A Methodical Application of Identifying Surah Objectives in the Quran for Approaching Verse Coherence

Abstract

The Holy Quran is a sign of the Iʻjāz and truthfulness of the final Prophet's (PBUH) claim of prophethood. It initially challenged opponents to produce something similar, and throughout history, it has become a platform for the endless and comprehensive efforts of scholars of literature, religious studies, and exegesis in accessing the essence of divine revelation. Recognizing and understanding the coherence of verses within the Quranic Surahs is one of the manifestations of these efforts. This importance motivated the present library research to compare the identification of Surah objectives with verse coherence using a descriptive-analytical method. This approach aims to investigate the reciprocal relationship between correctly identifying the objective of each Surah and understanding the coherence of its verses. The current research found that although knowing the manner of verse coherence in each Surah, due to its gradual revelation and thematic diversity, is difficult, a sign of the Quran's miraculous nature, and sometimes beyond human capability, subjective evaluation and unprincipled analysis of Surah objectives and verse relationships can hinder access to the consistency and harmony of the Word of God. Therefore, sincere contemplation, preliminary knowledge of the context of revelation and virtues of the Surah, awareness of the general objectives of the Quran, consideration of the Surah's name, utilization of interpretive narrations, attention to the beginning and ending of the Surah, a comprehensive view of all the Surah's themes, and reflection on the Surah's word choice and the significance of frequently repeated words and verses are eight criteria for understanding the harmony and coherence of each Surah's verses. All of these ultimately return to the role of Surah objectives in approaching verse coherence, factors that eliminate initial anxiety and dispersion and reveal the unity, continuity, and consistency of the verses