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Vol. 10 No. 3 (2025)

Articles

Qur'anic Doublets: A Study of Verbatim Repeated Passages in the Qur'an

https://doi.org/10.55831/ajis.v10i3.1155

Published 12.12.2025

  • Hiva Mousavi
    • ,
  • Hakan Çoruh
Hiva Mousavi
Charles Sturt University

Hakan Çoruh
Charles Sturt University

Abstract

This article examines verbatim repeated passages (“doublets”) in the Qur’an and identifies their similarities. The topic of verbatim repetition in the Qur’an has not been explored in any significant manner in classical Islamic or modern Western scholarship. Therefore, this research takes up this issue by gathering all instances of Qur’anic doublets, then classifying them according to their chapter and verse as well as their period (Meccan, Medinan, or both). Furthermore, any similar immediate Qur’anic context that is shared by the repetitions of such doublets is provided textually. Subsequently, the period of these doublets is mathematically analysed. Finally, two case studies are presented that analyse the similar immediate Qur’anic context of four doublets: two in relation to the narrative of Adam and Iblis; and two in respect of the story of Moses and Pharaoh. Consequently, this research’s central argument is that most doublets contain repetitions are regarding two main aspects: being from the same period; and sharing a similar immediate Qur’anic context. The chief implication that stems from this is that doublets can function as powerful tools in the study of Qur’anic chronology. 

Keywords

Qur’an, Islamic studies, doublet, verbatim repetition, tikrār

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Author Biography

Hiva Mousavi

Graduate Student at the Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation, Charles Sturt University.

Hakan Çoruh

Senior Lecturer in Islamic Studies at the Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation, Charles Sturt University.

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