A Linguistic and Semantic Investigation (A Lexicographical and Semantic Study)

Abstract

This study explores the etymology and semantic dimensions of the two 
Qur'anic terms: "Al-Masih" and "Ilyasin", through the lens of Arabic lexicons, 
Qur’anic context, and variant readings (qirāʾāt). The term "Al-Masih" is 
analyzed in light of its derivation—whether from masḥ (to wipe/anoint) or sayḥ 
(to travel)—and whether it implies an active or passive meaning. Its application 
to both Jesus (peace be upon him) and the Antichrist is discussed to highlight the 
contextual fluidity of the term within the Qur’an. 
The second part investigates "Ilyasin", assessing its grammatical and 
phonetic relationship to "Ilyas". The study reviews the opinions of linguists and 
exegetes, concluding that "Ilyasin" is a stylistic Qur’anic variant of "Ilyas", used 
for rhythmic or phonological reasons without altering the referent. 
Adopting a comparative linguistic approach, the paper draws from Arabic 
dictionaries, tafsīr works, and grammatical literature. It concludes that both 
terms are rich in meaning and deeply rooted in Arabic morphology and Qur’anic 
eloquence