LessonsWisdom of Recurrence and Arrangement, and Dimensions of Qur’anic InimitabilityQuiz

The Qur’an describes punishment for wrongdoing and reward for obedience in a variety of ways. Some passages foreground warning, others mercy and encouragement, and others the process of judgment and accountability.

The recurrence of a single principle can thus create different moral effects: fear, hope, self-examination, and motivation to act. Each new mode of expression may correspond to a distinct need of the addressee.

Rhetorical point: noting that Paradise or Hell has been mentioned again is not enough; the imagery, tone, and relationship to the surrounding passage also matter.

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Varied depictions of punishment and reward

Wisdom of Recurrence and Arrangement, and Dimensions of Qur’anic Inimitability

The Qur’an describes punishment for wrongdoing and reward for obedience in a variety of ways. Some passages foreground warning, others mercy and encouragement, and others the process of judgment and accountability.

The recurrence of a single principle can thus create different moral effects: fear, hope, self-examination, and motivation to act. Each new mode of expression may correspond to a distinct need of the addressee.

Rhetorical point: noting that Paradise or Hell has been mentioned again is not enough; the imagery, tone, and relationship to the surrounding passage also matter.