Contextual Significations of al-birr and al-qisṭ in the Qur'an: A Semiotic Approach

Abstract

Drawing on Saussure's (1916/1959) semiotic approach, this paper explores the various meanings pertaining to the concepts of al-birr (kindness) and al-qisṭ (justice) in the Qur'an. More specifically, this paper attempts to probe the extent to which Saussure's langue/parole binary can enhance our understanding of the Qur'anic language. The paper seeks to fulfil three main objectives: (i) identifying the various significations communicated by al-birr and al-qisṭ in the Qur'an; (ii) showing the extent to which the historical and theological context helps to mark the various significations associated with each term; and (iii) highlighting the practical meanings the two terms convey within their different contexts in the Qur'an. This paper has two main findings: first, the two words of al-birr and al-qisṭ communicate various meanings that are contextually shaped; and second, both al-birr and al-qisṭ portray Islam as a religion of peace and tolerance and being committed to fostering societal harmony through the principles of kindness and justice. Further, the findings of this study are anticipated to contribute to cross-cultural communication by fostering intercultural dialogue amongst people from diverse cultural backgrounds and, therefore, challenge the narratives in some media that represent Islam as intolerant or harsh towards non-Muslims and narrow a cultural gap that has always been nurtured and sustained by a We-Them discourse.