This study introduces a novel, data-driven approach to Qur'anic studies, moving beyond traditional exegesis to conduct a stylistic and semantic analysis of the pivotal concept of "Taqwā." Focusing on a corpus of the 86 Meccan surahs, it employs linguistic tools to systematically investigate the concept's function in Islam's foundational discourse. The methodology combines quantitative (frequency) and qualitative (collocational) analyses of terms derived from the root *w-q-y* to map its semantic dimensions with empirical precision.
The quantitative findings are striking: approximately 60% of the Qur'an's total usage of Taqwā-related terms occurs in this early period. This high frequency underscores the concept's strategic importance in forging a distinct identity for the nascent Muslim community amid the polytheistic society of Mecca.
Qualitative analysis reveals a more nuanced picture, identifying a four-faceted semantic network. Collocational patterns link Taqwā simultaneously with four primary clusters: (1) divine guidance, faith, and certainty; (2) eschatological fear, warnings, and punishment; (3) salvation, success, and reward; and (4) truth and adherence to the divine command. These patterns demonstrate that Meccan Taqwā is a complex concept resting on a powerful motivational duality: the fear of divine retribution (Cluster 2) and the hope for ultimate salvation (Cluster 3). It functions as both a prerequisite for receiving guidance (Cluster 1) and the outcome of commitment to God's truth (Cluster 4). This research concludes that Taqwā was a foundational framework for distinguishing believers and establishing core theological principles (Tawḥīd and Maʿād), affirming the corpus-based method as a powerful tool for profound Qur'anic analysis.
Taheri,M. (2025). A Corpus-Based Stylistic Analysis of the Concept of "Taqwa" in the Meccan Surahs of the Holy Quran. (e229299). Stylistics Studies of the Holy Quran, (), e229299 doi: 10.22034/sshq.2025.521200.1543
MLA
Taheri,M. . "A Corpus-Based Stylistic Analysis of the Concept of "Taqwa" in the Meccan Surahs of the Holy Quran" .e229299 , Stylistics Studies of the Holy Quran, , , 2025, e229299. doi: 10.22034/sshq.2025.521200.1543
HARVARD
Taheri M. (2025). 'A Corpus-Based Stylistic Analysis of the Concept of "Taqwa" in the Meccan Surahs of the Holy Quran', Stylistics Studies of the Holy Quran, (), e229299. doi: 10.22034/sshq.2025.521200.1543
CHICAGO
M. Taheri, "A Corpus-Based Stylistic Analysis of the Concept of "Taqwa" in the Meccan Surahs of the Holy Quran," Stylistics Studies of the Holy Quran, (2025): e229299, doi: 10.22034/sshq.2025.521200.1543
VANCOUVER
Taheri M. A Corpus-Based Stylistic Analysis of the Concept of "Taqwa" in the Meccan Surahs of the Holy Quran. Stylistics Studies of the Holy Quran, 2025; (): e229299. doi: 10.22034/sshq.2025.521200.1543