PAST Q-CONNECT

2020 – [Q. 87 & Q. 88] and [Q. 89 & Q. 90]

In 2020 Q-Connect explored the internal structural composition of the following four suras, presented in two pairs:

Pair 1: al-A’lā & al-Ghāshiyah [Q. 87 & Q. 88]
Pair 2: al-Fajr & al-Balad [Q. 89 & Q. 90]

Themes within each sura, connections between each sura pair and the relationships between the two pairs were explored. Selected linguistic devices and syntagmatic relationships were also presented as the basis for the identification of thematic similarities and the spiritual lessons in these suras.

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PAIRED SURAS

The Prophet (ﷺ) was known to recite some suras as a pair. For example, he frequently recited sura al-A’lā and al-Ghāshiyah on occasions when the Muslims were gathered:

It was narrated from An-Nu’man bin Bashir that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to recite on the two ‘Eids and on Friday: “Glorify the Name of Your Lord, the Most High” [Q. 87] and “Has there come to you the narration of The Overwhelming?” [Q. 88] (Sunan an-Nasa’i)

SESSION 1

This first session introduced the format of the programme and the methodology to be adopted for mapping the suras.

Theories pertaining to textual coherence such as types of ring structure (parallel, mirror and concentric) have been described prior to utilisation for pattern discernment. In the second part of the session, we have turned to the importance of the first pair of suras and presented an overview of sura al-A’lā.

SESSION 2-5

Overview, guided reading, structural analysis and delineation of themes in al-A’lā (Q. 87) & al-Ghāshiyah (Q. 88) with review of structure of each sura and an investigation of thematic and structural similarities between the sura pair.

SESSION 6-7

Introduction and overview to each sura followed by guided reading, structural analysis and delineation of themes of al-Fajr (Q. 89) & al-Balad (Q. 90) with review of the structure of each sura and an investigation of thematic and structural similarities between the sura pair.

SESSION 8

Completion of thematic analysis and review of thematic structure between the paired suras.

Review of analyses undertaken and discussion of structural and thematic relationships between the two pairs of suras.

COURSE OUTCOMES

We have completed the programme with an appreciation of the themes of four oft-recited suras from Juzz Amma.

We also gained an insight into Qur'anic structural analysis and the understanding of pattern recognition and thematic connections such analysis facilitates.

LONDON SHORT COURSE:

Starts 13.01.25: Registration for the new 'Road to Ramadan 2025' short course is now open, click on London Short Course for full course details and to register.

Q-SYMPOSIUM:

starts 12.01.25: Registration for the new ‘Q-Symposium 2025’ day course is now open, click on for full course details. Click on register to join.

KID’S ACADEMY:

Registration for term 2, beginning on 11th January 2025, at Hazelwick School is open. Click on Kids’ Academy for full details and to register.

Q-CONNECT:

The Next Session is 14 January 2025. We will continue on Juzz Amma, focusing on Suras al-Qadr (Q. 97) and al-Bayyina (Q. 98). Registration for this online Zoom course is open.

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