Cementing Devices and Ambiguity in the Holy Qur'an: Surat Al-Ma’eda ‘The Banquet’ as a Model

Abstract

This study aims to identify the cementing devices used in the Holy Qur'an, Surat Al-Ma’eda ‘The Banquet’, in particular. Specific cementing devices appear to connect the phrases and clauses contextualized in the verses of this Sura. The study depended on an easy, clear and modern translation of the Holy Quran: ‘Quran English Translation’ by Talal Itani. The study's findings indicate that cementing devices can lead to having more than one interpretation of each verse under study. The study also found that cementing devices give rise to additional semantic senses and interpretations of certain lexemes discussed in this Surah. Finally, the study highlights the relationship between cementing devices and lexical and structural ambiguity, which appears clearly in the verses, hence giving different meanings and interpretations of the verses under investigation.