Lexical Configuration in Adhan: a Semantic Perspective

Adhan is defined as the Islamic call for announcing the time of Salah (practice of formal worship in Islam) which is recited by muezzin at mosques. This study aims to explore adhan from a lexical configuration point of view which has been introduced by English linguist Cruse (1986). As an initial step, lexical configuration of Cruse (1986) is explained from lexical semantic point of view. Hierarchy, then is defined which is a set of elements related to one another in a characteristic way according to Cruse (1986). After elaborating on hierarchical chain of meaning in lexical semantics, the adhan text with transliteration and English meaning is provided. Analyzing adhan from the semantic view point of Cruse (1986) confirms that adhan is the symbol of Islamic belief and ideology. It is not a static chain of words but a dynamic melody that invites people to move to worship Allah. It also reports that worshipping Allah needs a movement toward Him and also moving toward Allah needs The Facilitator or the Leader who is aware of the howness of the moving that can show Allah's order and path to people. The Facilitator is Prophet Mohammad (P. B. U. H.) who shows the path of Salvation and Good Deeds. Based on Islamic philosophy, one can reach to Allah by means of Salah. Also, one will reach to Allah by doing what Allah says. This study also introduces a new hierarchy to broaden the lexical configuration proposed by Cruse (1986) as circular hierarchy.