A Semantic Analysis of the Term "Hujjah" in the Quran and Nahj al-Balagha: A Step Towards the Theological Explanation of the Necessity of the Divine Proof

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 A Reassessment of Imam Reza’s (AS) Conduct in Confronting Deviant Intellectual Currents: An Approach Based on Cultural Security Studies

2 PhD student in Theology and Islamic Studies, Islamic Azad University, North Tehran Branch, Iran.

3 Assistant Professor / Faculty of Civilization and World Studies, PhD in Arabic Language and Literature and PhD in Theology and Islamic Studies (Islamic Mysticism), North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

10.22034/ntt.2026.3365.1167

Abstract

The present study, aiming at the theological explanation of the necessity of the continuous existence of the Divine Proof (Hujjah), has conducted a semantic analysis of the term "Hujjah" in the Holy Quran and Nahj al-Balagha. Using the descriptive-analytical method and employing semantic strategies, the conceptual network of this term, including its core concepts of "reason/proof," "completion of proof (itmam al-hujjah)," and "divine personage," was examined. The findings revealed that the semantic network of "Hujjah" in the Quran focuses more on argumentative and persuasive aspects, while Nahj al-Balagha emphasizes the existential and guidance-oriented aspect of the Divine Proof (the Prophet and the Imam). This semantic analysis provides solid narrative (naqli) and rational ('aqli) foundations for the theological theory of the "Necessity of the Existence of the Divine Proof." Furthermore, based on these foundations, both classical and contemporary theological doubts (such as Ibn Taymiyyah's claim regarding the uselessness of the Hidden Imam) are critiqued, and the necessity of the cosmic (takwini) functions of the Imam of the Age (aj) as the channel of divine grace and the guarantor of the world's continuity are explained. The research results reveal the link between the linguistic function and the doctrinal foundations of Imamate.

Keywords

New Theological Teachings

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 25 April 2026

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History

  • Receive Date: 08 December 2025
  • Revise Date: 22 January 2026
  • Accept Date: 23 April 2026

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