The Consequence conjunction "lam" in the Holy Qura'n from the Perspectives of Grammarians and Theologians: An analytical study

Abstract

This study aims to highlight the meanings of ) لام العاقبة the "lam" conjunction of consequence as stated by grammarians. It also aims to find out why theologians opt for it more than لام التعليل (the conjunction "lam" of cause). In addition, the study points out the role played by meaning conjunctions in linking sentences and directing the meaning in line with beliefs. That is, these conjunctions might be interpreted according to the Creed of the Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah and thus they may be utilized appropriately to state the meaning of a verse according to Islamic beliefs. They might also be used by some theologians to tamper with genuine beliefs and to unknowingly come out with an interpretation, which is not in harmony with the meaning of the original words of Allah. Hence, the researcher attempts to clarify some of the false linguistic concepts in the interpretation of the "Lam" conjunction of consequence with a view to nullifying the arguments of some theologians who treats it as a conjunction of cause and thereby they flout the standard Arabic grammatical rules and its eloquent and rhetorical features.