Sūrat al-Kahf (Part 7)
Part 7 of observations on the organization and structure of Sūrat al-Kahf
See Part 6 in last week’s post.
In addition to the macro-structure demonstrated above, there are many micro-structures found throughout the sūrah which are worth noting.1
Āyāt 2-4 appear to form a mirror structure.
CONNECTIONS
[E]/[E’] – The beginning may be understood as clarifying the ending of the structure: the “severe punishment from Him,” is for “those who say, ‘Allah has taken a son.’”
[F]/[F’] – Likewise, the “good news” is of “a good reward in which they will remain forever.”
[G]/[G’] – The “believers” are specified as those “who do righteous deeds.”
Āyah 5 appears to form a mirror structure.
CONNECTIONS
[H]/[H’] – Asserting without any basis in knowledge is equivalent to lying.
[I]/[I’] – The subjects of “they speak” include both the ‘sayers’ and their forefathers.
[J]/[J’] – The “word” described as “grave” is then described in language – “that comes out of their mouth” – that graphically fleshes out its loathsome nature.
Āyāt 7-8 appear to form a small ring structure.
CONNECTIONS
[K]/[K’] – “Innā jaʿalnā mā ʿalā (Indeed, We have made that which is on)…” compares with “wa innā la-jāʿilūna mā ʿalay-hā (And indeed, We will make that is upon it)…,” but the outcome is the opposite: “adornment for it,” versus “a barren ground.”
[L] – The center explains the purpose behind this divine scheme of creation ([K]) and destruction ([K’]): to test who will perform righteous deeds.
And Allah ﷻ knows best.
Next week we’ll continue to look at some micro-structuring found throughout the sūrah in Part 8.
I would like to thank Sharif Randhawa for sharing his extensive notes on Sūrat al-Kahf, which included all the structures found below unless otherwise noted.