An Analysis of Root Words from Different Languages in the Holy Quran: A Linguistic Analysis

This study examines the presence and significance of root words derived from non-Arabic languages in the Holy Quran, with a focus on their Hebrew, Aramaic, Syriac, Greek, Persian, and Ethiopic origins. At the same time, the Quran is traditionally regarded as a purely Arabic revelation, but linguistic and historical evidence reveal the integration of foreign lexical elements into its discourse. This research examines how these borrowed roots were phonologically adapted, morphologically assimilated, and semantically recontextualised through a comparative linguistic analysis, aligning with Quranic themes and theological narratives. The findings indicate that such lexical incorporations were not incidental but somewhat reflective of the multilingual and multicultural context of 7th-century Arabia. Furthermore, the study emphasises the Quran's dynamic linguistic environment, which enabled it to engage diverse audiences while maintaining its claim of ʿArabī mubīn (clear Arabic). By examining selected root words and their original meanings, this paper underscores the Quran’s role as a unifying spiritual text and a linguistic artefact shaped by historical intertextuality. This analysis contributes to broader discussions in Quranic linguistics, comparative Semitic philology, and Islamic theological thought.