Orientalist Studies on Methodology of Repetition in the Holy Quran: A Critical Study

Abstract

This article is an attempt to critique the Orientalists viewpoint on the qur’anic style of repetition as a deficiency of Language and Literature. It is well-discussed by academicians that the literary grandeur of the Qur’an and its style of expression are firmly inimitable. As a common phenomenon of Qur’anic Literature, repetition plays a significant role in highlighting meaning by creating a harmonious order for better works. Scholars from both Arabic and English literature have also acknowledged the miraculous character of repetition for successful interaction. But in spite of its stunning sublimity, some Orientalists have made groundless criticism to degrade the literary style of the Holy Qur’an; this distortion about the Qur’anic style is mostly due to their misconception towards Islam. Accordingly, this study followed a critical method in order to discuss their false accusation based on historical, literary and psychological groundings. The research finds the repetition as a miraculous character of qur’anic language which is widely known in pre-Islamic Arab society. It is also used as one of the most familiar features in modern Arabic and English literature.  Significantly, psychologists have agreed with the importance of repetition in human behaviour for building affiliation between speakers.