The Construction of Meaning and Biological Reality of Ghurab and Hudhud in the Scientific Semantic Analysis of the Qur'an

Abstract

This study is based on the fact that Qur’anic interpretation often separates linguistic analysis from scientific approaches, even though both can be integrated to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of the terms ghurāb and hud-hud. The research aims to explain how the meanings of these two terms are constructed within the Qur’anic context and to examine their relevance to modern biological studies. Using a qualitative-descriptive library research method, this study combines the semantic theory of Toshihiko Izutsu with a scientific (tafsir ‘ilmi) approach, based on QS. Al-Mā’idah: 31 and QS. An-Naml: 20–22, as well as various tafsir and scientific references. The findings show that ghurāb and hud-hud are not merely names of birds, but also convey moral lessons, knowledge, communication, and leadership values. Scientifically, the intelligence of crows and the environmental sensitivity of the hoopoe align with the Qur’anic narratives. Therefore, this study affirms that the Qur’an employs natural phenomena as a means of moral and spiritual education that remains relevant and harmonious with modern scientific understanding.