The Semantics of Prepositions in Surat al-Naṣr

Abstract

This study investigates the semantic significance of the prepositions “fī” (في) and “bi” (الباء) in Surah An-Nasr, considering them as limited yet semantically dense elements that contribute significantly to the surah’s overall meaning and purpose. The research stems from the problem that the restriction to these two prepositions in a short surah, rich in doctrinal and historical content, cannot be coincidental; rather, it is closely linked to a semantic function that extends beyond lexical meaning to the construction of the text’s pragmatic and intentional significance.
The study hypothesizes that the preposition “fī” in the verse: ﴿وَرَأَيْتَ النَّاسَ يَدْخُلُونَ فِي دِينِ اللَّهِ أَفْوَاجًا﴾ conveys the notion of immersion and stability, portraying entry into the religion as a profound existential integration rather than a mere external act, aligning with the surah’s aim of indicating the completion of divine victory and full empowerment. Meanwhile, the preposition “bi” in ﴿فَسَبِّحْ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّكَ﴾ is interpreted, most plausibly, as indicating concomitance, whereby the act of glorifying God is inseparable from praising Him, thus guiding the transition from the external historical event to an internal, devotional posture—consistent with the surah’s purpose of concluding the prophetic mission with gratitude, worship, and preparation for meeting God.
The research employs a descriptive-analytical methodology to examine the grammatical and rhetorical functions of the two prepositions within their context, supplemented by a contextual-intentional approach linking the micro-level semantic effects to the surah’s overall structure, and drawing upon exegetical sources to determine and justify the preferred interpretations.
The study concludes that these prepositions do not merely serve a syntactic connective function; rather, they play a pivotal role in shaping the surah’s semantic trajectory—from announcing the external victory to guiding the Prophet ﷺ toward an internal, devotional acknowledgment—demonstrating that even minor grammatical elements in the Qur’anic text are integral to the realization of its major purposes.