Thematic Structure Of Rhetorical Imperative Sentences In The Quran As Arabic Literature And Its Translation Into Malay

Abstract

This study investigates the extent to which the rhetorical functions of Quranic imperative sentences are accurately conveyed in their Malay translations. A total of sixteen Quranic verses containing rhetorical imperatives were identified, from which six were purposively selected for detailed analysis based on their distinct rhetorical functions, including permissibility, disdain, taking lessons, honour, warning, and humiliation. The source texts (ST) and their corresponding Malay translations from Tafsir PIMPINAN AR-RAHMAN Kepada Pengertian AL-QUR’AN (25th edition, 2020) were analysed using Halliday’s (1994) textual metafunction framework, with a focus on theme and rheme structures. The findings indicate that while the translations effectively convey the directive force of the original imperatives, this is often achieved through thematic adaptations that affect semantic precision and rhetorical tone. Specifically, the Malay translations tend to expand rhemes, introduce explanatory additions, and shift implicit meanings into explicit ones. Although the communicative intent of the source text is preserved, such adaptations occasionally attenuate the rhetorical sharpness of the original. The study concludes that future translations should adopt a balanced approach that preserves structural fidelity, maintains cultural clarity, and retains rhetorical impact, ensuring the Quran’s persuasive and illocutionary force remains intact across languages.