Semantic Repetition and Its Effect on Textual Cohesion: Mafatih al-Jinan Supplications as a Model

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD Graduate, Department of Arabic Language and Literature, Hakim Sabzevari University, Sabzevar, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Department of Arabic Language and Literature, Hakim Sabzevari University, Sabzevar, Iran

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to examine the role of semantic repetition in enhancing textual cohesion in selected supplications from Mafatih al-Jinan. Supplications possess religious, moral, social, and literary dimensions, which have attracted the attention of scholars, writers, and literary critics. However, due to the broad scope of supplicatory texts, many of their hidden meanings and textual features remain insufficiently explored. Therefore, this research seeks to uncover some of these implicit meanings and less visible textual functions.
Method: The study adopts a descriptive-analytical method. It focuses on forms of repetition that have received limited attention in previous studies, particularly internal repetition, which may not appear as repetition on the surface but functions semantically within the text. To maintain a clear and focused research framework, the analysis is limited to the semantic and content-based aspects of repetition in the opening section of the ziyarat texts. The study first defines the main and subsidiary concepts, then selects and analyzes relevant examples closely connected to the research topic.
Results: The findings show that semantic repetition plays an important role in strengthening the internal connection between clauses and sentences in supplicatory texts. It also contributes to the coherence of meaning and reinforces the emotional and spiritual relationship established between the supplicant and God.
Conclusions: The study concludes that the Infallible Imams (peace be upon them) frequently employed semantic and internal forms of repetition as effective textual techniques. These forms of repetition not only enhance textual cohesion but also deepen the spiritual, rhetorical, and communicative dimensions of the supplications.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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History

  • Receive Date: 11 March 2024
  • Revise Date: 19 March 2025
  • Accept Date: 08 May 2025

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