systematic semantics of the term guardianship along with illustration of the semantic networks related to the term guardianship in imam reza’s (a) teachings

guardianship is a magnificent term and concept that, regarding its verbal and terminological meanings, has different levels in the quran and narrations, and has ties with a variety of concepts. at one level, guardianship is exclusively for god, and at a lower level, this position has been bestowed upon the prophets and imams by the sublime god’s permission. the latter level guardianship is conditioned, limited, in need of permission, and along with god' guardianship. through a descriptive-analytic method along with a linguistic approach, the study at had tries to examine the concept of guardianship in verbal and terminological aspects. after specification of the concept of guardianship in imam reza’s (a) teachings, the article examines and analyzes its synonymous and related terms to find the relationship between the term guardianship and other terms such as oneness of god, imamat (spiritual leadership), guidance, prophecy, and the angelic world. illustration of the semantic network will also help illuminate the concept of guardianship in imam reza’s (a) opinion. as the findings of this study reveal, guardianship is a keyword that is related to terms such as oneness of god, prophecy, imamat (spiritual leadership), obedience, the firm tie, religion of truth, guidance, those who are firmly grounded in knowledge, the guardianship of the sublime allah, and the kingdom of god. believers in guardianship who follow and obey the prophet's family will be saved, while its deniers will be among the people of hell.