Stylistics Studies of the Holy Quran

Stylistics Studies of the Holy Quran

A Stylistic Analysis of the Masculine and Feminine Forms of Nouns in Lexically Similar Verses and Explanation of Their Implicit Meanings

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Ahmad Omidvar 1
masoud eghbali 2
zahra hosein zad 3
1 Assistant Prof, Arabic Language and Literature, University of Holy Quran Sciences and Education, Qom, Iran
2 Assistant Prof, Department of Quran Interpretation and Sciences, University of Holy Quran Sciences and Education, Qom, Iran.
3 Master of Quran and Hadith Sciences, University of Holy Quran Sciences and Education, Qom, Iran.
10.22034/sshq.2025.178790
Abstract
Detailed Abstract:
Research Objective: This research aims to carefully examine and stylistically analyze the differences between the "masculine and feminine" grammatical gender of nouns within the lexically similar verses of the Holy Qur’an. Explaining and elaborating the lexical differences in this category of verses, as well as their intended purposeful meanings are considered prominent topics in Qur’anic Sciences. Many Qur’anic exegeses have overlooked the rhetorical and literary aspects of these alterations, though some authoritative Quranic commentaries and specialized sources have addressed this issue. The primary objective of this study is to answer questions regarding the reasons and modalities of these differences, as well as to clarify their underlying wisdom. Ultimately, this research seeks to provide a deeper understanding of the nature of these variations as one of the manifestations of the linguistic miracle of the Qur’an.
Research Methodology: The present study is descriptive-analytical in nature, focusing solely on the differences in the "masculine and feminine" grammatical gender of nouns within lexically similar verses. The analysis and evaluation of these differences are conducted using various methods, including the study of the contextual flow of verses, the examination of the semantic and content-related relationships between consecutive verses, and the utilization of the "Quran to Quran" method to extract implicit meanings and enhance the understanding of the audience. The adoption of an analysis-oriented approach in this research has facilitated the examination of both the rhetorical elegance and linguistic structure of the Qur’an alongside the lexical variations.
Research Findings: The results of the study indicate that the Lexically Similar Verses, in terms of the differences in "masculine and feminine" grammatical gender include eight prominent instances of noun differences. These instances, which appear to be expressed in various words, actually possess a purposeful linguistic structure and convey a message. The analysis and examination of these cases demonstrate that such differences are employed for specific rhetorical goals, including brevity, elaboration, emphasis, expressing individuality, and creating verbal and semantic harmony in the Qur’an. For instance, in some verses, the use of either the feminine or masculine noun not only serves to elevate the meaning of the text but also aligns the concepts with the context and overall structure of the Surah. All of these instances reflect the unparalleled linguistic richness and inner coherence of the Qur’an.
Additionally, the semantic relationship between similar verses within a Surah can offer a new and more comprehensive interpretation of the Qur’anic verses. The use of combined methods for analyzing Lexically Similar Verses revealed further insights into the wisdom behind these differences. For instance, some instances of differences in the "masculine and feminine" grammatical gender of nouns are linked to the overall meaning of the verse and the general structure of the Surah. This connection makes it possible to understand the coherence and content harmony of the Qur’an, showcasing an example of its linguistic miracle.
Conclusion: The stylistic analysis of the linguistic differences in the Qur’an reveals that these changes are intentionally and meaningfully embedded within the Qur’an, each serving to convey deep rhetorical and semantic messages. In particular, the differences between the "masculine and feminine" forms of nouns represent a prominent aspect of the Qur’an that does not create contradictions, but rather has been carefully and subtly incorporated to enhance the understanding of Qur’anic concepts for the reader. This study confirms that these differences do not lead to complexity or ambiguity; instead, they contribute to a deeper understanding of Qur’anic concepts and strengthen the rhetorical messages of the Qur’an. By considering the context of the verses and analyzing the intertextual relationships between them, one can achieve a clearer and more accurate understanding of the linguistic phenomena within the Qur’an. These insights indicate that paying attention to the linguistic details in the Qur’an, such as the distinction between masculine and feminine nouns, can uncover the complexities and wisdom hidden within the Qur’an. These differences should be viewed as part of the linguistic miracle of the Qur’an, where understanding its linguistic subtleties can offer a deeper insight into its teachings and clarify all of its aspects.
Keywords
Holy Qur’an
Lexically Similar Verses
Stylistics
Masculine
Feminine
Lexical Differences
Rhetoric
Subjects
The Holy Qur’an, translated by Fooladvand.
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Stylistics Studies of the Holy Quran
Volume 9, Issue 1 - Serial Number 16
Ninth year, first issue, sixteenth consecutive, spring and summer 2025
May 2025
Pages 30-57

  • Receive Date 20 October 2022
  • Revise Date 27 December 2022
  • Accept Date 07 February 2023
  • Publish Date 21 April 2025