Journal of Quranic Knowledge

Journal of Quranic Knowledge

Explanatory and Persuasive Components in the Narrative of Prophet Noah: A Qur’anic Study with Emphasis on the Concept of Jihad of Clarification

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Ali Razizadeh 1
Seyed Hamed Alizadeh Mousavi 2
1 Assistant Professor in Department of Media Arts, Religion and Media Faculty, IRIB University, Qom, Iran
2 Assistant Professor, Department for Comparative Studies, Research Center for Qur’anic Sciences and Culture, Islamic Sciences and Culture Academy, Qom, Iran
10.22054/rjqk.2026.93293.3334
Abstract
In contemporary Islamic discourse, the concept of Jihad of Clarification encompasses themes such as enlightenment, the removal of ambiguity, countering distortion, and enhancing public awareness. To assess the relationship between this concept and Qur’anic teachings, it is necessary first to identify the communicative and invitational elements present in relevant Qur’anic verses and subsequently compare them with the contemporary understanding of Jihad of Clarification. This study analyzes the communicative and persuasive components within the narrative of Prophet Noah and examines their relationship to Jihad of Clarification. The central research question is: ‘What approaches are demonstrated in the narrative of Noah regarding invitation, message clarification, confronting opposition, and maintaining communication with the audience, and to what extent can these approaches be compared with the components of Jihad of Clarification?’ Employing a qualitative methodology, the study utilizes textual and thematic-interpretive analysis of verses related to Prophet Noah in the Qur’anic surahs of Nūḥ, Hūd, al-A‘rāf, al-Shu‘arā’, and al-Mu’minūn. In addition to exegetical sources, the research draws upon scholarship concerning Qur’anic concepts, rhetoric, persuasion, and religious communication. The findings indicate that reasoning, directing the audience’s attention to divine signs, clarifying the motivation behind the invitation, engaging in dialogue and responding to objections, diversifying communicative approaches, and maintaining the invitation are among the most significant communicative components of this narrative. Conversely, denial, ridicule, and attempts to discredit the Prophet and his followers represent major obstacles to communication and persuasion. Thus, certain communicative components of the narrative of Noah overlap with elements of the contemporary concept of Jihad of Clarification. However, the two concepts are not identical, and any comparison must consider their historical and conceptual distinctions.
Keywords
Jihad of Clarification, Prophet Noah, Qur&‌rsquo
anic Communication, Persuasive Strategies, Religious Discourse
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