The Role of Rhetorical Science in Exegesis of the Qur’an (A Case Study of Metonymy and Allusion in At-Tibyan by Sheikh Tusi and al-Kashshaf by Zamakhshari)

Abstract

Metonymy is one of the most significant artistic figures of speech in every language which represents the speaker’s skillful and effective discourse. The holy Qur’an as a miracle scripture appropriate for the linguistic requirements of the audience has made use of metonymy figures of speech. Given the importance of Qur’anic metonymy figures and the role of commentators’ rhetorical views on understanding this holy book, it seems necessary to conduct a research in this regard. Comparing two major and valid exegetic books in the Muslim world –At-Tibyan and Kashshaf-, the present study attempts to analyze the effect of rhetorical views of Sheikh Tusi and Zamakhshari on Qur’anic metonymy and allusion and their style in expressing them as well as their effect on the exegesis of Qur’anic verses. The results of this study which is conducted through descriptive analysis revealed that Sheikh Tusi and Zamakhshari have paid attention to the difference between metonymy and allusion, various figures of metonymy, necessity of metonymy, and the role of context in discovering allusive meanings. In some case, Zamakhshari has been under the influence of Sheikh Tusi; however, his discussions are more comprehensive on the exegesis of verses related to divine features in which literal meaning has no place, as well as on arguments related to the purpose of using metonymy and allusion.

Keywords

• metonymy
• allusion
• sheikh tusi
• zamakhshari
• at-tibyan exegesis
• kashshaf exegesis