Al-Bait in the Qur'an: A Thematic Analysis of Its Semantic Variations and Contextual Applications
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33511/alfanar.v7n1.1-10Keywords:
Al-Bait, thematic exegesis, quranic semantics, quranic contextsAbstract
Al-Bait is one of the significant terms in the Qur'an that encompasses a wide range of meanings and appears in diverse linguistic, social, and spiritual contexts. This diversity indicates that Al-Bait does not merely refer to a physical house or dwelling but also conveys broader theological and symbolic dimensions. This article examines the semantic variations and contextual applications of Al-Bait in the Qur'an through the thematic exegesis (tafsir maudhu'i) approach. Employing a qualitative method with content analysis, the study draws upon Qur'anic verses containing the term Al-Bait as primary data, supported by classical and contemporary tafsir literature as secondary sources. Data were collected through document analysis and interpreted by considering the linguistic, historical, and theological contexts of each occurrence. The findings reveal four principal meanings of Al-Bait in the Qur'an: (1) a dwelling place that provides shelter and security for human beings; (2) al-bayt in the sense of nighttime, indicating a temporal setting; (3) Baitullah as a sacred center of worship representing spiritual devotion and Muslim unity; and (4) the dwelling of animals, particularly the spider's house, which serves as a metaphor for the frailty of relying upon anything other than Allah. These findings demonstrate that the meaning of Al-Bait is multidimensional and context-dependent. The article contributes to the advancement of Qur'anic semantic studies and thematic exegesis while enriching scholarly understanding of the relationship between space, symbolism, and spirituality in the Qur'an.
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