Analysis of al-ʿudūl in the Qur’an and Its Implications for Arabic Language Studies

Abstract

The phenomenon of al-ʿudūl in the Qur’an refers to a deliberate shift from an expected linguistic form to another form that carries additional semantic or rhetorical value. Although previous studies have examined al-ʿudūl in particular forms or selected Qur’anic passages, a more integrated account of pronominal and morphological shifts and their implications for Arabic language studies remains useful. This study therefore aims to identify the forms of al-ʿudūl al-ḍamīrī and al-ʿudūl al-ṣarfī in the Qur’an, interpret their contextual meanings and rhetorical functions, and formulate their implications for Arabic linguistic studies, particularly semantics (dalālah) and rhetoric (balāghah). The study employed a qualitative descriptive design. Qur’anic verses containing the targeted forms were selected according to explicit linguistic criteria, documented, categorized, and interpreted contextually. Data analysis followed the stages of data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing. The analysis identified 177 instances: 93 pronominal shifts and 84 morphological shifts. The pronominal data comprised six directional patterns, while the morphological data comprised three principal patterns. Across the examples analyzed, the shifts served functions including emphasis, glorification, specification, warning, reproach, mitigation, certainty, intensification, and semantic expansion. The findings indicate that al-ʿudūl should not be treated merely as deviation from a grammatical norm; rather, it provides a productive analytical entry point for connecting morphology and syntax with contextual meaning and Qur’anic rhetoric. The study contributes a structured account of how formal linguistic shifts can generate interpretive value in Arabic language studies.