Stylistics Studies of the Holy Quran

Stylistics Studies of the Holy Quran

Stylistic Analysis of the Story of Prophet Ayyub (Job) in the Qur'an Based on Paul Simpson's Model

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Department of Islamic Studies, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran
2 Department of Arabic Language and Literature, Faculty of Humanities, Kharazmi University, Karaj, Iran
Abstract
**Objective:**
This study aims to conduct a stylistic analysis of the story of Prophet Ayyub (Job) in the Holy Qur'an based on Paul Simpson's six-part model, with an emphasis on the chronological order of revelation.

**Method:**
The research method is descriptive-analytical and relies on qualitative content analysis of the Qur'anic verses related to Prophet Ayyub. The data were examined using tools from functional linguistics, narratology, semiotics, and intertextuality theory, within the framework of Simpson’s six components: characterization, point of view, textual structure, social-linguistic code, textual medium, and intertextuality.

**Findings:**
The findings indicate that the story of Ayyub, though concise, is symbolic and draws upon formal, action-oriented language imbued with moral and religious themes. The use of an omniscient narrator, precise linguistic characterization, cohesive textual structure, and intertextual references to earlier sacred texts are key features of this narrative. The chronological order of revelation reflects the developmental progression of the story’s meaning and style.

**Conclusion:**
In the framework of Simpson’s narrative stylistics, the story of Prophet Ayyub in the Qur'an emerges as a multilayered, meaning-rich, and intertextual narrative with high interpretative potential. This analysis demonstrates the effectiveness of Simpson's theory in examining sacred texts and highlights the role of chronological revelation in shaping the semantic and stylistic evolution of Qur'anic stories.
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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 24 September 2025

  • Receive Date 07 July 2025
  • Revise Date 23 September 2025
  • Accept Date 24 September 2025
  • Publish Date 24 September 2025