Semantic Analysis of the Word Rahmah in the Qur'an A Thematic Interpretation Perspective

Abstract

The concept of rahmah in the Qur’an is often understood narrowly as divine mercy, overlooking its broader semantic and theological dimensions. This study aims to describe the lexical and relational meanings of the term rahmah in the Qur’an through a semantic approach, analyze its conceptual network alongside related terms such as maghfirah, adzab, ni‘mah, and hidayah, and construct an integrated understanding through thematic tafsir (tafsir maudhu’i). Employing a qualitative library research design, this study analyzes Qur’anic verses containing the term rahmah using semantic field theory and thematic interpretation. Data were collected from primary sources—the Qur’an and classical and contemporary tafsir works—and secondary literature on Qur’anic semantics and thematic exegesis. The findings reveal that rahmah functions as a multidimensional principle embedded within an interconnected semantic system, shaping not only theological discourse but also ethical and social directives. The semantic analysis demonstrates that rahmah serves as an epistemological axis that aligns with divine attributes and governs the moral structure of human relationships. Through thematic tafsir, this research formulates a comprehensive concept of rahmah as a foundational value in the Qur’anic worldview, which carries significant implications for contemporary interpretation oriented toward inclusivity, social justice, and peacebuilding. These results affirm the necessity of semantic approaches in Qur’anic studies to move beyond atomistic readings and toward a holistic, value-driven understanding.