Etymology of the Quranic Term " al-ẓulm" (Oppression) An Investigation of its Conceptual Development Until the Time of Quranic Revelation

The term "al-ẓulm" (oppression or injustice) is one of the most frequently used words in the Quran. Muslim exegete in their commentaries and linguistic works have expressed various and sometimes contradictory explanations about its meaning. The purpose of this study is to uncover the basic and root meaning of the term using an etymological approach -which is considered a historical semantic method- To do this first, the dual root of the term according to the Semitic languages will be recognized, then, the development of its meaning occurred in various branches of Semitic languages such as Hebrew, Ethiopic, Akkadian, Syriac, Aramaic and Arabic will be elaborated and finally this question that at the time of revealing the Quran which meaning of the term was intended will be answered.