Quranic Borrowings in the Maqams by Al-Zamakhshari and Their Functional Load

Abstract

This article examines Qur'ānic motifs and imagery in the works of Abul-Qasim Mahmud al-Zamakhshari, a renowned philologist, writer, and philosopher from medieval Khwarezm. This study aims to analyze the influence of the Qur'ān on al-Zamakhshari's literary works, focusing on the use of Qur'ānic reminiscences and imagery with diverse meanings. Al-Zamakhshari is known as a brilliant Qur'ānic scholar and commentator through his monumental work Al-Kashshaf, in which he not only reviews the Muslim holy book from the aspect of religious teachings but also as a philologist. He was one of the early figures who paid deep attention to the stylistic beauty, lexical richness, rhetoric, and aesthetics of Qur'anic expression. This study uses a qualitative approach with text analysis to reveal the philological and aesthetic contribution of the Qur'an to al-Zamakhshari's literary legacy. The results show that Qur'ānic imagery plays an important role in his literary works, both as a form of respect for the sacred text and as a medium to convey broader meanings. This conclusion confirms that the integration of Qur'ānic elements in literary works reflects al-Zamakhshari's intelligence and deep insight as a philologist and writer.