The Arabic Rhetorical Style of Muqabalah (Opposition) at the Beginning of Surah Al-An'aam and Its Effect on Meaning

-, Khadija Ahmed Abdulqader Alkamali; -, Ahmed Abdulkareem Alkubise

doi:10.34278/aujis.2026.191544

	The Arabic Rhetorical Style of Muqabalah (Opposition) at the Beginning of Surah Al-An'aam and Its Effect on Meaning
Anbar University Journal of Islamic Sciences
Article 6, Volume 17, Issue 2, June 2026, Pages 1072-1109 PDF (5.85 M)
DOI: 10.34278/aujis.2026.191544
Authors
Khadija Ahmed Abdulqader Alkamali -; Ahmed Abdulkareem Alkubise -
University of Sharjah/ College of Sharia and Islamic Studies
Abstract
This paper discusses the Arabic rhetorical style of Muqābalah (opposition) in selected verses of Surah Al-An'ām. The paper examines the effect of this style on the exegesis and meaning of the Surah. This research has been conducted through an extensive review of scholarly works on exegesis, sciences of the Noble Qur'an, and Arabic rhetoric. The study examines verses 1, 3 and 6 in Surah Al-An'ām, according to their order in the Qur'an. Various instances of opposition occurred in these verses, each fulfilling its purpose according to the context. For example, verses 1 and 3 juxtapose Allah's ability to create and the completeness of His knowledge, with the call towards reflection on the state of previous nations. This example demonstrates the two contrasting states of empowerment and destruction, then destruction and creation, as mentioned in verse 6. These instances of contrast emphasise the coherence of the Surah in terms of its topic and purposes, namely the establishment of Allah's Oneness and proof of His power; and argumentation with the disbelievers and those who equate others with their Lord.
Keywords
Muqabalah (opposition); Surah Al-An'aam; Meaning

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