Concepts of ʿIlm and Waḥy: A Lexicographic and Epistemological Analysis of al-Khalīl’s Kitāb al-‘Ayn and Their Implications for Islamic Education
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58230/wk3nbx03Keywords:
ʿIlm, ʿWaḥy, ʿ Kitāb al-ʿAyn, ʿAl-Khalīl, LexiconAbstract
This article presents a brief analysis of al-Khalīl’s definitions of the terms ʿilm and waḥy in Kitāb al-‘Ayn. Studies on these terms in Kitāb al-‘Ayn remain limited due to the book’s complex structure and rare availability. The study examines al-Khalīl’s methodological approach in Kitāb al-‘Ayn, focusing on the lexical and conceptual treatment of ʿilm and waḥy and their relevance to Islamic education. The study applies qualitative methods, including content analysis of the lexicon's organisational structure and textual analysis of selected entries. The findings show that al-Khalīl presents waḥy through related meanings, including revelation, inspiration, indication, and swiftness, while ‘ilm encompasses meanings related to knowledge, signs, and guidance or direction. These meanings demonstrate the semantic breadth of both terms and their conceptual significance. By preserving the original, ontologically grounded meanings of waḥy and ‘ilm, the lexicon safeguards the conceptual foundations of the worldview of Islam. The study also highlights the educational value of classical Arabic lexicography for Islamic education. This article positions Kitāb al-‘Ayn as a work of continuing scholarly and educational value, significant for understanding the origins of Arabic lexicography and the preservation of early Islamic epistemological concepts.
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