Modern linguistics and interpretation of the Holy Qur’an: (Q. 16:1) as an example

Abstract

This study presents a linguistic analysis for (Q. 16:1), followed by a new interpretation. This analysis is based on some modern linguistics principles, which are Binding Principle B, which is the principle responsible for the interpretation of personal pronouns in the modern linguistic theory, the Subcategorization Principle, which is responsible for the nature of complements and their structure, and also on the nature of the structure of the Arabic construct state. This analysis is thus based on a new approach to the syntactic relations between the sentences that make up this verse, and on the structure of construct state expressions, as well as on the nature of the complements/objects of the verb yastaʕjil. The study shows that the relevant pronoun must be interpreted to refer to one of the nouns that the available exegesis books claim it does, and may not refer to the other noun. This proposal is supported with evidence from other Qur’anic verses. The study also aims to show that modern linguistic theories are able to support some of the available interpretations and refute others.