The Rhetoric of Deviation from Grammatical Concord in the Holy Qur’an: Surat An-Nahl as a Case Study

Abstract

This research aims to study the phenomenon of deviation from grammatical agreement in Surah Al-Nahl, revealing its rhetorical and miraculous dimensions. It demonstrates that this deviation is not a grammatical error, but rather an intentional departure from the agreement that occurs between words (in terms of gender, singular and plural forms, pronouns, tenses, and other aspects) in order to achieve rhetorical purposes, expressive subtleties, and eloquent meanings. To clarify this, the study examines and analyzes various examples from the Surah, such as deviation in pronouns, deviation in masculine and feminine forms, deviation in singular and plural forms (considering the wording), and placing the explicit noun in place of the implicit pronoun.

The research concludes that this phenomenon reflects the excellence of the Arabic language and its ability to adapt to different contexts. It also reveals the beauty and miraculous nature of the Qur’anic structure, where no word or form exists without an intended rhetorical significance. Such deviation may achieve purposes and objectives that ordinary grammatical agreement cannot convey, including emphasis, irony, glorification, specification, miraculous expression, and other secrets of eloquence.

Methodologically, the research is based on a comprehensive inductive study of the verses of the Surah, classifying the examples according to the type of deviation, and then analyzing each example within its context using the descriptive analytical method, with the assistance of rhetorical interpretations and books of rhetoric to confirm the intended meanings.