Polyphony in the Quran: Diverse Voices, Divine Unity
This article explores theological and linguistic dimensions based on the peculiar composition of the Quran in terms of speaking with many voices, including prophets, angels, animals, and even the great tempter Satan. This work determines whether these various entities, sometimes considered divine, detract from or enhance this book in being the Word of God. Through glasses of modern literary theory, such as Bakhtin's concept of polyphony, the present study argues that such a diversity of voices lends nothing to the denial of divine authorship but underlines the intricateness and oneness of the Quran, its universal mentor. The paper then considers various scholarly opinions on the Quranic rhetoric, inimitable linguistic structure, and theological effects of its narrative strategies. This confirms that the multivocal nature of the Qur'an merely further embeds its theological and moral teachings rather than detracting from its divinity.
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