THEMATIC COHERENCE BETWEEN SURAHS AND VERSES IN THE QUR’AN: PRINCIPLES AND GUIDELINES
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52747/aqujssis.5.01.375Keywords:
Explanation, Correlations, Quranic Interpretation, Coherence, ContextAbstract
The science of munāsabāt, the study of thematic and structural coherence in the Qur’an, is among the most nuanced and significant disciplines in Qur’anic studies, offering critical insight into the divine arrangement of verses and surahs and aiding in the extraction of the Qur’an’s deeper meanings and wisdoms. This study aims to articulate key principles and methodological guidelines governing the interpretation of these interrelations, drawing upon both classical and contemporary scholarly applications. Following an introductory theoretical overview that defines the discipline and its importance, the research proceeds through three applied sections addressing general principles of coherence, specific principles between surahs, and specific principles between verses. Employing an inductive-analytical methodology, the study concludes that munāsabāt operates within a defined exegetical and linguistic framework, relies on an understanding of Qur’anic rhetoric and classical Arabic discourse, and is a rational (not revelatory) field of inquiry. It emphasizes that while identifying coherence is a refined act of scholarly reasoning, it does not entail definitive claims about divine intent. Valid connections must conform to linguistic, contextual, and Sharīʿah standards, and are to be dismissed if characterized by forced or speculative interpretation.
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