Connotative Generalization and Its Effect in Clarifying the Meaning of al- Sunnah : An Analytical Study on Selected Words

Abstract

This research aims to prove that the linguistic connotations of words have a great influence on context and meaning, especially if the context is al-Sunnah, upon which laws of jurisprudence or devotion are based. The research examined a set of words mentioned in both Sahih Al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, may God have mercy on them, analyzing and taking them back to their classic linguistic origins. The research showed what transpired was a change into a general jurisprudential connotation after the fact that its linguistic connotation was specific or general. This semantic generalization was used in Islamic history for revealing meaning or law of either jurisprudence or devotion. The research has taken the descriptive and analytical approach in handling the particular word and its connotation. Among the most important results of the research; the correlation of the study of the linguistic connotation with the meaning of the Sunnah, its contexts and structures is very close. Also, the researcher in the interpretation of the meanings must continuously refer the language books when beginning to clarify the context of the Sunnah. Furthermore, identifying the linguists’ differences in opinions with regards to semantic fundamentals, to build upon those differences in the meaning a tarjih.

Key words: linguistic indicator - general connotation - specific connotation - linguistic origin - jurisprudential connotation.