Semantics is a discipline that scientifically studies meaning, aiming to achieve a comprehensive understanding of words by examining their relationships within sentences. One of the most important approaches in semantic research is the focus on collocational and substitutional relationships, as analyzing words within the context of Quranic verses can lead to a more precise interpretation.
The main objective of this study is to analyze the semantics of the word Rajāʾ in the Qur’an by examining its collocates and substitutes. First, all occurrences of Rajāʾ in the Qur’an are identified, and then its collocational, substitutional, and antonymic relationships are analyzed to determine their role in shaping and reinforcing its meaning.
This research uses contextual and lexical analysis to arrive at a more accurate and expansive understanding of Rajāʾ and its various implications. The data were collected from library sources and analyzed using a descriptive-analytical method.
The findings show that Rajāʾ carries multiple meanings in classical usage, including expectation, hope, aspiration, and fear. Its common collocates include liqāʾ Allāh (meeting with God), raḥmah (mercy), and yawm al-ākhir (the Last Day). In terms of substitution, Rajāʾ is semantically related to words such as laʿalla (perhaps), ʿasā (it may be), lā yaqnaṭ (do not despair), and āmala (hoped for). Conversely, it has antonymic relationships with yaʾs (despair), qunūṭ (hopelessness), and khaybah (disappointment).
Since Rajāʾ appears in various contexts throughout the Qur’an, the analysis of its collocational and substitutional relationships suggests that hope is considered praiseworthy when directed toward God, producing positive outcomes. However, when hope is placed in anything other than God, it leads to undesirable consequences in both worldly and spiritual life. The study also reveals that Rajāʾ differs meaningfully from its semantic substitutes, and recognizing these nuances contributes to a more precise understanding of Quranic verses.