THE CONCEPT OF AL-SIRĀJ IN THE QUR’AN

Abstract

This study explores the concept of al-Sirāj in the Qur’an by tracing and analyzing verses that employ the term sirāja. The research aims to uncover the multifaceted meanings embedded within al-Sirāj, thereby providing a deeper understanding of its theological and spiritual significance. Employing a qualitative-descriptive library research method, the study integrates exegetical, Sufi, and hermeneutical (semiotic) approaches. The findings reveal three major insights. First, al-Sirāj in the Qur’an transcends its literal function as a source of illumination. Second, the term conveys diverse layers of meaning: symbolic in QS al-Furqān/25: 61, spiritual in QS al-Aḥzāb/33: 46, scientific in QS Nūḥ/71: 16, and metaphorical as a lamp in QS al-Naba’/78: 13. Third, the urgency of al-Sirāj lies in its role as knowledge in QS Yūnus/10: 5, as guidance in QS al-Nūr/25:35, and as a path toward piety in QS al-Anbiyā’/21: 48. In conclusion, understanding al-Sirāj is essential for grasping the Qur’an’s rich symbolic and spiritual dimensions, offering insights that can serve as guidance in everyday life.