A Review of Abdulqāhir al-Jurjānī's Theory of Coherence

Prior to 'Abdulqāhir al-Jurjānī, some attempts were made to elaborate the coherency (al Nazm) of Qurān. Some of the scholars involved in these attempts include: al-Jāhiz, Ibn Qutayba, al-Mubarrad, al-Wāsiṭī, Ahmad b. Sahl, al-Rummāni, and Abū Hillāl al 'Askarī. Al Jurjānī utilizing the views of other scholars especially those of Abū Hillāl managed to develop the theory of Quranic coherence. In defining his theory, al-Jurjānī says: by coherency I mean the best possible syntax relation among the words made for expressing an intention. Al-Jurjānī's theory of coherency can be a base for proving the inimitability of the Quran. His theory has had great impact in linguistics in a way that great ctitiques applied his theory and created a new literary style called Formative or Individual style which is similar to the theory expressed by this Iranian scientist. It is because, in his theory, al-Jurjānī says that every style or arrangement of speech is based on a specific attitude indicating the thought and mentality of its writer.