Artistic and semantic construction in Qur'anic narration: a study in the phonetic and compositional level, rhetorical image and dialogue style

Abstract

This study investigates the artistic and semantic structure of the Qur’anic narrative by exploring the interplay of phonetic, syntactic, rhetorical, and dialogical levels in meaning-making and aesthetic impact. It posits that the Qur’anic story transcends conventional narration, constituting an integrated artistic framework where linguistic elements, sonic patterns, imagery, and dialogue converge toward rhetorical, educational, and spiritual goals. Specifically, the paper examines how phonological devices like rhyme and repetition create rhythm and enrich meaning, while syntactic variations—such as fronting, postponement, omission, and mention—steer interpretation and emphasize core rhetorical purposes. Additionally, it highlights the capacity of rhetorical imagery (simile, metaphor, and metonymy) to transmute abstract concepts into vivid representations, alongside the role of dialogue as a driving narrative element that reveals the psychological dimensions of characters. The study concludes that the beauty of the Qur’anic narrative lies in the dynamic harmony between form and meaning, where every aesthetic component actively constructs significance and elevates the reader's experience.