Stylistics Studies of the Holy Quran

Stylistics Studies of the Holy Quran

The Temporal Perspective of the Story of Prophet Moses (PBUH) in the Quran, the Old Testament, and the Masnavi.

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 PhD Student in Persian Language and Literature, Department of Persian Language and Literature, Khalkhal Branch, Islamic Azad University, Khalkhal, Iran.
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Persian Language and Literature, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran.
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Persian Language and Literature, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
The temporal perspective examines time in narration through three main aspects: order, duration, and frequency, which are analyzed throughout the entire text rather than within a single sentence. This study descriptively and analytically explores the temporal perspective in the story of Prophet Moses (PBUH) in three sacred texts: the Quran, the Torah, and Rumi’s Masnavi. Each of these texts adopts a different approach to narrating the story based on its objectives, audience, and cultural context.

In the Quran, narratives are flexible, nonlinear, and focused on guidance and instruction. The repetition of scenes (recurrent frequency) emphasizes key concepts such as monotheism and divine guidance. In crucial sections, the narrative slows down to highlight moral messages.

The Old Testament presents a chronological and detailed account, portraying Moses' life as a historical figure with an emphasis on ethnic identity and the preservation of Jewish history.

In the Masnavi, Rumi adopts an allegorical and scattered approach, reshaping the story for ethical and mystical instruction. He employs repetition to emphasize spiritual messages and alters the structure to align with his Sufi teachings.

The findings reveal that each text, based on its specific purpose—guidance, historiography, or mystical instruction—utilizes a distinct narrative structure and approach to managing time.
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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 06 October 2025

  • Receive Date 14 February 2025
  • Revise Date 05 October 2025
  • Accept Date 06 October 2025
  • Publish Date 06 October 2025