قرآن کریم میں مشرق و مغرب کی اصطلاح، مفہوم اورتعبیرات کا تجزیاتی مطالعہ

Linguistic and Terminological Analysis of the Concepts of East and West:(Mashriq & Maghrib) in the Holy Qur’an

Abstract

This research paper presents a comprehensive analytical study of the terms "Mashriq" (East) and "Maghrib" (West) as employed in the Holy Qur’an, exploring their linguistic roots, contextual applications, and terminological significances. In the Qur’anic discourse, these terms transcend mere geographical cardinal points; they serve as profound symbols of Divine Rububiyyah (Lordship), the intricate orchestration of the cosmos, and the vastness of the Creator’s authority. The primary objective of this study is to elucidate the meanings of these terms derived directly from the Wahy (Revelation) and its internal context, thereby providing a holistic understanding that bridges classical exegesis with contemporary scholarly discourses.

The study is structured into three pivotal dimensions. First, it conducts a semantic analysis of the root words and their various morphological derivatives (Mushtaqqat) found in the Qur’an, such as the singular (Mashriq/Maghrib), dual (Mashriqain/Maghribain), and plural (Mashariq/Magharib) forms. Second, it investigates the diverse thematic applications of these terms, including the dialogue of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) with Nimrod regarding the rising of the sun, the topographical journeys of Dhul-Qarnayn to the Maghrib al-Shams (setting place of the sun) and Matla’ al-Shams (rising place of the sun), and the seclusion of Maryam (A.S) in an Eastern location. Third, the research delves into the metaphorical and symbolic attributes, such as the description of the Olive tree as being "La Sharqiyyah wa la Gharbiyyah" (Neither Eastern nor Western), representing a state of perfect equilibrium.

A critical component of this paper is the Literature Review, which evaluates contemporary peer-reviewed research. It acknowledges the empirical work of Muhammad Yar Kassi & Noor Ul Haq Kasi (2022), who provided an astronomical validation of these terms through observations in Quetta, Pakistan, and the investigative study by Noor Akram (2024), which utilized GPS technology to determine geographical boundaries based on Sunnah and Qur’anic texts. Furthermore, it incorporates the socio-linguistic perspective of Tom Leijnse (2025), who analyzed these terms in the context of modern Arab nationalism and political identity in Iraq and Morocco.

The Research Gap addressed by this study lies in the fact that while previous works focused heavily on scientific observation or political discourse, they often overlooked the purely textual and terminological essence within the Nusus (sacred texts). This paper fills that void by synthesizing these dimensions into a unified framework. The findings suggest that the Qur’anic usage of Mashriq and Maghrib constitutes a multi-layered miracle (I’jaz), where geographical reality meets spiritual symbolism. The study concludes with recommendations for future research into the comparative religious aspects and psychological dimensions of spatial metaphors in divine scriptures.