Surah Qaaf (Part 2)
Final part of observations on how Surah Qaaf appears to be organized in the Quran
Last week we observed the macro-structuring of Surah Qaaf (Qaaf). This week we’ll conclude by looking at the micro-level.
Other Possible Structures
Upon closer examination, it appears that there are mini-structures if we isolate smaller passages within the surah.
Most connections can be made through shared vocabulary and themes. For brevity, words and fragments have been highlighted to help demonstrate the relationship between sections without the need for a lengthy explanation. Remember to click on an image if you need to zoom in.
Ring Structure of Ayaat 1-4
Parallel Structure of Ayaat 5-15
Ring Structure of Ayaat 16-18
Parallel Structure of Ayaat 19-22
Ring Structure of Ayaat 23-27
Parallel Structure of Ayaat 28-29
Ring Structure of Ayaat 30-35
Ring Structure of Ayaat 36-45
Alternative Ring Structuring of Ayaat 17-29
Section A depicts the fact that not a single word will remain unrecorded, and A’ says the word will not be changed.
In the beginning of the surah, we were warned about death and how we had been heedless of it, and on the Day of Judgment the covers will be removed and the heedless will see. In B death comes to us, and in B’ we are told that no one will be able to argue in front of Allah ﷻ as the warning already came before death.
In the middle are the statements of the Qareen (close companion). On the one hand he’ll advocate for you to go to Hell (C) and on the other there is a Qareen that goes to Hell himself (C’).
وَاللّهُ أَعلَمُ - And Allah knows best
Sources
Personal reflections and research
The alternate ring structuring of ayaat 17-29 was proposed by Nouman Ali Khan