[AR] Al-Khitab wa Balaghah al-Iqa’: Dirasah fi Talaqqi al-Qur’an al-Karim min khilal Kitab “Balaghah al-Nur” li Navid Kermani

Discourse and Rhetoric of Rhythm: A Study in Reception of the Holy Qur’an through the Book "Balaghah al-Nur" by Navid Kermani

Abstract

This study aims to benefit from what was stated in the book "Balaghat al-Nur"-The Rhetoric of Light- by its author, Navid Kermani, and explore the most significant issues raised in the book. Originally, the book was a doctoral dissertation submitted at a German university, and raised important issues related to the Qur’anic text as a signed discourse. When Kermani approached the Qur'anic text, he aimed to examine its aesthetics and its impact on its reception by Arabs and Muslims, especially the Sufis. Accordingly, the study will be conducted in three topics: (1) Presentation of the book, (2) a discussion of the rhythm, discourse and (melody and diction), as well as (3) an aesthetic study of the book itself. The study concluded that the process of reception of the Noble Qur’an is governed by three icons: "Recitation - Discourse - Hearing". This study interprets these icons on the basis that the Qur’anic verses, with their regular musical capabilities, constitute a rhythm resulting into the creation of a beautiful “pleasure” that drives the “reader/hearer” to enjoy the reception of the verses, and desire more. In this context, it is argued that the Qur’anic discourse could be described as a “communicative message” par excellence, allowing the reader to receive the discourse and reproduce it through recitation.