Stylistics Studies of the Holy Quran

Stylistics Studies of the Holy Quran

Magic of Proximity in Surah Maryam: A Detailed Abstract

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Hooman Nazemian 1
afsaneh kosari Jafarabad 2
1 Associate Professor of Arabic Language and Literature , Kharazmi University of Tehran , Faculty of Literature and Humanities , Tehran , Iran
2 PhD Student in Arabic Language and Literature , Kharazmi University of Tehran , Faculty of Literature and Humanities , Tehran , Iran
10.22034/sshq.2025.508488.1523
Abstract
Research Objective: This research aims to investigate and analyze the concept of "magic of proximity" (Jadoye Mojavarat) in Surah Maryam. Magic of proximity is a linguistic phenomenon where adjacent words or phrases significantly influence each other's semantic and rhetorical impact. This phenomenon is prevalent in the Holy Quran and plays a crucial role in conveying messages and creating profound effects on the audience. This study seeks to explore the various dimensions of magic of proximity using analytical and interpretive methods. This linguistic phenomenon, beyond a mere linguistic technique, is a form of art and one of the rhetorical aspects of the Quran, where adjacent words and phrases interact in a rhythmic dance, creating new meanings and effects. This phenomenon, beyond simple word collocation, leads to a kind of semantic and rhetorical synergy, where each word, by reflecting and intensifying the meaning of the adjacent word, contributes to creating a novel and lasting effect. Therefore, the goal of this linguistic phenomenon is to strengthen and emphasize meaning, create beauty and rhetorical impact, and convey deep concepts in Surah Maryam.
 
Research Methodology: This research employs a descriptive-analytical research method to investigate and analyze the concept of magic of proximity in Surah Maryam. First, the theoretical literature of the research is presented to understand this topic, and then the instances of this phenomenon in the Quranic verses of Surah Maryam are identified and presented descriptively. Then, using linguistic and rhetorical analyses, the semantic and rhetorical effects of magic of proximity on the audience are examined. Finally, the role of this phenomenon in conveying Quranic concepts is clarified.
 
Findings: The investigations conducted in Surah Maryam reveal that: Sound balance with the repetition of the vowel "fatha" in some verses creates a special sound balance that helps to strengthen the intended meaning of the speaker, and the repetition of the consonant "ḥā" along with other guttural letters creates a calm and whispering atmosphere, consistent with the supplications and prayers in the verses. Also, the use of the letter "ayn," which is one of the letters of elevation, creates a decisive and reassuring sound and emphasizes the public declaration of disavowal of the disbelievers. In the syllabic balance in words ending in "nā," it creates an upward sound. Word repetition is rarely seen in Surah Maryam, but in cases like the repetition of "rabb," it is used to emphasize the oneness of God. The frequent use of "fasila" (pause), especially with the "alif itlaq," creates a melodic and impactful atmosphere in the Surah. The lexical proximity based on "fasila," such as "adan" and "fardan," helps to convey images related to the Day of Judgment, and the augmentative imperfect assonance, "nasiyan" and "mansiyan," conveys a sense of helplessness and fear and helps to visualize the characters' situations. In the syntactic balance, the repetition of the structure has greatly helped to create rhythm and melody in the speech. This repetition adds to the beauty of the speech and emphasizes the concepts and its impact.
 
Conclusion: The rhetorical analysis of Surah Maryam reveals the subtleties and intricacies in its linguistic and sound structure. In this Surah, "magic of proximity" manifests as one of the most prominent artistic expressions of divine revelation at three main levels: sound, lexical, and syntactic. At the sound level, by utilizing sound harmony and phonological and syllabic balance, it creates a pleasant and impactful music. The purposeful repetition of vowels and consonants not only helps to create rhythm and melody in the speech but also leads to the strengthening of concepts and the induction of specific psychological states. For example, the repetition of the short vowel "fatha" creates a clear and decisive sound that is consistent with the concepts of divine power and will. Also, the harmony of guttural letters evokes a calm and whispering atmosphere that is consistent with the themes of supplication and prayer in the Surah. In addition, the frequent use of "Quranic fasila" with "alif itlaq" helps to create syllabic balance and create a tangible music in the speech. At the lexical level, by using lexical harmony and proximity, it creates diverse meanings and rhetorical effects. Complete lexical harmony, using repetition and perfect assonance techniques, helps to emphasize concepts and create coherence in the speech. Although repetition and perfect assonance are rarely used in this Surah, they have had a significant impact when used. In contrast, imperfect lexical harmony, using techniques such as augmentative and differential imperfect assonance, helps to create subtle and precise meanings. Augmentative imperfect assonance conveys a sense of helplessness and fear. The frequent use of "fasila" in lexical proximity helps to create balance and harmony between them. At the syntactic level, by utilizing structural balance and harmony, it creates coherence and continuity in the speech. The repetition of the structure, by repeating grammatical and syntactic patterns in the verses, helps to create rhythm and melody in the speech. Role-playing collocation, using techniques such as division, parallelism, and adjective arrangement, helps to integrate concepts and create connections between different parts of the verses. Role-playing substitution, using the synonym technique, helps to emphasize concepts and prevent tedious repetition.
 
Keywords
Magic of proximity
music
sound balance
linguistic structure
Surah Maryam

Subjects

 
The Holy Quran
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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 162-181

  • Receive Date 24 February 2025
  • Revise Date 02 June 2025
  • Accept Date 08 June 2025
  • Publish Date 23 October 2025