Quran, Culture And Civilization

Quran, Culture And Civilization

The Historical Evolution of the Interpretation of “Sāq Allah” in the Views of Classical and Contemporary Qur'anic Exegetes

Authors
Mina Shamkhi 1
Zohreh Babaahmadi Milani 2
Aref Masoudian 3
1 Associate Professor in Qur’anic and Hadith Sciences, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Quranic and Hadith, shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
3 Master’s Student in Qur’anic and Hadith Sciences, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, , Ahvaz, Iran
10.22034/jksl.2025.532076.1478
Abstract
The interpretation of Qurʾanic verses that seemingly attribute corporeal characteristics to God has long been one of the most challenging issues in Qurʾanic exegesis. Among such verses is the statement, “On the Day when the sāq shall be uncovered and they will be called to prostrate, but they will not be able to do so” (Q. 68:42), in which the term sāq has been the subject of diverse interpretations. Employing a descriptive-analytical approach based on library research, the present study investigates the historical development of the interpretation of this expression in the exegetical literature of both Sunni and Shiʿi scholars from the classical and contemporary periods. It seeks to answer the following questions: What meanings have been proposed for sāq in each exegetical period? Which factors have contributed to the emergence of new interpretations in the contemporary era? Can these developments be explained statistically through the Mann–Kendall test? The findings indicate that in the classical period, literalist and eschatological approaches dominated the interpretation of sāq. In contrast, the contemporary period, shaped by expanding intellectual and social concerns, witnessed the emergence of a wider range of interpretive approaches, introducing meanings such as “origin and ultimate reality,” “divine light,” and “the human leg.” These developments are particularly evident in Shiʿi exegesis, where theological, philosophical, and social considerations have significantly influenced the formation of new interpretations. Contemporary exegetes have also sought to relate Qurʾanic concepts to modern human concerns through rational, scientific, and thematic methods of interpretation. Finally, the historical trajectory of these semantic developments was examined using the Mann–Kendall test. The results revealed no statistically significant trend across the examined periods, suggesting that the observed variations may have been influenced by shifts in exegetical discourse, renewed attention to traditional interpretations, and the diversity of available sources.

Graphical Abstract

The Historical Evolution of the Interpretation of “Sāq Allah” in the Views of Classical and Contemporary Quranic Exegetes
Keywords
historical evolution, Sāq Allāh, classical exegetes, contemporary exegetes, Mann&‌‌‌‌‌‌ndash
Kendall test
Subjects
The Holy Qurʾan.
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  • Receive Date 01 July 2025
  • Revise Date 06 September 2025
  • Accept Date 11 September 2025
  • Publish Date 22 June 2026