معناشناسي كلمه زنديق در فرهنگ اسلامي

Semiology of the Term "Zendigh" in Islamic Culture

This paper is to elaborate on different meanings that Muslims ascribed to "Zendigh". The author is to argue that this term has had various meanings to different sects of the Muslim community. Manavi, Zoroastrian, Mazdaist, Polytheist, Convert, Monafiq, etc. are the typical meanings Muslims had conceived of the term. As a result, the term has not had a precise meaning and its usage has not been based on a definite standard. In most cases, because of the negative connotation associated with the term, it was applied to religious opponents --Muslims or non-Muslims, Thus, contrary to the claim of the Science of Tradition (Hadith), the term has never been used as a prominent emblem for a sect or group of people sharing specific purpose conspiring against Islam.