What are the stylistic characteristics of the Qur’an?.Part1

In each and every verse of the Qur’an there is an inimitable and eloquent style; this is apparent in the reminders, admonitions, narratives of bygone nations and in the more prosaic presentation of the truth. This eloquence is a distinctive feature of the Qur’an which renders it unique among all other books and also renders it incomparable in human communication. Therefore, it is not correct to compare it with any other word, literary style or work; rather it should be regarded as having a unique and individual style.

The style of the Qur’an is strikingly different from that of other books in both the choice of words and sentence construction. 

However, this style does not appear strange to us, even though each and every word has a style unique. By saying that the Qur’an has a unique style, this does not mean that it was revealed in a different language from that the Arabs were using. Although the same language that the Arabs were using every day is used in the Qur’an, the language of the Holy Book differs from that of the Arabs in many aspects. It may help to make a comparison here: Every tailor uses fabric to sew clothing.

Even if they use the same fabric, the clothing that they create can all appear different to one another. That is, the clothing differs in accordance with the style and expertise of the individual tailor. In a similar way, the skill in using a language does not lie in the letters or words; that is, the same Arabic letters and words that are used everyday are employed in the Qur’an, but the style and eloquence of the Qur’anic text is inimitable, and nothing can even begin to compare to the language of the Qur’an. Briefly if we are to mention only the literary aspects of the difference in style we can say the following:

• The language of the Glorious Qur’an is so perfect, with its vowel sounds and pauses, with its elongated vowels and abrupt stops, that it is not possible to find the same in any other verse or poem.
• Everyone, even if they do not know Arabic, receives pleasure when listening to the Qur’an on some level.
• The words in the Qur’an take on completely different characteristics to all other words, and everybody, from the illiterate to scholars, receive a share from it.
• Those who are well-versed in Arabic are amazed by the beauty of just one page of the Qur’an when compared to any other poem or work in Arabic.
• The Qur’an has a breathtakingly beautiful style with an authentic and unusual eloquence; anything like this has not been seen before or since.
• If a verse from the Qur’an is included within the works of famous literary figures, it is instantly noticeable, just like the voice of an angel can be detected among the melodies and fresh fruit among vegetables.
• The Qur’anic verses can be distinguished among countless works in any language by their uniqueness.
• The language of the Qur’an is recognizable without any doubt, for it comes from a source that is different from any other source we know.

While reflecting on the reasons why the Qur’an was sent down in Arabic, we should keep in mind the fact that, more than any other language, the pronunciation of the words and the conjugation of verbs in Arabic call to mind deeper meanings.