A Stylistic Study of the Elegance of Words in Verse 186 of Surah Al-Baqarah

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 Associate Professor, Department of Arabic Language and Literature, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Arabic Language and Literature, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran.

10.22034/dqm.2025.18433.1080

Abstract

One of the most distinctive features of the Qur’anic text, setting it apart from other literary texts, is the elegance of words. This elegance arises from the precise selection of vocabulary, where each word is carefully placed in perfect harmony with its counterparts. Accordingly, this study, employing a descriptive-analytical approach, examines the degree of coherence and harmony between words and meaning in verse 186 of Surah Al-Baqarah (Qur’an 2) from a stylistic perspective. The research aims to highlight how phonetic, syntactic, rhetorical, lexical, and conceptual elements contribute to conveying the meaning more effectively. The findings indicate that at the phonetic level, soft consonants (whispered sounds) prevail over voiced ones, creating harmony between the wording of the verse and its theme of supplication (du'a). For indeed the term du'a (supplication) means a soft, low voice, indicating that Almighty God commands His servants to call upon Him with complete humility and submission—privately and in secrecy—sincerely and without ostentation. At the syntactic level, the use of techniques such as inversion (bringing forward elements that normally come later), descriptive predicates, and the repetition of the conditional particle idha instead of in serves to reinforce emphasis, certainty, and conviction in the conveyed meaning. The most prominent rhetorical feature in this verse is a representational metaphor, which engages the mind and appeals to the senses, reinforcing the intended message. Ultimately, this verse highlights the servant’s utmost need for his Lord in supplication, which represents one of the highest forms of devotion.

Keywords

References

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Contemporary Quranic Studies
Volume 3, Issue 10
March 2025
Pages 61-85

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