An Analysis of the Stylistic Device of Metonymy for Attribute in Sūrah al-Nūr from Ibn ʿĀshūr’s Perspective in His Tafsīr al-Taḥrīr wa al-Tanwīr تحليل أسلوب الكناية عن الصفة في سورة النور في منظور ابن عاشور في تفسيره التحرير والتنوير

Abstract

Metonymy (kināyah) is one of the important rhetorical devices in the Arabic language, as it conveys implicit meanings that reflect both the elegance and precision of expression. This feature is clearly evident in the Qur’an, particularly in Sūrah al-Nūr, which contains various stylistic expressions with profound meanings. This study aims to examine the stylistic device of metonymy for attribute (kināyah ʿan al-ṣifah) in Sūrah al-Nūr and to explore its rhetorical meanings based on Ibn ʿĀshūr’s tafsīr al-Taḥrīr wa al-Tanwīr. This research is qualitative in nature and employs a descriptive-analytical method using a library-based approach by collecting relevant verses and analyzing them through classical tafsīr and rhetorical references. The data are classified and analyzed to identify implicit meanings and expressive functions within their contexts. The findings reveal that this stylistic form appears in multiple verses with diverse patterns and conveys meanings indirectly while maintaining clarity and aesthetic expression. Furthermore, understanding this device is closely related to the contextual reading of the verses and requires a rhetorical interpretative approach. Ibn ʿĀshūr’s tafsīr provides detailed analysis in explaining its characteristics and meanings. This study contributes to the development of Qur’anic rhetorical studies and highlights the importance of figurative language in understanding the Qur’anic text.