Stylistics Studies of the Holy Quran

Stylistics Studies of the Holy Quran

Chronotopic Analysis (Spatio-Temporal Continuum) of the Story of Prophet Abraham (PBUH) in the Holy Quran Based on Bakhtin's Theory

Document Type : Original Article

Author
Assistant Professor, Department of Tafsir and Quranic Sciences, University of Quranic Sciences and Teachings, Qom, Iran.
Abstract
Qur’anic narratives have long served as essential instruments of revelation, transmitting the divine message and shaping human religious and spiritual experience. These accounts are not merely historical reports or simple stories about prophets; rather, they function as models of religious life, drawing readers into the processes of guidance, reflection, and faithful action. This study, using a descriptive–analytical method and an interdisciplinary approach, explores the story of the Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) in the Qur’an through Mikhail Bakhtin’s concept of the “chronotope” (the unity of time and space). The analysis shows how the Qur’an, by selecting decisive moments within particular temporal–spatial contexts, presents Abraham both as a hero of faith and practice and as a human being on a path of spiritual and intellectual growth. The stages of Abraham’s life—from youthful faith and confrontation with idolatry, to his public call to monotheism, his migration, the trial of sacrificing his son Ishmael (peace be upon him), and finally the building of the Ka‘bah—can be examined through key chronotopes such as “threshold,” “road,” “quest,” “encounter,” and “adventure.” Each chronotope creates a narrative space that both clarifies the meaning of events and invites readers to share the experience. In this way, the audience accompanies Abraham through crises, trials, and existential choices. Thus, Bakhtin’s theory offers a productive tool for uncovering hidden layers of meaning in Qur’anic narrative structure and provides a deeper understanding of prophetic experience and the divine message of revelation.
Keywords

Subjects



Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 23 September 2025

  • Receive Date 03 August 2025
  • Revise Date 22 September 2025
  • Accept Date 23 September 2025
  • Publish Date 23 September 2025