Quranic Sciences and Tradition

Quranic Sciences and Tradition

A New Analysis of the Reproach in Sūrat ʿAbasa Based on Sūrah Coherence and the Qur’anic Style of Expression

Document Type : Research Paper

Author
Assistant Professor, Department of Quran and Hadis Sciences, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
10.22059/jqst.2026.417440.670671
Abstract
Three interpretations have been proposed concerning the opening verses of Sūrat ʿAbasa, each of which faces certain difficulties. Employing a descriptive-analytical method, the present study seeks to offer a new interpretation based on the concepts of sūrah coherence and the Qur'anic style of expression. The analysis demonstrates that the first two verses describe inappropriate behavior toward the Prophet rather than toward the blind man, and that these verses function as the structural foundation of the sūrah, with the subsequent verses elaborating upon their meaning. For example, verses 3 and 4, which express the possibility that the newcomer might attain faith, serve to console the Prophet. Verses 5–7, which describe the Prophet's efforts to guide the initial audience toward faith, are consistent with other Qur'anic verses portraying the Prophet as deeply concerned with the guidance and faith of the disbelievers. The principal message of these verses is to relieve the Prophet of the responsibility of guiding those who consider themselves self-sufficient and turn away from guidance. Verses 8–10 similarly correspond to other Qur'anic passages in which the Prophet is relieved of the responsibility of guiding those who turn away, while his attention is directed toward the believers. Their principal message is to demonstrate the lesser importance of the faith of those who turn away and to remove responsibility for their guidance from the Prophet. The purpose of verses 16–19 is to emphasize that the offending individual's turning away from the Prophet while the Qur'an was being recited, as well as his frowning, does not diminish the exalted status of the Qur'an in any way. The analysis also demonstrates that the themes occurring after the discussion of tawallī (turning away) in Sūrat ʿAbasa are likewise presented in other sūrahs in conjunction with the theme of tawallī.
Keywords
Subjects

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