Stylistics Studies of the Holy Quran

Stylistics Studies of the Holy Quran

A Classification of Indices for the Analysis of the Exegetical Method at the Literary (Poetics) Level of Qur'anic Tafsīr

Document Type : Original Article

Author
Sajjad mohammadfam
Assistant Professor of Qur'anic Sciences and Hadith, Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Tabriz, Iran
10.22034/sshq.2025.464468.1477
Abstract
 
1. Problem Statement

Post-exegetical studies in the field of Qur’anic studies represent an emerging domain that, rather than focusing on the Qur’anic text itself, examines the methodological frameworks employed in exegetical works (tafsīr). This approach seeks to gain a deeper understanding of the interpretive strategies used by exegetes in elucidating the divine message. Despite the growing body of research in this area, existing studies often lack a systematic methodological approach, which leads to unbalanced evaluations wherein certain criteria are overlooked while others are excessively emphasized. Therefore, the development of a comprehensive framework for analyzing exegetical methodologies is necessary.
The process of Qur’anic exegesis comprises two fundamental stages: “understanding the source text” (the Qur’an) and “producing the target text” (the tafsīr). The act of understanding (fahm) is achieved through two pathways: the internal analysis of the text and the connection of its thematic content to external sources. This text-centered understanding occurs on three levels: linguistic, literary, and cultural. The linguistic level includes comprehension of vocabulary, grammar, and syntax. The literary level—which constitutes the focus of this study—goes beyond formal linguistic structures and explores the aesthetic and poetic functions of Qur’anic language. Finally, the cultural level requires an understanding of the historical context of revelation (nuzūl). This study aims to develop evaluative indicators for analyzing exegetical works at the literary level.
2. Research Methodology
This study seeks to introduce and categorize a set of indicators for the methodological analysis of exegetical works at the literary level. The main objective is to develop evaluative criteria that can assess the quality and depth of literary analysis within Qur’anic exegesis. Accordingly, the research is guided by two fundamental questions:
1.     What indicators are essential for evaluating the literary methodology adopted by an exegete?
2.     How can these indicators be systematically classified?
3. Findings
Literary analysis distinguishes between two primary dimensions: the formal–verbal dimension, which addresses the physical and phonetic aspects of discourse, and the semantic–conceptual dimension, which focuses on layers of meaning and imagery. These dimensions may be examined at both the micro-level (sentence and phrase) and the macro-level (the analysis of an entire sūrah or the text as a cohesive whole).
At the micro-level, the analysis of formal–verbal structures—primarily explored within the domain of ʿilm al-badīʿ (the science of rhetorical embellishments)—deals with the external and rhythmic arrangement of speech. This includes the examination of lexical similarities (jinās/alliteration), which add semantic depth in addition to their aesthetic function; the harmony of verse endings (sajʿ), a prominent rhythmic characteristic of the Qur’an; purposeful patterns of phonetic, lexical, and phrasal repetition used for emphasis and musicality; as well as literary contrasts and oppositions (ṭibāq and muqābalah) employed to clarify and intensify meaning.
Alongside these, semantic structures at the micro-level are investigated through the other major branches of Arabic rhetoric, namely ʿilm al-bayān and ʿilm al-maʿānī. ʿIlm al-bayān employs figurative devices such as simile (tashbīh), metaphor (istiʿārah), and metonymy (majāz) to render abstract concepts more tangible. ʿIlm al-maʿānī focuses on the semantic effects of syntactic structures, including brevity and elaboration (ījāz and iṭnāb), fronting and delaying (taqdīm and ta’khīr), ellipsis (ḥadhf), and stylistic shifts (iltifāt).
Beyond the sentence level, macro-level literary analysis—an aspect often neglected in classical exegesis—examines the text as a unified and cohesive work. This level includes approaches such as stylistics and narratology. Stylistics identifies dominant modes of expression through the analysis of elements such as lexical selection and deviation from linguistic norms. Narratology explores narrative forms and structures, wherein “narrative” extends beyond historical reports to include any temporal sequence of events and occurrences.
4. Conclusion
Literary creation occurs when linguistic elements generate a value beyond their literal meanings. Therefore, a profound understanding of the Qur’an depends on the recognition of its aesthetic dimensions, as these elements play a crucial role in conveying complex concepts. Islamic rhetorical sciences have been highly successful in conducting precise analyses at the micro-level (word and sentence). However, the macro-level—encompassing cohesion, intertextual relations, and recurring structural patterns—has received comparatively less scholarly attention. This gap can be addressed through the integration of modern humanities methodologies such as stylistics, narratology, and structuralism. Such an interdisciplinary approach will significantly deepen our understanding of the structure, meaning, and function of the Qur’anic text.
Keywords
"Rhetorical analysis of the Quran"
"aesthetic level of interpretation"
"micro verbal and semantic forms"
" macro verbal and semantic forms"

Subjects


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Stylistics Studies of the Holy Quran
Volume 9, Issue 2 - Serial Number 17
Volume 9, Issue 2 - Serial Number 17, Summer&Winter 2025
November 2025
Pages 204-229

  • Receive Date 06 July 2024
  • Revise Date 31 October 2024
  • Accept Date 15 November 2024
  • Publish Date 23 October 2025