The Educational Function of the Conditional Use If in The Qur’an: A Semantic Analysis/ الوظيفة التربوية لأسلوب لو الشرطية في القرآن: دراسة تحليلية دلالية

Najmeddin Isa, Hale Musapaşa

Abstract


This research explores the educational function of the conditional use “If” in the Holy Qur’an from an exegetical and semantic perspective. The significance of the study lies in highlighting the pedagogical role of this stylistic device, revealing the impact of the Qur’anic context on its meanings, and demonstrating the integration of the sciences of exegesis, linguistics, and rhetoric in understanding Qur’anic discourse. The study addresses the core problem that most previous literature has restricted the treatment of the conditional “if” to grammatical and rhetorical aspects, without dedicating an independent study to its educational functions and faith-based objectives. Consequently, it seeks to answer the primary question: How did the Holy Qur’an employ the conditional particle “If” to achieve the objectives of guidance, education, and behavioural correction? The study aims to elucidate the linguistic and rhetorical characteristics of this particle, uncover the influence of context on its exegetical and educational meanings, and analyse relevant Qur’anic verses to deduce their spiritual and behavioural objectives, drawing on the statements of exegetes and the Prophetic Sunnah to clarify their meanings. The study adopted the inductive method to collect and categorise the verses, the descriptive-analytical method to examine their linguistic and rhetorical structure and analyse their semantics, alongside the exegetical method to study scholars’ interpretations and derive educational insights. The study concluded that the conditional particle “If” transcends its purely grammatical and rhetorical functions to serve an integrated educational role. It contributes to establishing core creedal tenets, deepening spiritual awareness, awakening the conscience, and reinforcing the values of repentance, fear, hope, reliance on God, and righteousness. Furthermore, it motivates obedience, warns against disobedience, and evokes scenes of the Hereafter, thereby unveiling an aspect of the Qur’anic stylistic and pedagogical inimitability (i‘jaz).

Keywords


Qur’an; Interpretation; Tafsir; Conditional Particle If; Semantic Interpretation; Educational Function

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.18860/ijazarabi.v9i4.47051

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