Repetition in Qurʾānic <em>Qaṣaṣ:</em> With Reference to Thematic and Literary Coherence in the Story of Moses

Abstract

This article analyses specific examples of repeated passages within the Qurʼānic story of Moses to discuss the use of repetition as a purposeful tool that evidences both literary and thematic coherence. This is conducted through an intertextual analysis of repeated texts and any variations observed. An initial discussion surrounding the Qur’an’s coherence is presented as well as a review of the classical scholarship written on the topic of repetition in the Qurʼān, focusing on the work of Maḥmūd ibn Ḥamza al-Kirmānī (d. 504/1111), one of the few classical scholars to have written a sole text dedicated to repetition, and Muḥammad b. Bahādur al-Zarkashī (d. 794/1392), who dedicates a chapter on repetition in his famous work al-Burhān fī ʿulūm al-Qur’ān. The analysis of selected examples of repetitions across the narrative of Moses will show that repeated passages, rather than being “editorial mistakes,” evidence variations (both subtle and apparent) for numerous purposes including: (1) macro-textual coherence, (2) phonetic and rhythmic compatibility, (3) rhetorical (irony), and (4) thematic emphasis. In addition, lexical and thematic repetitions exist to typologically link both the story of Moses and Muḥammad’s mission, providing wider cross-narrative character depth for the audience and reassurance to Muḥammad.