Orientalist Studies on Methodology of Repetition in the Holy Quran: A Critical Study

Syed Mahmudul Hasan Syed Mahmudul Hasan,Md Fakar Uddin Md Fakar Uddin

doi:10.33102/jmqs.v16i2.239

Syed Mahmudul Hasan Syed Mahmudul Hasan, Md Fakar Uddin Md Fakar Uddin

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.33102/jmqs.v16i2.239

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Abstract

This article is an attempt to critique the Orientalists viewpoint on the qur’anic style of repetition as a deficiency of Language and Literature. It is well-discussed by academicians that the literary grandeur of the Qur’an and its style of expression are firmly inimitable. As a common phenomenon of Qur’anic Literature, repetition plays a significant role in highlighting meaning by creating a harmonious order for better works. Scholars from both Arabic and English literature have also acknowledged the miraculous character of repetition for successful interaction. But in spite of its stunning sublimity, some Orientalists have made groundless criticism to degrade the literary style of the Holy Qur’an; this distortion about the Qur’anic style is mostly due to their misconception towards Islam. Accordingly, this study followed a critical method in order to discuss their false accusation based on historical, literary and psychological groundings. The research finds the repetition as a miraculous character of qur’anic language which is widely known in pre-Islamic Arab society. It is also used as one of the most familiar features in modern Arabic and English literature. Significantly, psychologists have agreed with the importance of repetition in human behaviour for building affiliation between speakers.

Highlights

Orientalism is a terminology, scholars from different notion step forward to define its spirit and character
Muhammad Hamdi Zaqzuq, a great scholar focused its intellectualism and said, “Orientalism is Studies conducted by Westerners on the East and Islam in terms of language and literature, history, beliefs, legislation, and civilization are in a very common scope”[4]
A Modern Orientalist Bell, mentioned in his Book: "The Qur'anic style is full of repetition, its vocabulary is deficient, its syntax is not well done, and many of its parts contain an exaggerated mixture of elaborate words and rhetorical expressions”[39]

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Orientalism is a terminology, scholars from different notion step forward to define its spirit and character. Muhammad Hamdi Zaqzuq, a great scholar focused its intellectualism and said, “Orientalism is Studies conducted by Westerners on the East and Islam in terms of language and literature, history, beliefs, legislation, and civilization are in a very common scope”[4]. There are those who see Orientalism as no more than just a “movement” which concerns on research in science, tradition, civilization, and Islamic cultures with the aim of exploring the secrets, nature, character, and thoughts, because of the progress and strength of the Islamic community[5]. This research will be discussed on that issue of repetition critically

DEFINITION OF REPETITION

ORIENTALIST STUDIES ON HOLY QUR’AN

ORIENTALIST STUDIES ON METHODOLOGY OF REPETITION IN THE HOLY QUR’AN

CRITICS ON THEIR VIEWPOINTS

CONCLUSION