القلب؛ مرادفاته ودلالاته في اللغة والدين والشِعر

Abstract

This article explores the concept of al-qalb [the heart] and its synonyms in Arabic, including al-lubb [core], al-janān [innermost self], al-fu’ād [inner soul], and al-ṣadir [chest], clarifying their semantic differences. It examines how these terms have developed historically and semantically within Arabic texts. The study aims to address two main questions: How are the meanings of al-qalb [the heart] and its synonyms expressed in the Arabic language, religious texts, and poetry? And how have the connotations of these synonyms changed across different literary periods?

The research issue stems from subtle differences in the lexical meanings of al-qalb’s synonyms and the semantic shifts in their idiomatic use across various fields such as religion and poetry. Some synonyms may be unfamiliar to many, while others have undergone semantic changes over time. Key findings show that the word qalb [heart] reflects both emotion and reason, while al-janān [innermost self] signifies hidden feelings. Furthermore, al-lubb [core] relates exclusively to reason, while al-fu’ād [inner soul] denotes fleeting emotions, and al-ṣadir [chest] acts as a vessel for the heart, containing both emotion and reason. Accordingly, the study highlights how al-qalb [the heart] in Arabic functions as a center of will, emotion, and reason, and in Islam, it serves as a symbol of faith and morality.