Phonetic and Semantic Functions of Speech Rhythm in Understanding the Miraculous Nature of the Holy Qur’an: A Study in Light of Imam Khamenei’s Views on Familiarity with the Qur’an

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 Member of the Quran and Orientalists Association, Islamic Seminary, Qom, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Theology (Quranic and Hadith Sciences), Faculty of Humanities, Gonbad- e Kavus University, Gonbad-e Kavus, Iran.(Corresponding author)

10.22034/dqm.2025.20489.1136

Abstract

The recitation of the Holy Qur’an is a profound art, composed of diverse melodies and characteristics, and has a significant impact on listeners. Understanding and comprehending the Qur’an correctly—being deeply rooted in divine revelation and the lives of religious leaders—holds a special place in the words of Imam Khamenei, particularly in his discussions on Qur’anic recitation and its teachings. In this context, he repeatedly emphasizes the harmony between the Qur’an’s phonetic and conceptual systems, highlighting the musical miracle of the Qur’an and its spiritual connection to conveying the divine message. While some consider the use of phonetic modulation and semantic intonation in Arabic—and consequently in the Qur’an—a novel concept, the application of rhythm and melody in Qur’anic recitation and the interpretation of its meanings has long been established in Islamic tradition. This issue has driven the present study to explore the various phonetic types, their functions, and their semantic implications, focusing on Imam Khamenei’s insights into Qur’anic comprehension. The research analyzes and interprets selected verses of the Holy Qur’an, revealing a remarkable interconnection between Qur’anic verses and their meanings. It demonstrates that attention to the coherence and stability of the Qur’an’s phonetic and semantic structure—achieved through careful differentiation of linguistic contexts and the deliberate selection of appropriate tonal patterns—serves as an effective method for understanding and internalizing the divine message.

Keywords

References

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Contemporary Quranic Studies
Volume 3, Issue 10
March 2025
Pages 28-60

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