Semantics Tammām Ḥassān on Waqf Lāzim Verses in Surah al-Mā’idaṯ

Abstract

Semantics of Tammām also known as ilm al-dalālaṯ is the discussion of the strong relationship between meaning and three items by integrating syntax and ilm al-ma‘ānī (the science of meaning). There are two pillars of meaning, namely ma‘nā maqālī (literal meaning) and ma‘nā maqāmī (contextual meaning) that uphold semantics. This study found any uncertainty regarding the semantic components can call into question the analysis’s efforts and the veracity of the results. Thisis as mentioned by Iftikhar Muhammad (2004) in his master’s thesis when talking about the uncertainty of niẓām al-jumlaṯ (verse system aspect) from Ibrāhīm Anīs. From that, this study has decided to explain the semantic functions of the waqf lāzim that is present in the Surah al-Mā’idaṯ. The selection of this Surah is based on the existence of three different waqf ikhtiyari laws, there are law of tām, kāfī and ḥasan. This existence sheds light on the purpose and semantic significance of Tammam in the waqf lāzim verses with its several laws. In an effort to achieve the research objective, this study uses a qualitative method,covering only the literature review. By this method, the study has room to use a non-prominent method, where data is obtained from written records only. The collected data will then be analysed using the content analysis method. It includes three steps: mind mapping of the waqf lāzim verse, verse description, and interpretation and evidence. Next, by using the research methodology earlier, this study found that two waqf lāzim verses in Surah al-Mā’idaṯ have the same waqf law, while the other two verses are different. Two verses that have the same waqf law are Surah al-Mā’idaṯ, 5: 51 and Surah al-Mā’idaṯ, 5: 64, that is, with the rule of kāfī. Two more verses are Surah al-Mā’idaṯ, 5: 2, which is with the law of tām, and Surah al-Mā’idaṯ, 5: 73, which is with the law of ḥasan. In the end, this study provided a simple semantic framework to understand its function in the verses of waqf lāzim as shown in Figure 1. This study also contributed in solving the ambiguity found in semantic theory such as Ibrāhīm Anīs in studying the verses of waqf lāzim. The most interesting contribution from this study is revealing the semantic correlation between the four verses of waqf lāzim with signalling techniques.