Implicitation and Redundancy of 'lā' in the Quran: An Analysis of the Interpretive Challenges

The omission and redundancy of some letters and words in the Holy Quran are challenging issues among interpreters. A number of syntacticians have differentiated between omission and implicitation; while elimination means the element is neither present nor could be implied, ellipsis occurs when the element is not explicitly present but could be implied. By adopting a descriptive-analytical method and using the exegesis books, the present study aims to determine the Quranic verses in which 'lā' (no) has been regarded as implicit or redundant. Also, it tries to elaborate on these cases as discussed by syntacticians, and analyze them with respect to their context. The results show that the implicitation of lā in the Quran is comparative and auricular; the former has happened only in verse 58 of surah Yūsuf, and the latter has occurred in the rest of the verses. The Kufis argue for the implicitation of lā and the Basris for an implicit annexed (Muḍāf). Considering the context is very important in comprehending and interpreting a text.  Once the context is taken into account, it can be said that lā has an emphatic function in Quran. In addition, the meaning of the verses could be properly understood without the implicitation of lā. The redundancy of ‘la’ in the Quran does not imply that it is useless but as the context shows, it is used to emphasize negation.