Tafannun (stylistic variation) in Similar Meanings and Utterances in the Qurʾān Cover Image

Kur’ân’da Benzer Mana ve Lafızlarda Tefennün
Tafannun (stylistic variation) in Similar Meanings and Utterances in the Qurʾān

Author(s): Ahmet Sait Sıcak
Subject(s): Theology and Religion, Islam studies, Semantics
Published by: Cumhuriyet Üniversitesi İlahyat Fakültesi
Keywords: Tafannun; stylistic variation; Utterances in the Qurʾān;

Summary/Abstract: Similar words and utterances in the Qurʾān are the subject of the technical term lafẓī mutashābih. The rephrasing of meanings (maʿnā) and use of different words (lafẓ) in the Qurʾān are dealt with under the rubric of the theme “Qurʾānic style.” The stylistic variations in the Qurʾān are expressed as takrār al-Qurʾān, tasrīf (Affix and Paraphrase), ʿudūl (inversion), and tafannun (stylistic variation). However, when compared with other terms of exegesis, “tafannun” remained in the background and its conceptualization was thwarted. This could be attributed not only to other concepts brought to the fore but also to the fact that tafannun underwent semantic restriction and was confined to iftinān within the framework of badīʿ. This study aims to clarify the true meaning of tafannun which reflects stylistic variations in the Qurʾān and revealing the contribution of this term to the more appropriate interpretation of the Qurʾān, assessing its significance for the field of tafsīr. The first chapter of this study deals with the etymology of tafannun, its historical background and conceptualization as well as the relationship between iʿjāz (inimitability) and tafannun in the history of tafsīr, while the second one identifies and illustrates the kinds of tafannun to expound on the true nature of this concept.

  • Issue Year: 23/2019
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 739-763
  • Page Count: 25
  • Language: Turkish