Stylistics Studies of the Holy Quran

Stylistics Studies of the Holy Quran

Analysis of Cohesion and Coherence in Surah al‑Nabaʾ Based on de Beaugrande’s Theory and Organic Unity

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Ali Reza Nazari 1
kadijeh zarei 2
1 Associate Professor, Department of Arabic Language and Literature, Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin, Iran
2 Graduate in Arabic Language and Literature, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran
10.22034/sshq.2024.458852.1463
Abstract

Extended Abstract
Research Objective
The objective of this study is to examine and analyze the factors of cohesion and coherence in Surah al‑Nabaʾ (Qur’ān 78) in order to clarify how its verses, despite thematic diversity, exhibit a coherent and purposeful structure. By focusing on conceptual links between verses, rhetorical and linguistic organization, semantic oppositions such as this world and the hereafter, and denial and certainty, as well as meaningful repetition, the study seeks to elucidate the internal cohesion of the Surah and to demonstrate that all its components are harmoniously and systematically organized in accordance with its central message—namely, the emphasis on resurrection and the response to the doubts of the deniers.
Research Methodology
This study adopts a descriptive‑analytical approach grounded in the seven standards of textuality proposed by de Beaugrande, alongside the principles of organic unity, to examine the textual style of the Surah in question. By analyzing surface‑level cohesion devices and underlying semantic coherence relations, the research attains a holistic understanding of the interconnections among the components of the text, thereby offering a renewed perspective on its organic unity. Accordingly, the study addresses the following questions: How do cohesion and coherence factors contribute to linking the components of the text, and in what ways do these connections give rise to semantic and thematic unity and integrity?
Findings
The analysis of Surah al‑Nabaʾ reveals that a network of cohesion and coherence factors operates in the service of the Surah’s thematic content and plays a significant role in conveying meaning to the reader. The Surah presents the fate and destiny of two groups of human beings—sinners and the righteous—in both this world and the hereafter. The events and spatial settings are arranged in a narrative framework marked by contrast, which facilitates the transmission of the intended meaning.
The findings further indicate that cohesion and coherence devices in this Surah are consistently aligned with its central theme. A set of cohesive mechanisms, including ellipsis, conjunction, and reference, establishes semantic connections between the two principal scenes. An examination of attributes and descriptive expressions shows that the events ultimately refer to a specific focal essence, with references to the Day of Resurrection occurring more frequently than other types of reference. All cohesion‑building elements relate to two temporal domains, two spatial domains, or two described entities, reflecting the cohesion and organic unity among the events of the Surah. Moreover, the presence of diverse semantic relations enables the reader, through their recognition, to discern a coherent relationship between the questions and answers articulated within the Surah.
Conclusion
The events in Surah al‑Nabaʾ (Qur’ān 78) unfold in a gradual and stepwise manner, encompassing two distinct scenes: one associated with this world and the other with the hereafter. The use of cohesion devices—such as ellipsis, conjunction, and reference—establishes meaningful semantic links between these two scenes. Furthermore, an analysis of attributes and definitions indicates that the events refer back to a specific central essence, with references to the Day of Resurrection predominating over other forms of reference. This demonstrates that the events of the Surah revolve around the theme of the Day of Judgment.
The text of Surah al‑Nabaʾ employs a range of factors—including time, place, attributes, and a series of events related to the creation of the universe—whose coherent interrelations, along with the connection between imagery and thematic content, cause the Surah to serve purposefully in expressing lofty objectives that guide human life and destiny. The Surah contains cohesive information and interconnected events that begin with God’s creation of the universe and culminate in human felicity or misguidance, contingent upon conscience and will. In this context, the initial interrogative verse and its subsequent response, the harmony among diverse events, their temporal progression from this world to another, and the implicit contrast between this world and the hereafter, together with the explicit depiction of events on the Day of Resurrection and the witnessing of the consequences of deeds, render the text of the Surah coherent, persuasive, and acceptable to the reader.
Keywords
Textual cohesion
De Beaugrande&rsquo
s approach
Surah al‑Nabaʾ
Holy Qurʾān
Organic unity
Subjects
- The Holy Quran.
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Stylistics Studies of the Holy Quran
Volume 10, Issue 18 - Serial Number 18
Volume 10, Issue 1 - Serial Number 1۸,Spring&Summer 2026
May 2026 Article ID:256-279

  • Receive Date 22 May 2024
  • Revise Date 07 August 2024
  • Accept Date 11 August 2024
  • Publish Date 21 April 2026