A Quantitative and Qualitative Corpus-Assisted Analysis of the Qurʾānic Discourse on أهل الكتاب “ʾAhlulkitāb” (The People of the Book)

Document Type : Research in linguistic and literary studies

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Department of English, Faculty of Education, Damanhour University

Abstract

Abstract

The present paper investigates the Qurʾānic discursive view of أهل الكتاب “ʾAhlulkitāb” (the People of the Book) and, in turn, the recommended kind of relations among the Christians, Jews, and Muslims. The study proceeds from a specific view of discourse which regards it as a repertoire of statements that constructs an object. Most of the studies conducted on the term 'People of the Book' in the Qurʾān tackle the Qurānic discourse form an exegetical point of view. The current paper attempts a qualitative corpus-assisted analysis of the discourse on the People of the Book presented firsthand in the Qurʾān Corpus. Hence, such corpus analysis tools as concordances, frequencies, and collocations are used to make sense of the linguistic patterns in the Qurʾānic corpus on the term under investigation. The paper concludes that Muslims are commanded to argue with the People of the Book in the best way, using all means of wisdom and logical reasoning, to fulfill basic religious obligations and enjoy living in peace. It also recommends that the People of the Book and Muslims enter into effective interfaith dialogue and enhance the bridges of mutual respect and cooperation to achieve peaceful coexistence and help sustain international peace and stability.

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