Conceptualization of the Term 'rajm' in Holy Quran Based on the Theory of "Muhammad Shahrour".

The term "rajm" in Arabic language means "stoning". This term and its derivatives have been used in Holy Quran fourteen times. The commentators and Quranic scholars have considered the meaning of this term more often in its principal sense and according to the very first meaning, the stoning of adulterers in Islam is legitimate as they believe. However, a closer study of the verses involving the term rajm and its derivatives indicates that the principal sense of the word in those verses is not correct and accurate but in all of the fourteen cases, this term envoys the virtual sense, i.e.: exile, rejection, and violent eviction. The present research aims to prove the virtual sense of this term by analyzing the views of commentators in this field relying on Muhammad Shahrour's view through a descriptive-analytical framework. Based on the results, the term rajm envoys violent eviction from the homeland in all cases except in the Surah al-Kahf where this term envoys the principal sense. Furthermore, the text of Holy Quran does NOT imply rajm in the sense of stoning as the prescribed punishment upon adulterers. Keywords: Holy Quran, rajm, stoning, exile, Muhammad Shahrour.