Constructions in the Quran Syntactically Categorized As Oaths without Explicitly Appearing So

Abstract

      This research paper begins with an introduction covering the definition of oath and presents it as two types. The introduction also touches upon some other constructions which serve the same function in language.

Section I of the paper examines the verses of the Qur’an which some scholars have singled out as containing oaths and not explicitly appearing so. The paper covers forty-four examples of such cases in the Qur’an. Each verse is examined for oath along with the proponents' reasoning behind it. The paper proceeds to mention the opinions of prominent scholars regarding each example. The examination of each example concludes with mentioning arguments against classifying these instances as oaths.

Section II of the paper is divided into three subsections which contain: reasoning which supports the classification of some constructions as oaths without outwardly appearing so, as well as the reasoning behind claims which oppose such a classification. Opposing arguments are based on two criteria: semantic and grammatical. The paper then shows how the so-called "oath not explicitly appearing so" affects meaning and pauses in recitation.

The research paper concludes with a number of important findings and conclusions.