From Vapour to Vision: Qur’anic Imagery and the Symbolism of Clouds

2026-02-10T11:16:17+00:00

This study presents a unique interdisciplinary examination of cloud imagery in the Quran, examining the cloud motif as a crucial “nexus” that is the intersection point between divine discourse, natural phenomena, and human perception. Moving beyond traditional interpretive boundaries, this research constructs a new tripartite framework that integrates the scientific-physical, interpretive-metaphorical, and intellectual-philosophical aspects of cloud imagery. Its central thesis is that the Quranic cloud functions as a dynamic, polysemic sign. The study includes the etymological, linguistic, and cultural meanings of the cloud and elucidates the various aspects of cloud imagery in the Quran, including linguistic, symbolic, and scientific aspects that showing how the cloud appears in the Quran not only as a natural phenomenon but also as a symbol of mercy, power, justice, and renewal of life. The paper selects Quranic verses related to clouds whose interpretation is presented in the context of imagery interpretation. This study draws on the interpretations of Maulana Maududi, Syed Qutb, and Majidi to create an intellectual harmony between traditional interpretive understanding and modern scientific observation. Furthermore, the dynamic and spiritual interpretation of the cloud is presented visually through flowcharts and pictorial explanations, so that the reader can access the depth of the scientific and symbolic message of the Quranic text. The results prove that the Quranic cloud is not a static image but a connecting conceptual operator. It holds the key to understanding the Islamic worldview, where nature, text, and meaning are deeply intertwined.

The Role of Bilateral Cooperation in Regulating Ship-Recycling Industry in the Region South Asia

2026-03-05T14:04:55+00:00

The global ship-recycling industry is highly concentrated in South Asia, where India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan collectively account for more than 80% of dismantled vessels worldwide. Despite its economic importance in providing employment and supplying recycled steel and other materials, the industry is widely criticized for hazardous “beaching” practices that expose workers to severe health risks and generate significant environmental pollution. This paper examines the regulatory challenges associated with ship recycling in South Asia and explores the potential role of bilateral cooperation in improving environmental governance and labor protection in the region. Using a doctrinal and comparative legal methodology, the study analyses key international and regional regulatory frameworks, including the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, the EU Ship Recycling Regulation, and relevant national legislation in India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. The findings reveal substantial gaps between international standards and on-ground practices due to weak enforcement mechanisms, infrastructural limitations, and fragmented regulatory approaches. The paper argues that strengthened bilateral and regional cooperation can play a crucial role in harmonising regulatory standards, improving compliance with international environmental norms, and promoting sustainable ship-recycling practices. By proposing a cooperative governance framework, the study contributes to ongoing debates on maritime environmental regulation and highlights pathways toward a more sustainable and responsible ship-recycling industry in South Asia.

Al-Kashaf

From Vapour to Vision: Qur’anic Imagery and the Symbolism of Clouds

The Role of Bilateral Cooperation in Regulating Ship-Recycling Industry in the Region South Asia