“Days" in the Holy Qur’an: A Foundational and Descriptive Study

Abstract

This study examines the multifaceted concept of “day” (Yawm) in the Quran through linguistic, jurisprudential, and contextual analyses, elucidating its temporal, theological, and eschatological dimensions. The term encompasses diverse meanings, including a temporal unit, divine blessings or punishments, periods of worship, and the Day of Resurrection. Lexical variations such as Al-Yawm (the day), Ayyam Allah (Days of God), and Al-saʿah (the Hour) are analyzed, alongside specific temporal segments like Al-ghudow (morning) and Al-Aṣal (evening). The Quran employs these terms to evoke reflection, underscore divine oaths, and emphasize eschatological realities. Structured into an introduction and two sections, the study first defines “day” linguistically and jurisprudentially, then explores its contextual applications. Findings reveal the term’s semantic flexibility, spanning measurable time, spiritual symbolism, and divine order. The Qur’an’s rich temporal lexicon—such as Al-ʿAṣr (afternoon) and Alfajr (dawn)—serves didactic, rhetorical, and theological purposes, integrating practical and spiritual meanings. By framing “day” as both a tangible interval and a metaphor for divine governance, the Quran positions it as a tool for moral, existential, and theological guidance. This holistic approach underscores the text’s timeless relevance, balancing temporal specificity with universal spiritual principles.