The theory of indication in Qadi Abd Al-Jabbar

In this study, the linguistic views of Qadi Abdulcebbâr, the famous mu'tazilite theologian, on wording-meaning are discussed. The author names the full meaning of words in the sentence, if they meet the necessary conditions in the wording and meaning approach, with the concept of signification. According to him, the wording in the Arabic language has no literary value because it consists only of letters and sounds. While dealing with linguistic debates, Qadi Abdulcebbâr gave importance to the origin of language as a starting point. According to him, the origin of language is a mechanism that occurs as a result of the collective agreement of people. For this reason, he rejects the idea that the origin of language is based on a divine teaching. Qadi Abdulcebbâr, who advocates social consensus in determining the first meanings of the words in the language, welcomes the words to acquire figurative or new meanings naturally. We see that Qadi Abdulcebbar's basic thought that the origin of language is based on social consensus is clearly reflected in his approach to issues such as the creation of the Qur'an, the attributes of God, the understanding and interpretation of the divine word, and linguistic analogy. For example, he does not accept the incomprehensibility of the meanings of the mutashabih verses regarding the understanding of the divine word. According to him, it is unthinkable for Allah to send a revelation to His servants so that its meaning remains unclear. On the other hand, it has been observed that it gives a freedom to the human will in determining the names of objects. His thought on this subject is based on a detailed understanding of his approach to the origin of language.