ANALISIS SEMANTIK TARADUF DALAM AYAT-AYAT KETAKWAAN: STUDI ATAS KOSAKATA TAQWA, BIRR, DAN IHSAN DALAM AL-QUR’AN

Abstract

The Qur'an, as a divine scripture, presents a rich and layered ethical framework, expressed through complex linguistic patterns, including taraduf (synonymy). Among the key ethical concepts often mentioned are taqwa (piety), birr (righteousness), and ihsan (excellence in conduct). While these terms are frequently translated similarly, this raises a fundamental question about their semantic distinctions and functional roles in Qur'anic discourse. This study aims to examine the semantic field and interrelation of these three terms within Qur’anic verses related to ethics and piety. Employing Toshihiko Izutsu’s semantic approach and a qualitative library research method, this study explores the contextual meanings of taqwa, birr, and ihsan through analysis of relevant Qur’anic verses, classical and contemporary exegetical sources, and Qur’anic linguistic literature. The findings indicate that these three terms form a hierarchical structure of ethical values: taqwa as the internal moral consciousness, birr as the outward manifestation of social responsibility, and ihsan as the highest level of spiritual excellence and divine awareness. Despite their apparent synonymy, each term possesses distinct conceptual and semantic nuances within the Qur’anic semantic field.The results affirm that taraduf in the Qur'an does not imply absolute synonymy but rather a graded synonymy that reflects the Qur'an’s intricate ethical and spiritual vision. This highlights the importance of understanding semantic nuances in Qur’anic terminology for a more precise and contextual interpretation of the sacred text.