ABSTRACTS

A Thematic Analysis of Surah Nuh: On Human Faculties & Perseverance

This paper seeks to investigate a thematic comparison of perseverance between Sura Nuh and Sura Mulk.

Last year’s thematic breakdown of Surah Nuh sought to evidence perseverance as a central theme. From this a sub-theme emerged, namely that perseverance, when divinely inspired necessitates a proper utilisation of all faculties, and amongst disbelievers’ results in a progressive closure of these same faculties.

This year’s analysis sought to compare this sub-theme of faculties, to test for congruity, with Sura Mulk. Undertaking such a comparison bore some interesting findings, amongst the most pertinent being the opening of faculties amongst disbelievers once they enter the afterlife: illustrating the futility of the disbeliever’s perseverance.

Hifsa Younis

Irony in the Quran – Divergent Roles in Surah al-Qasas
and Surah Joseph

The Qur’an has traditionally been studied as a theological text, yet its literary and rhetorical dimensions remain underexplored. Recognising this gap, Mustansir Mir devoted a chapter to examining irony in Surah Joseph, highlighting the need for further research to determine the prevalence and function of irony throughout the Qur’an. This article contributes to that endeavour by analysing irony in Surah Al-Qasas and drawing comparisons with Surah Joseph.

The objectives of this study are threefold: (i) to illustrate the pivotal role irony plays in advancing the narrative of Surah Al-Qasas, (ii) to identify key instances of irony within Surah Al-Qasas and compare them to analogous examples in Surah Joseph, and (iii) to explore the similarities, differences, and underlying reasons for the distinct use of irony in both surahs.

The analysis demonstrates that in Surah Al-Qasas, irony primarily serves to underscore the downfall of tyrants and the arrogant—such as Pharaoh and Qarun—whereas in Surah Joseph, it highlights the eventual triumph of a noble and
virtuous individual, Joseph. This comparison underscores the Qur’an’s nuanced use of irony to convey profound theological and moral lessons.

Faisal Ibrahim

Echoes of Divinity – Unveiling the Duality of Rabb and Allah in Sura Taha

This study continues to examine “Lexical Echoes” in Surah Taha (Q. 20), focusing on two frequently repeated root words: ربب (r-b-b, Lord) and اله (’-l h, God).

Using S. Toorawa’s lexicon-based methodology, it analyses the rhetorical functions of these terms as employed by God and Prophet Moses (A.S.). While last year’s research prioritised data collection, this year focuses on synthesising findings.

A key argument posited is that, from the divine perspective, Rabb emphasises God’s nurturing role, offering guidance, solace, and warnings, whereas Allah underscores His unassailable authority, unicity, and transcendence. Another key argument is that Prophet Moses strategically employs the term Rabb to present signs, seek comfort, and remind his people of God’s favours, whilst using the term Allah to teach, warn and admonish.

The presentation will showcase the function and usage of the selected roots with a deep dive into areas of divine comfort/announcements and prophetic communication and teaching.

The dual deployment of Rabb an Allah within Q. 20 illuminates the multidimensional nature of divine communication in the Qur’an capturing the interplay of transcendence and immanence and its profound implications for understanding divine-human relationships.

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: Secondary Markers and Rhyme Endings in Sura al-Tahrim

Building upon the work from last year, this work continues the research into the major discourse marker in Sura Tahrim (ya ayyuha) by also considering how they operate in the context of minor discourse markers (e.g. fa) and rhyme endings. The study reveals that combining these structural elements reinforces the central theme of personal accountability and taking action.

The minor marker fa highlights the strong link between the sura’s first five verses and the final three, connecting the incident with the Prophet’s wives to the concluding parable. Additionally, structuring the sura by its rhyme endings uncovers a ring structure centered around verses 6-7, emphasizing the
transition from accountability to action, especially from verses 5-9.

Further work would consider how traditional exegetical methods such the context of the suras revelation may be employed to round out the key argument of this sura.

Imran Naved

Philosophical and Poetic Proofs in Sura Waaqi’ah

This presentation continues the study of Sura Waaqi’ah initiated at Q-Symposium 2024, this time focusing on the sura’s “proofs” in verses 58-73.

The presentation explores the different senses in which “proofs” are utilized and reached. With reference to Western philosophy of religion scholar R. Nozick, and Qur’an translators M. Habib and B. Lawrence, the presentation distinguishes between i) proofs made as arguments vs. proofs made as explanations and ii) proofs made through philosophical argumentative forms vs. proofs made through poetic devices.

It is then argued that, on one hand, Surah Waqi’ah employs philosophical proofs to create convincing arguments against disbelievers for the ability of God to create and recreate. On the other hand, Surah Waqi’ah also employs ‘poetic’ proofs – both through imagery and oral rhythm – to guide believers towards experiential realisation of the fact that God deserves glorification, particularly in His Names of Rabb and Al-‘Atheem. These alternative types of ‘proofs’ are not in conflict; they coalesce and reinforce each other.

Mobeen Salih

Structural and thematic unity through metaphors. An analysis of Surah Ibrahim

This study examines the metaphors of the “good word” and “evil word” in Surah Ibrahim (verses 24 and 26) to analyse their structural and thematic roles in the Surah’s central theme of guidance and misguidance. Dividing the Surah into six narrative sections, this analysis highlights how the metaphors act as pivotal connectors, unifying these sections into a cohesive message and creating structural and thematic coherence. Building on Marianna Klar’s emphasis on fluid Quranic textual boundaries, this study demonstrates how metaphors, as literary elements, refine her approach by offering deeper insights into the unification of a Surah’s central message

Uzair Qureshi

From the Well to the Throne, from Prisoner to Leader: Charting Joseph’s Ascent in Q12: An analysis based on the use of omission, detail & intertextuality

The purpose of this study is to utilise the methodology employed by Leyla Al-Hassen in her article ‘Surat Al-Qasas and its audience ‘Qur’anic Stories’ God, Revelation and the
Audience’ and apply it to Q. 12, Sura Yusuf. Her methodology centers upon the use of three narrative devices, the provision of detail, the use of omission and intertextuality in Sura Al-Qasas, and how these enable the audience to develop an intimate relationship with the Divine Author and are reminded of His omnipotence.

In this presentation, I will explore examples of the use of omission, detail and intertextuality in Q. 12 and consider what we as the Qur’anic audience can learn about Prophet Joseph’s character traits through his journey, as he ascends from the well to the throne, from prisoner to leader. The overarching aim is to invite personal reflection on this journey to enable us to consider what character traits we can nurture and develop, in
our personal context, to elevate ourselves from positions of weakness to positions of strength in our day to day lives.

Zeenat Islam