Al-Zamakhshari's Rhetorical Questions in the Interpretation of Surat An-Nahl

Abstract

Objectives: The study aims to clarify the opinion of Al-Zamakhshari on revealing witticisms and rhetorical secrets in the Holy Qura’an. It also aims to present the words of the interpreters who worked with the eloquence of the verses of the Qur’an, and to weigh the different perspectives of these commentators. The study then concluded with the most plausible perspective.

Methods: The study proceeded to study these issues according to their interpretation of Surat An-Nahl from Al-Kashshaf, where he followed inductive and analytical methods.

Results: The study reached a number of results. The contexts in which the words appear are those that require the introduction of a word in one place and its delay in another. The prioritization of rest over demobilization in the Almighty’s saying “when you bring them in [for the evening] and when you send them out [to pasture]” was necessitated by the context of the conversation about the blessing of the beauty of these cattle. Furthermore, it is these contexts that help to understand the advent of the indefinite or definite words, towards the Almighty’s saying “with the result that someone's foot may slip after it was firmly planted”. Indefiniteness in this context denotes the meaning of glorification.

Conclusions: The study recommends addressing the questions raised by Al-Zamakhshari in his interpretation because of their profound impact on the interpretation of the Qur’anic verses and the importance reflected in highlighting the rules and principles of language and interpretation.