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This study explores the intertextual relationships and conceptual chaining present in the punishment and mercy narratives of the four stories in Surah al-Naml. The primary objective is to identify and analyze the conceptual and semantic links that unify the stories within this chapter of the Quran. Employing a qualitative approach, the research utilizes content analysis and thematic analysis to investigate the narratives’ conceptual and textual connections at both micro and macro levels. The data comprises the verses related to the four stories in Surah al-Naml, analyzed through a comparative framework. Initially, the study defines key concepts such as intertextuality and conceptual chaining, followed by a discussion of the relevant theoretical background. The comparative analysis reveals robust intertextual links and intricate conceptual chains that enhance the coherence and semantic structure of the Surah. The findings demonstrate that these interrelations not only facilitate a deeper understanding of the narratives’ meanings but also contribute to a more accurate and comprehensive interpretation of the chapter’s themes. This aligns with the objectives of Surah al-Naml, which are to admonish and warn its audience. The research underscores the significance of examining intertextual relationships and conceptual chaining in Quranic studies, suggesting that such approaches can uncover new semantic and interpretive dimensions in religious texts. Furthermore, the study’s findings offer potential advancements in educational methodologies and Quranic exegesis, providing valuable insights for scholars and commentators.

One of the internal divisions of the Qur’anic text is the rukūʿ , which, as a semantic unit, provides significant potential for rereading the text and uncovering new interpretive levels. Nevertheless, this division has been largely neglected in many contemporary Qur’anic codices and rarely addressed in Qur’anic studies. The present study aims to propose and apply an approach of Qur’anic interpretation based on rukūʿ analysis, focusing on the tenth rukūʿ of Surah al-Naḥl (Q. 16:71–76). Conducted through a descriptive-analytical approach, the research proceeds in three stages: first, elaborating the proposed approach of understanding the Qur’an through rukūʿ units; second, applying this approach to the tenth rukūʿ of Surah al-Naḥl as a paragraph-like semantic unit; and third, assessing the findings by comparing them with the exegetical categorizations of other commentators. The results indicate that verses 71–76 of Surah al-Naḥl form a structurally and thematically coherent passage that can be identified as an independent semantic unit. Within this framework, the topic sentence, supporting statements, transitional sentence, and concluding sentences were identified. Furthermore, a comparative critique of three exegetes’ approaches revealed that neglecting rukūʿ divisions in existing commentaries has often led to semantic discontinuity, disruption of textual coherence, deviation from the surah’s main objective, and reader confusion. Accordingly, it can be concluded that a rukūʿ -based reading of Qur’anic surahs not only highlights the thematic independence of each semantic unit but also ensures their internal coherence and contributes to identifying the overarching purpose of the surah. This approach may thus serve as an effective model for Qur’anic exegesis and a means of avoiding the interpretive challenges resulting from fragmented exegetical categorizations.