Al-Majrur bi-Min Al-Za'idah in the Contexts of Negation and Interrogation in the Holy Quran: A Linguistic Study

Abstract

The Holy Qur'an, with its unique linguistic fabric and miraculous eloquence, constitutes a fertile ground for linguistic studies that seek to unravel the secrets of its expression. In this context, this research sheds light on a precise grammatical phenomenon: the use of the supernumerary (extra) from/of in a genitive function in negative and interrogative contexts—a phenomenon that has long piqued the interest of both grammarians and rhetoricians. The ultimate goal of this study is not merely a grammatical observation but a deep dive into the semantic and rhetorical dimensions that this small particle adds to the Qur'anic text, which contribute to deepening the meaning and strengthening the impact. The Qur'an, Allah's miraculous book, includes nothing except for a profound reason, and every letter in it performs an essential function that enriches the semantics and elevates the level of linguistic inimitability.

     This study presents a comprehensive linguistic analysis that is not limited to the syntactic aspect alone but extends beyond it to trace the morphological, semantic, and rhetorical effects of the supernumerary from/of. This is done through a precise methodology based on the inductive study of Qur'anic verses containing this phenomenon, followed by their analysis and interpretation in light of the statements of scholars and exegetes. The focus is on uncovering the connotative functions that the supernumerary from/of performs in different grammatical and rhetorical contexts, and how it increases the power of the Qur'anic discourse.

     The research journey begins with a comprehensive introduction that clarifies the utmost importance of this topic in Qur'anic and linguistic studies. It also clearly defines the research problem, highlighting the key questions that the research seeks to answer. This introduction also outlines the study's objectives and the methodology adopted, which combines description, analysis, and induction. This is followed by a preliminary chapter that paves the way for a deeper understanding of the phenomenon. This chapter reviews the concept of the supernumerary from/of in Arabic in general, detailing the conditions for its use as seen by both ancient and contemporary grammarians. It also provides a brief overview of the main disagreements and opinions about its grammatical and semantic functions, providing both the researcher and the reader with a solid knowledge base from which to embark on the specialized Qur'anic analysis.

     Following this prelude, the research moves to the core of the subject through two main sections. The first section focuses on the supernumerary from/of in the context of negation in the Holy Qur'an. Here, the research presents ample Qur'anic examples of verses in which this phenomenon appears and provides a precise analysis of how the supernumerary from/of affects the strength and emphasis of the negation. It reveals rhetorical dimensions that increase the eloquence of the Qur'anic style and its ability to influence the recipient. This section also highlights the subtle differences in meaning that the supernumerary from/of creates in various negative contexts, and how it contributes to negating universality or negating even the slightest amount, which enhances the precision of Qur'anic expression. The research then moves, in the second section, to study the supernumerary from/of in the context of interrogation in the Holy Qur'an. This chapter is dedicated to analyzing verses that include this phenomenon in diverse interrogative contexts. It clarifies how the supernumerary from/of contributes to determining the nature and connotation of the interrogation, whether it is one of disapproval, confirmation, wonder, or other meanings intended by the Qur'anic text. It also sheds light on the rhetorical and artistic effect of this addition in strengthening the interrogation, deepening its meaning, and adding layers of semantics that cannot be achieved without it.