Argumentative Imagery in the Holy Qur'an to Strengthen Faith: A Case Study of the Surahs al-Tīn, al-Qalam, and al-Ṭūr (مقاله علمی وزارت علوم)

چکیده

Objective observation is one of the fundamental elements for human beings to understand and learn. By objectifying reality, images convey a variety of meanings and concepts to the audience. With the help of the audience's creative mind, this conveyance is sometimes achieved through the harmonious arrangement of words and phrases depicting spiritual and intangible matters. In some cases, these images embed a line of reasoning, referred to as "argumentative images," to instill certain beliefs or convictions in the audience. These images use tangible objects and meanings to strengthen the individual's belief in the realization and possibility of intangible things. The audience's mind initially seeks connections between the objects presented, and after understanding the logical relationships, embraces a new meaning derived from the images. Using a descriptive-analytical approach, the present paper has attempted to apply this semantic process to the Surahs of al-Tīn, al-Qalam, and al-Ṭūr in order to answer the question of how the argumentative images of these three Surahs affect the beliefs of the audience. The results indicate that the logical connection of the images of objects in each surah affects the audience's certainty and belief in the wisdom and order of creation, the inevitability of divine decree, and the nature of the Day of Judgment. To inspire confidence in the fulfillment of His promises, God employs tangible elements such as the fig, the olive, the ladder, the mountain, and the sky.