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