THE ANAPHORA AND ANASTROPHE OF SIMILARITIES QURANIC VERSES IN SURAH AL-BAQARAH: A CONTEXTUAL AND RHETORICAL STUDY

Abstract

This study examines the rhetorical devices of anaphora and anastrophe (taqdeem and takheer) through a comparative analysis of similar (mutasyabih) Quranic verses in Surah Al-Baqarah and other chapters of the al-Qurʾān, employing a contextual and rhetorical approach. It aims to uncover the underlying reasons for the arrangement and positioning of words and phrases, particularly in relation to precedence and delay, within the Quranic discourse, with specific emphasis on surah Al-Baqarah. Using a descriptive and analytical methodology grounded in contextual theory, the study focuses on selected verses exhibiting taqdeem and takheer, namely 2:17, 2:39, 2:48 and 2:123, and 2:151. The analysis reveals that these rhetorical structures are not arbitrary; rather, they serve distinct purposes such as emphasis, thematic arrangement, specificity of meaning, and the conveyance of warning. The findings highlight how subtle variations in word order contribute to deeper semantic and rhetorical impact, demonstrating the precision and coherence of Quranic expression. This study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of mutasyabih verses and offers insight into the rhetorical sophistication of the al-Qurʾān, particularly in surah Al-Baqarah, thereby enriching contemporary Quranic linguistic and stylistic studies.