Journal of Islamic Studies > Volume 28, No. 1, 2016

An Investigative Study of Ibn-Al-Ghazzy's Treatise "Repetition in the Noble Qur'an" / Ossamah Al-Hayyany

This research investigates the treatise "Repetition in the Noble Qur'an", written by Sheikh Mohamed Omar Al-Ghazzy, known as Ibn-Al-Ghazzy (he died in 1277 AH). The treatise deals with an important issue of rhetorical excellence of Qur'anic style, namely the technique of repetition. It shows the aspects, purposes and benefits of repetition. The treatise starts with defining the concept of rhetorical excellence and its relationship with the repetition technique. It refers to some sections related to semantics. Then, it gives examples from Sa'd-Aldeen Al-Taftazaany's Almutawwal, showing the occurrence of repetition and related rhetoric. It mentions the purposes of repetition, such as emphasis and rationale, as well as other purposes. The treatise mentions four types of situations where repetition occurs: ruling statements, narratives, preaching sermons and similarities. In rulings, repetition indicates emphasis and reinforcement in the case of agreements, but indicates abrogation in the case of contradictions / disagreements. As for preaching purposes, repetition can be used to show enumeration of blessings, deterrence, specification, empathy, sorrow, regret and recapitulation in long sermons. Regarding repetition in narratives, it can be used to show support and solace for Prophet Mohammad – may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him – highlighting rulings, lessons and reminders to the faithful and precedents of sufferings, endurance and miracles experienced by earlier messengers of Allah. The treatise considers repetitions of specific words and syllables, as found in the beginnings of a number of Surahs (e. g. /alif laam meem/ and /taa seen meem/), to be similarities in utterances and letters, whose meanings are not known but to Allah.