Rhetorical applications in Sūrat al-Muṭaffifīn: In the context of al-Zamakhsharī, al-Rāzī, and Ibn ʿĀshūr

Researchers seeking to understand and interpret the Qur’an correctly should first have a good knowledge of the Qur’anic sciences. These sciences, which enable the verses to be examined from different perspectives, contribute to a better understanding of the divine intent. Among the Qur’anic sciences, studies on language and rhetoric have a particular importance. This is because identifying the literary devices in the Qur’an helps to better understand the meanings of the verses. Studies conducted in this field have contributed to a more accurate understanding of the Qur’an. The aim of this study is to identify the rhetorical elements in Sūrat al-Muṭaffifīn and to examine how they contribute to the meanings of the verses. For this purpose, the works of scholars dealing with the principles of rhetoric and the views of exegetes who give importance to the literary aspects of the Qur’an in their commentaries have been used. In particular, the commentaries of al-Zamakhsharī, al-Rāzī, and Ibn ʿĀshūr have been taken as the main sources. Where necessary, the views of other exegetes have also been included. In this study, Sūrat al-Muṭaffifīn has been examined in terms of maʿānī, bayān, and badīʿ, and the rhetorical elements in the sūrah have been evaluated within the verses. As a result of the analysis, it has been observed that Sūrat al-Muṭaffifīn contains various rhetorical devices. It has been determined that these devices strengthen the intended meanings of the verses and contribute to a better understanding of the message conveyed. In addition, the views of al-Zamakhsharī, al-Rāzī, and Ibn ʿĀshūr regarding the rhetorical elements in the verses have been examined. Thus, it has been observed that rhetorical devices are not merely literary features but also have an important role in explaining the meanings of the verses.