LessonsArrangement of the Qur’an and the Rhetorical Style of SurahsQuiz

«وَالصَّافَّاتِ صَفًّا»
“By those ranged in ranks.” (al-Ṣāffāt 37:1)

«وَالذَّارِيَاتِ ذَرْوًا»
“By those that scatter with a scattering.” (al-Dhāriyāt 51:1)

Both begin with the form of an oath. Interpretation should consider the relation between the sworn-by image and the argument that follows; translating the opening words alone is not enough to explain their rhetorical place.

The first evokes an ordered array, the second vigorous scattering. Their sound and imagery draw the listener’s attention, after which the following discourse directs that attention toward its central claim.

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Oath openings in al-Ṣāffāt and al-Dhāriyāt

Arrangement of the Qur’an and the Rhetorical Style of Surahs

«وَالصَّافَّاتِ صَفًّا»
“By those ranged in ranks.” (al-Ṣāffāt 37:1)

«وَالذَّارِيَاتِ ذَرْوًا»
“By those that scatter with a scattering.” (al-Dhāriyāt 51:1)

Both begin with the form of an oath. Interpretation should consider the relation between the sworn-by image and the argument that follows; translating the opening words alone is not enough to explain their rhetorical place.

The first evokes an ordered array, the second vigorous scattering. Their sound and imagery draw the listener’s attention, after which the following discourse directs that attention toward its central claim.