The Gendered Semiotic Spectrum: A Linguistic and Symbolic Analysis of the Qur'anic Narrative on Sexual Deviation

Authors

  • Maha Sourani

    Department of Translation, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Jinan University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon
  • Abrahem Abdaldaem

    Department of English, Faculty of Arts, Bani Walid University, Bani Walid, Libya
  • Issa AlQurashi

    Department of Foreign Languages, Faculty of Arts, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
  • Sawsan ElZohbi

    Arabic Language Department, Faculty of Letters, Tripoli University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon
  • Yahya Hijazi

    Department of Islamic Studies, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Jinan University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i7.9902
Received:7 May 2025 | Revised:19 June 2025 | Accepted: 24 June 2025 | Published Online: 11 July 2025

Abstract

Semiotics, as an analytical framework, is predicated on its foundation on examining signs within the fabric of social existence. Employing an inductive, descriptive, and analytical methodology, this study undertook the task of delineating the semiotic nuances inherent in Qur'anic verses related to the phenomenon of homosexuality and its associated references in the narrative of Lot and his community. The following semiotic features structured the analysis of this work: warning hāʾa/ in these /Hā'uulā'/,  exemption manifested in /ạim̊rāảtuka/ (your wife) in addition to the signified and functional meanings of each of the following signifiers: Unidentified subject for the verb rush – verb to do, evil deeds vs. lewdness, /B/ Transitivity in /Biha/, standardized definite article /EL/ = the, and reason and sagacity. Data were compiled from specific Surahs within the Qur'an:  Hud (11:78–81), An-Naml (27:54), Al-Ankabut (29:28–29,33), and Saba (34:13). The analysis focused on a spectrum of linguistic features in these verses, incorporating an examination of pronouns, linguistic variations, and syntactic structures. The findings substantiate the influential role of women in the propagation of homosexuality, thereby refuting assertions of its genetic or hereditary etiology. Instead, it elucidates the harmful impact of homosexuality on cognitive function, precipitating adverse consequences on mental well-being and engendering socio-interpersonal discord within partnerships. Ultimately, recommendations are put forward as a foundation for future research endeavors.

Keywords:

Semiotics; Verse; Lot; Semantics; Homosexuality

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How to Cite

Sourani, M., Abdaldaem, A., AlQurashi, I., ElZohbi, S., & Hijazi, Y. (2025). The Gendered Semiotic Spectrum: A Linguistic and Symbolic Analysis of the Qur’anic Narrative on Sexual Deviation. Forum for Linguistic Studies, 7(7), 247–256. https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i7.9902

Issue

Vol. 7 , Iss. 7 (July 2025): In progress

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Article

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Copyright © 2025 Maha Sourani, Abrahem Abdaldaem, Issa AlQurashi, Sawsan ElZohbi, Yahya Hijazi

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This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License.