ABSTRACTS

A Thematic Analysis of Sura Nūh : Perseverance.

This paper seeks to posit that a central theme within Surah Nūh is perseverance.

It primarily seeks to do this through close analysis of the narrative speech within Surah Nūh. In aiding the analysis, the following twin definitions are employed. Firstly, persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success. Secondly, a continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition. The latter is distinctly neutral in whether the thing achieved is positive or not whilst success connotes a leaning towards a favourable or positive achievement.

Applying these twin definitions some preliminary findings include recurring sub-themes for instance the corelation between length of time and a progressive closure of faculties.

Hifsa Younis

Veiled Narratives and Divine Omniscience: Codifying Hidden Information in Sura al-Qasas, Verses 1-43  

Many suras in the Qur’an have details which are purposely omitted, in order for the reader to focus exclusively on the details presented. Previous research, notably by Leila Alhassan, has identified a system of “secrets” within Surat Maryam, however the types of information God has omitted has not been comprehensively codified by her. Moreover, her research does not delve into understanding the timeframe of hidden details – specifically, which “secrets” are subsequently divulged or remain hidden.

The aim of this article is to: i) highlight information which is hidden to the subsets of audiences (the reader, individuals in the story, or select groups) in Surat al-Qasas, verses 1-43, and identify which are later revealed in the story and ii) codify the types of hidden information. Although it might seem arbitrary that information is withheld at certain points of the story, this paper demonstrates that the overarching reasons for these are: to demonstrate the all-knowing nature of God, how one should focus only on that which is revealed in the text, and to keep readers curious and engaged throughout the sura.

Faisal Ibrahim

The Divine Echo: An Analysis of Repeated Roots in Sura Taha

The Qur’an is made up of a limited number of words with certain words and their roots repeated frequently.

The purpose of this analysis is to shed light on the significance of repetition within Surah Taha (Q. 20) utilising the methodology adopted by S Toorawa in his article “Surat Maryam (Q. 19): Lexicon, Lexical Echoes, English Translation”. In this review, two of the most repeated root words (ربب/r-b-b and اله / ‘-l h) and two of the most repeated speakers (God and Moses A.S) have been selected for further analysis.

The application of this method draws out interesting findings i.e. how God uses “ ربب/r-b-b” when He is commanding and/or comforting whereas He uses “اله / ‘-l h” when establishing divine authority whereas Moses A.S uses “ ربب/r-b-b” whenever he speaks to Pharaoh yet reverts to “اله / ‘-l h” when teaching the Children of Israel.

In conclusion, repetition of root words can generate a multiplicity of meaning depending on speaker and context within a given surah.

Muhsin Ahmed

Archetypes in Sura Ta Ha

The Qur’an contains a number of narrative stories which feature key characters, figures, or “archetypes” that aim to provide guidance and knowledge on human behaviours.

This study attempts to analyse Sura Ta Ha, using previous research theories of Ian Netton in identifying and outlining the functions of various “archetypes” within the Sura. The purpose is to elaborate on their functions both within the Sura as well as provide guidance on how this applies more broadly within a universal placement of different character types reacting to situation.

The aim will, hopefully, form the basis of a deeper self-critical study for individuals as well as to seek a better understanding of their individual placement in the world, through the guidance of the Qur’an.

Saba Ashraf

Structuring the Sacred: Discourse Markers and Ring Composition in Sura al-Tahrim

As expounded by El-Awa, a useful tool to apply structure to a Quranic Sura is through the usage of discourse markers.

Discourse Markers such as ‘and’,’ ‘so’, ‘therefore’ etc. can signify where a sura begins or ends, or to provide emphasis on certain statements. This paper demonstrates how such an approach may be employed to give structure to Sura al-Tahrim, a medium-length Medinan sura. This sura deals with certain societal challenges and issues faced by Muslims in the late-Medinan period. An analysis of a specific discourse makers (ya ayyuha allazhina – O those who) in Sura al-Tahrim uncovers a clear ring structure in the Sura.

The structure revolves around verse 7 and clearly demonstrates the central theme of this sura – of taking oneself to account. There are further sub-discourse markers which reinforce the main theme. Further research topics may consider intra-sura discourse markers and the close relationship between Sura al-Tahrim and Sura Talaq.

Imran Naved

Sura Waaqi’ah: Structural Fluidity, Show-and-tell Themes, and Stylistic Flourishes

This paper presents an introduction to Surah Waaqi’ah’s context, themes, structure and stylistic features, demonstrating the contribution of each of these composite parts to the Surah’s overarching meaning.

The paper draws on the template used by Professor Muhammad Abdel Haleem in his introduction of Surah Ya Sin. Four main findings are highlighted: i) the link between the challenging Meccan context to the Surah’s style and themes; ii) the ‘show and tell’ approach taken by the Surah to establishing each of these themes; iii) the clear yet kaleidoscopic structure of the Surah, achieved through link sentences and multi-audience addresses; and iv) the rhetorical devices with similar uses in Surah Waaqi’ah as in other Surahs.

Future papers will present a deeper analysis of how these rhetorical devices contribute to the arguments in the Surah, and will compare how similar stylistic features are used in different Surahs of the Qur’an.

Mobeen Salih