Change of Meaning in the explanation of Sheikh Sulaiman Al-Ahmad (d. 1363 AH) in the Diwan of Al-Makzun Al-Sinjari (d. 638 AH)

Abstract

    The change of meaning takes various forms, including the alteration of meaning through specification, the transformation of meaning through expansion, and the shift of meaning to another unrelated concept. The first type of change can be considered a form of semantic evolution, as is the second. However, the third type carries little resemblance to the original meaning derived from it, and each will be explained separately. In this study, we do not delve into the shifts in meaning in customs, religious contexts, and similar areas. Instead, we have opted for a division we mentioned earlier. The reason for choosing this division is its closer alignment with language compared to other classifications. We present it with regards to terms such as Islamic terminology, Sufism, and other expressions used by scholars. We will explore how meaning changes in these terms through specification, expansion, or transitioning to a closely related concept. It is worth noting that in this study, we will follow the classification chosen by the French linguist Joseph Vendryes, and the linguist Stephen Ullmann in his book 'Words and Their Use' as well as the one selected by Ahmed Mukhtar Omar in his work on the forms of semantic change.