دلالة الإطناب وأثرها في تفسير الآلوسي

The Rhetorical Significance of Iṭnāb and Its Influence on al-Ālūsī’s Qur’anic Exegesis

Abstract

This study examines the rhetorical phenomenon of iṭnāb (elaboration) in the Holy Qur’an and its interpretive significance in Rūḥ al-Maʿānī fī Tafsīr al-Qurʾān al-ʿAẓīm wa al-Sabʿ al-Mathānī by Imām Shihāb al-Dīn Maḥmūd ibn ʿAbd Allāh al-Ḥusaynī al-Ālūsī (d. 1270 AH). It focuses on selected Qur’anic examples to investigate the forms of iṭnāb, its rhetorical purposes, and the manner in which al-Ālūsī identifies and interprets its semantic and stylistic dimensions. The study proceeds from the premise that Qur’anic iṭnāb is not redundant verbal expansion; rather, it constitutes an intentional increase in wording that produces a particular rhetorical or semantic benefit, including emphasis, affirmation, clarification, specification, glorification, precaution, reinforcement through tadhyīl, and other functions recognized in Arabic rhetoric. The study further demonstrates that al-Ālūsī does not discuss iṭnāb as an isolated rhetorical phenomenon detached from the broader process of Qur’anic interpretation. Instead, he employs an integrated exegetical methodology in which rhetorical analysis interacts with grammar, syntax, morphology, variant readings, textual context, transmitted reports, intertextual relationships, and the subtle dimensions of meaning. His treatment of iṭnāb therefore provides insight into how rhetorical structures contribute to the interpretation and appreciation of Qur’anic discourse. The study concludes thatoffers insight into how rhetorical structures shape Rūḥ al-Maʿānī represents a significant model of integrating the sciences of Arabic rhetoric with Qur’anic exegesis. Al-Ālūsī’s analysis of iṭnāb demonstrates that apparent elaboration in Qur’anic expression is purposeful and contributes to precision, emphasis, coherence, and depth of meaning. The study of this rhetorical device consequently reveals an important dimension of the Qur’an’s linguistic inimitability (iʿjāz) and distinctive eloquence.