Repetition in Sūrat al-Shu‘arā’

Abstract

Abstract This chapter analyzes repetition in Sūrat al-Shu‘arā’ in the series of stories, which lends insight into its structure, and in the root letters. The analysis in this chapter demonstrates how repetition occurs at various levels of scale throughout Sūrat al-Shu‘arā’ and how it is used to contrast and complicate various themes. The overarching theme in the sūra is prophecy. Scaffolding this theme are four others: (1) sources of power, inspiration, and revelation: messengers, devils, magicians, poets, and ancestors; (2) God sends people messengers and gives people the choice to believe or not; (3) messengers’ expectations from their people; and (4) responses to revelation and its claims. What becomes apparent through these themes is that the Qur’ān is aware that a message, magic, a prophet and even family can be used to make claims to power; the Qur’ān makes clear what is and is not acceptable in this sūra.