Proportionality and Its Role in Refuting Claims of Repetition in the Holy Qur’an through the Variation of Encouragement and Deterrence

Abstract

This study aims to explore the role of proportionality (Al-Tanasub) in dispelling claims of repetition in the Holy Quran by examining the rhetorical variation in the themes of encouragement (Targhib) and deterrence (Tarhib). The choice of this topic stems from the recognition of proportionality as a vital tool for understanding the Quranic text and appreciating its eloquent variation, which serves multiple purposes and adapts to different contexts and circumstances. The researcher employed a combination of transmitted, descriptive, comparative, and critical methodologies by analyzing selected examples from Dr. Abdullah al-Naqraṭ’s book ''Tasrif al-Targhib wa alTarhib fi al-Quran al-Karim''. The study clarifies the overarching objectives of various surahs, the specific meanings of individual verses, and how contextual harmony helps refute the notion of repetition. The research is structured into an introduction, a preliminary overview, two main chapters, and a conclusion. The first chapter addresses al-Naqraṭ’s methodological stance on Quranic coherence, while the second discusses selected examples of proportionality from his work. The findings emphasize that proportionality is an effective exegetical approach that enhances understanding of the Quran’s semantic structure and internal cohesion. Furthermore, the study affirms al-Naqraṭ’s scholarly position, which rejects the idea of repetition in similar verses, presenting them instead as refined rhetorical expressions aligned with divine intent. This research, therefore, contributes meaningfully to the field of thematic Quranic interpretation and encourages deeper engagement with the science of Al-Munasabah (contextual harmony).