Analyzing the Structural Connectivity in a Qur’ānic Chapter Using Fractal Schema (The Case Study of the Spider Chapter)

Document Type : Scholary

Authors

1 PhD Student of Qur’ān and Ḥadīth Sciences, Faculty of Theology, Meybod University, Meybod, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Department of Qur’ān and Ḥadīth Sciences, Faculty of Theology, Meybod University, Meybod, Iran

3 Associate Professor, Department of Qur’ān and Ḥadīth Sciences, Faculty of Theology and Ahl-al-Bayt Studies, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

4 Assistant Professor, English Language and Literature, Faculty of Literature & Foreign Languages, Arak University, Arak, Iran

Abstract

One of the most important components of coherent understanding of the Qur’ānic semantic system is correct knowledge of a chapter as the main component of this systematic structure. The complex connecting network of the beginning, body, and ending of a text indicates its hidden semantic layers. In particular, the conceptual chain of the beginning and ending plays an important role in providing a summary of the meanings to audience. In this regard, this article seeks to answer how it is possible to understand the harmony and systematics governing structure of a chapter by examining the elements of the beginning and the ending. It is inspired by the fractal schema which highlights the role of meaningful repetition of self-similar components in creating the main structure of a coordinated design. Indeed, the analysis of intra-sectoral verbal-semantic evidences leads to a coherent reading of the concepts of a chapter. As a case-study, the interconnected structure governing the components of the beginning and the ending of the Spider chapter, through the conceptual chain of jihād, can be received in two levels of jihād for truth and jihād for oneself. In addition, mentioning the effects of choosing faith and guidance or not choosing them, which leads to the formation of believer and infidel groups, and the destiny of each of these two groups of the people related to the divine messengers are considered the interconnected space of the Spider chapter.

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References

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Classical and Contemporary Islamic Studies (formerly known as Journal of Contemporary Islamic Studies)
Volume 4, Issue 2
Summer & Autumn
July 2022
Pages 235-252

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