SOAS Research Online

Abstract

This work investigates the structure of the conditional sentence in Arabic under different headings, following a descriptive method and analysing the topic through elements, uses, functions and meanings. This method will develop statistics regarding the frequency of occurrence of these structures in the Qur'an. The purpose of utilising the descriptive approach is to provide a picture of the use of each particle in the Qur'an and other classical Arabic texts. In doing so, this study aims to derive some general conclusions which can help us begin to focus in on more accurate interpretations, and similarly help us to avoid common pitfalls. Four major headings are covered in this work. Firstly, an investigation is conducted into the list of the conditional particles provided by the grammarians. The particles are divided into two groups according to certain rules within the conditional structure. Certain particles are investigated in detail and others discussed in terms of views relating to their acceptability or unacceptability, including the author's contributions to this field. In doing so, statistics on the frequency of the appearance of these particles in the text of the Qur'an, which was chosen as the main source for examples, are listed in brief tables at the end of the discussion of each particle. This study of the conditional particles analyses the material via typological classification, examines methods of connecting the two clauses of conditional sentences, and undertakes a structural review of the word order and syntactical position of each element of the conditional sentence. Secondly, some common conditional structures that do not occur with all the particles are covered. Examples of these are the use of the fa- as an apodosis introducer with the 'in conditional particle, or the emphatic lm with the law conditional structure and the interrupting conditional sentence. Thirdly, I discuss the functional position of the conditional sentence within given Qur'anic texts. Finally, the thesis concludes with a study of discourse function which contributes to modern linguistics studies on the subject. The thesis represents a broad investigation of the sources on this subject and an examination of selected data, and it is intended for use as reference for further studies not possible within scope of this work.