Document Type : Original
Author
Assistant Professor, Department of Theology, bu -Ali Sina University
Abstract
The Qur’anic expression ﴿فَرَدُّوا أَیْدِیَهُمْ فِی أَفْوَاهِهِمْ﴾ (Ibrāhīm 14:9), owing to its vivid imagery and multiple semantic possibilities, has generated diverse interpretations among Qur’anic exegetes. This study comparatively examines the exegetical interpretations of the expression and analyzes the relationship between its sensory imagery and figurative implication. Using a descriptive-analytical method and drawing on major exegetical sources and Arabic linguistic evidence, the study classifies these interpretations into two broad categories: sensory interpretations concerning the opponents’ physical behavior, including biting their fingers out of anger, placing their hands over their mouths in astonishment or mockery, and gesturing toward their mouths to silence the prophets; and figurative and rhetorical interpretations, including denial of the prophets’ words, refusal to accept the truth, and rejection of their proofs and blessings. An examination of the Qur’anic context, particularly the relationship between ﴿فَرَدُّوا أَیْدِیَهُمْ فِی أَفْوَاهِهِمْ﴾ and ﴿وَقَالُوا إِنَّا کَفَرْنَا بِمَا أُرْسِلْتُمْ بِهِ﴾, reveals difficulties in interpretations requiring a change in the antecedents of the pronouns or interpreting “al-aydi” as blessings or proofs. The findings indicate that the expression provides a vivid sensory representation of the opponents’ reaction and, through the communicative function of the gesture, can figuratively signify silence, denial, rejection of speech, and refusal to accept the prophets’ message. Thus, the interaction between its sensory and figurative dimensions reveals its capacity for polysemy, without implying that all reported exegetical possibilities are simultaneously and definitively intended by the verse
Keywords
- Verse 9 of Sūrah Ibrāhīm
- Comparative Exegesis
- Polysemy
- Sensory Imagery
- Figurative Implication
- Qur’anic Context
Main Subjects
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