This thesis explores the terms ‘cloud’ that used Allah in the Quran and analyze them using semantic approach. Quran semantic methods introduced by Toshihiko Izutsu, a Japanese scientist, is one of several methods that used to understand the contents of Quran. Semantics not only provide the interpretation of the Quran based on an understanding of a reader, but also to seek the viewpoint of the Quran itself (weltanschauung).
This thesis is limited to the understanding of ‘basic meaning’ and ‘relational meaning’ of the terms used by the Quran to mention the word ‘cloud’. Some terms were interpreted as a cloud that used by the Quran is; saḥab, ḥamilat, mu'shirat, ‘aridh and ghamam. Although everything is understood in the same meaning, but ‘no synonyms by semantic approach’. Semantic analysis will show the difference in the meaning of some of these terms to provide evidence that they are all not the same.
From this analysis, the author conclude; (1) Saḥab is the term cloud in the ‘wide sense of meaning’ and is still very common. Could be as a cloud of water and clouds are not. From 9 verses about saḥab, 6 verses told about the rain (4 of them are equipped with the term ‘riyah’ which means ‘cloud of grace’) and 3 verses rest as an analogy / tamsil. Saḥab explain the process and require additional terms such as ‘musakkhar’, ‘tsiqal’ or ‘markum’. When Allah wanted to show one of his greatness through the circulation of water in the earth, or show a overview / analogy (tamsil), He will use the term ‘saḥab’. (2) Ḥamilat is a rain-cloud carrier that is used specifically for the oath of God. When Allah wants to swear using a cloud creation, he would use the term ‘ḥamilat’. (3) Mu’shirat is the the rain-clouds carrier that can be used directly without any need to use additional term. These clouds must refer to the rain clouds that bring blessings. When Allah wants to show his greatness without showing the creation process of cloud and water circulation with rain (instant clouds of grace), He will use the term ‘mu'shirat’. (4) ‘Aridh is a cloud of wrath, because it was followed by the term ‘rih’ which means ‘wind of disaster’. When Allah wants to show His wrath through the clouds, he would use the term ‘aridh’. (5) Ghamam is a shade cloud. When Allah wants to tell about the cloud as a shade (do not bring rain), He would use the term ‘ghamam’.