Review of Michel Cuypers The Composition of the Qur’an (original) (raw)

This book outlines and advocates for a structuralist approach to the Muslim text that is based on the principle of concentric ring composition. For his theoretical framework, Cuypers draws on Roland Meynet's understanding of rhetorical analysis, comparing it to Ancient Near Eastern texts, and posits that the Qur'ān, when studied through 'Semitic rhetoric,' showcases a compositional unity that can unearth the text's intended meaning. Cuypers argues for a holistic reading that counters traditional fragmented interpretations, suggesting that understanding the Qur'ān's literary ethos through principles of symmetry and a synchronic perspective is crucial for accurate analysis.