Persian Root Words in the Holy Quran: A Content Analysis

Abstract

This study examines the presence and function of Persian root words in the Holy Quran, employing a qualitative content analysis approach. While the Quran asserts its revelation in clear Arabic, it includes several Persian-derived terms that were assimilated into Arabic before the seventh century CE. The research identifies key Persian-origin words—such as firdaws (paradise), istabraq (brocade), zanjabeel (ginger), and sijjil (baked clay)—and examines their semantic, theological, and cultural roles within Quranic discourse. Findings indicate that these words were not foreign intrusions but integral elements of a dynamic and evolving Arabic lexicon. Their inclusion highlights the Quran’s responsiveness to the multilingual environment of its audience and underscores its rhetorical and theological adaptability. The study argues that the presence of Persian words enhances rather than diminishes the Quran’s linguistic purity by reflecting natural patterns of lexical borrowing and semantic elevation. The article contributes to Islamic linguistic studies, Quranic interpretation, and historical linguistics by offering new insights into the intercultural and interlingual dimensions of Quranic Arabic. The findings affirm the Quran’s role as both a divine revelation and a product of a richly interconnected linguistic and cultural world.