Applying Historical Semantics in Analyzing the Meaning of "Sheitan" and "Iblis" in Qur'an and Criticizing the Viewpoints of Classical lexicographers

The two concepts satan/Iblis are considered as the most important concepts in the Qur’an, as they have a major role in the system of guidance/misguidnce which is the main purpose of sending prophets and revealing the Qurchr('39')an. Providing an incorrect understanding can lead to a misunderstanding of the function of Satan in this system. This study tries to use the etymology by paying attention to the linguistic context of the Qurchr('39')an, to provide a clearer explanation of these two concepts and to examine the views of the lexicographers. It observed that the word "Sheitan" derived from "ŝtn" that means enemy, competition … coming from magic. However, despite emphasizing "ŝtn" as the source of "Sheitan", the lexicographers have emphasized the meaning of the root "ŝt" - deviate and turn aside- and have placed the focus of meaning on Satanchr('39')s own condition in being misguided. The combination of words in the meanings of enmity, discord, obstruction and magic with this word in the Qurchr('39')an confirms the results of etymological studies and shows that the focus of the meaning is on the effect of Satan on human misguidance and not his own condition. Regarding the word Iblis, the lexicographers have expressed two theories of derivation from the "bls" meaning despair or loanword in the meaning of mixed and inspector. Studies show that "Iblis" does not related to the meanings of mixed and inspector, but is a Greek word in the original sense of a liar and a special name for one of the Satans.